Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2024-8
https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-2024-8
23 Oct 2024
 | 23 Oct 2024
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal GC.

Communicating the most accurate and reliable science on climate change to society: A survey of editors from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

Abstract. This study focuses on the perspectives of scientists involved in the IPCC AR5 and AR6 synthesis reports, examining their views on the communication of climate change knowledge and its dissemination to the public. The objectives include understanding scientists' opinions on the state of climate change knowledge, the effectiveness of current communication strategies, and recommendations for improving public engagement. A survey was conducted among 72 IPCC scientists, assessing their perceptions on various aspects of climate communication, including the use of media, educational integration, and challenges like misinformation. Results show that scientists generally rate the scientific community as well-informed, policymakers as moderately informed, and the public as only acceptably informed about climate change. Many respondents suggested improvements in the clarity and accessibility of IPCC reports, emphasizing the role of media, social networks, and education in better informing the public. The study concludes that trust in information sources is vital for effective climate communication and that a more tailored, empathetic, and solutions-based approach is necessary to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

Status: open (until 18 Dec 2024)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on gc-2024-8', Anonymous Referee #1, 07 Nov 2024 reply
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Tomas Molina, 10 Nov 2024 reply
      • RC2: 'Reply on AC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 19 Nov 2024 reply
        • AC4: 'Reply on RC2', Tomas Molina, 21 Nov 2024 reply
        • AC5: 'Reply on RC2', Tomas Molina, 21 Nov 2024 reply
  • AC2: 'Comment on gc-2024-8', Tomas Molina, 11 Nov 2024 reply
  • AC3: 'Comment on gc-2024-8', Tomas Molina, 11 Nov 2024 reply
  • RC3: 'Comment on gc-2024-8', Stephany Mazon, 21 Nov 2024 reply
  • AC6: 'Comment on gc-2024-8', Tomas Molina, 27 Nov 2024 reply
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

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Short summary
Our survey of 12 lead scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), revealed that while the scientific community is well-informed, policymakers and the public are less so. Respondents called for clearer, more accessible IPCC reports and emphasized the role of media, social networks, and education in climate knowledge. The study highlights the need for a more tailored, empathetic, and solutions-based communication approach.
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