Dresden 2026 – scientific programme

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UP: Fachverband Umweltphysik

UP 2: Climate Communication

UP 2.2: Talk

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 09:45–10:00, MER/0002

On the communication of climate research: Who wants to know about it, when and why? — •Mirjam Bourgett — Alfred-Wegener-Institut, Bremerhaven, Germany

Effective climate communication is crucial for translating scientific certainty into climate action, yet it presents unique challenges compared to communicating other scientific fields. This presentation explores the complex communication landscape of climate research.

A focus will be placed on the influence of media and how varying socio-ecological backgrounds shape the reception and perception of climate science. Who seeks climate information, when, and for what purpose? When does the reception of climate science appear to be political? We will also addresses the role of climate emotions and how scientific results trigger emotions. It is important to try to anticipate possible reactions of the public and provide different communication strategies as well as additional information on possible actions and processing strategies.

As an outloook we discuss a set of communication strategies for today's environment, emphasizing: 1) Direct Communication, bypassing traditional news filters; 2) Enrolling the power of climate science by linking it directly to essential planetary and human health outcomes; and 3) Target-Oriented Communication, where the message is adapted to the specific needs of the public. The presentation will conclude with concrete good practice examples to guide researchers in making their work more usable in achieving planetary health.

Keywords: climate science; climate communication