ESSAY: Educating the Public About “Climate Change”
Three years ago, following retirement from my academic career, including 30 years of teaching and research on climate dynamics, I began to take my concern for climate change and its implications for the future of the Earth to public groups. My goal is to raise audience interest and attention to the issue of climate change. Most of all, I want them to know that it is an issue that is both real and complex. From my first presentation (for a county-wide United Nations Association meeting), it became apparent that people are hungry for information in a setting and format that is tailored to them. Th us, I was motivated to continue such public presentations and have talked to church groups, high school and university classes, and community service organizations. In addition, I have been interviewed by reporters for radio and TV stations, and have given lectures to scientifi c groups in the United States, China, Korea, and at a WMO training seminar in Argentina. In each of these community presentations, I overview the subject, including its complexity, the uncertainties surrounding it, and the large range of its potential impacts. I avoid equations and specialized terminologies or pursuing my own personal agenda for action. Also, I use visual aids whenever possible, including handouts, transparencies, or PowerPoint, depending on the setting, and allow ample time for questions. I note the extensive discussion and debate about climate change and how this can be confusing for people. I begin each presentation with acknowledgement of the skeptics and even give examples of EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT “CLIMATE CHANGE”