Knowledge Building Series: Communicating Climate Change X-/EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency 2009 U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 8 Part 2 of the Climate Change Knowledge Building Series includes tips for communicating climate change to others. Understanding climate change can be a challenge because it is complex and technical, but not intuitive. Because climate change is a global phenomenon, people may not necessarily see changes where they live. The key is to learn how to communicate this complex issue to various stakeholders in ways that are understandable and translate into action. First, you must know your audience. Knowing Your Audience Regardless of your audience, you might start by explaining basic terminol- ogy like climate change, global warming, greenhouse gases and the Green- house Gas Effect, as well as the difference between weather and climate. These terms are often used interchangeably and incorrectly when talking about climate change. Part 1 of this series, "Climate Change 1 01" includes some definitions and there are other good resources listed on the last page. Sample Messages Elementary & Middle School Students: Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. High School, College Students and Adults: Many greenhouse gases come from things we do everyday, like drive cars and use electricity. These things are not wrong, we just have to be smart about it and take actions to offset our emissions of carbon dioxide. Community Leaders: You can show leadership by doing a greenhouse gas inventory, developing a climate change action plan, and considering how your community can adapt to a changing climate. Businesses: Tools and technologies exist to substantially cut greenhouse gases. Making changes to your facility and processes to use less energy may save you money in the long run. A Better Way to Communicate Here are some tips when talking about climate change: Explain to your audience what they can do to mitigate climate change Use diagrams to explain technical concepts Use language that the general public understands and define key terms Use appropriate terminology Address misconceptions and truths Don't get into a debate - try to understand diverse perspectives Separate the science from the politics Convey that we can use methods and technologies that already exist Explain that there is a preponderance of evidence from many different scientific disciplines Misconception: Climate change is a new issue Truth: The greenhouse effect was first de- scribed in theoretical terms by a Swedish researcher in the late 1 800s. In the 1930s, scientists ob- served that parts of the globe had warmed during the previous half- century. Then in the early 1 960s, scientists discovered that the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was rising. Researchers later found a strong relationship between the increasing levels of carbon dioxide and the average global tempera- ture. ------- Words Matter! The terms that scientists use often have a different meaning to the public. That's another reason why thoughtful communication is so important! Scientific Term Enhance Aerosol Positive Trend Positive Feedback Radiation Theory Uncertainty Risk Scheme What is Means to the Public Instead Use Improve, make better A spray can A good thing A good thing Cancer therapy, X-rays Opinion, speculation Might not happen Low probability Plot to deceive or harm Intensify, Increase Small particle Upward trend Self-reinforcing cycle Energy Scientific understanding Range of possibility Threat Scenario or plan Source: Improving How Scientists Communicate About Climate Change, Susan Joy Hassel. Climate Communication Key Concepts to Communicate About Climate Change: Climate change is a symptom of unsustainable development The cost of inaction over the long run will be far greater than the cost of action The longer we wait to act, the costlier it will be and could potentially become irreversible Addressing climate change will have many benefits, including enhanced security and a stronger economy Actions taken today will impact life on Earth for generations to come Climate change is a "threat multiplier" - it may not directly cause environmental problems, but it can make them worse Climate change will require actions from individuals and society as a whole, through mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation: Actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, or remove them from the atmos- phere. These actions will help to reduce future climate change. Adaptation: Reactions to changes that have already oc- curred, and preparations for fu- ture changes that are antici- pated. These actions will support communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Top 5 Warmest Years Worldwide Since The 1890's 1) 2005 2) 1998 3) 2002 4) 2003 5) 2006 Source: NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies Misconception: The primary cause of climate change is the sun's variability. Truth: Solar variations do affect climate, but they are not the only factor and have a lesser affect than greenhouse gases produced by human activities. It is extremely unlikely (<5%) that the global pattern of warming during the past half century can be explained without external forcing (the influence of human-caused greenhouse gases), and very unlikely that it is due to known natural external causes alone, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The warm- ing occurred in both the ocean and the atmosphere, and took place at a time when natural external forcing factors would likely have produced cooling. Misconception: The hottest year on record was 1998, and it has been cooling ever since. Truth: 1 998 was an exceptionally warm year because of a strong El Nino event, and subsequent years were cooler until 2005. 2005 was the warmest year since the late 1 800s, according to NASA scientists. 1 998, 2002, 2003, and 2006 followed as the next four warmest years. Of con- cern is the upward trend in average global temperatures in the last 50 years. Misconception: If we can't accurately predict what the weather will do in the next few days, how can we really predict the climate in the future? Truth: Climate is not weather. Weather is short term and local, while climate is long term and global. A season with cold temperatures or high levels of precipitation does not negate the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and their influence on our baseline climate. This influence is pre- dictable, and includes increasing global average temperatures. Page 2 ------- U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 8 Making a Case for Businesses Industrial and commercial energy use accounts for nearly 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions pri- marily result from electricity use, product transportation, burn- ing fossil fuels to power boilers and produce steam, and using gasoline to power vehicle fleets. Some industrial processes also produce greenhouse gases. Improving energy efficiency not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, it is good for a corporation's bottom line, as many U.S. businesses face rising energy costs. Energy Starฎ offers tools and resources to help organiza- tions improve their energy performance. For example, Port- folio Manager helps companies establish the current energy use of their buildings and determine reasonable energy sav- ings goals. Energy Star also has resources for small busi- nesses. Some forms of energy generation are more polluting than others. EPA's Green Power Partnership is a voluntary pro- gram that supports the purchase of green power by offering expert advice, technical support, tools and resources. Green power is electricity produced from a subset of renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low- impact hydro. Buying green power is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your organization's environ- mental performance. Leading businesses and corporations are evaluated on many aspects of their performance, including product quality, ethics or standing in the community. These leaders can provide a powerful example promoting greenhouse gas reduction strategies through corporate incentives such as financial assis- tance for employees who use public transportation, car- pooling and even telecommuting. Other "green" practices such as recycling and purchasing products made with recycled materials also contribute to emissions reductions. Did You Know? About one-sixth of all the electricity generated in the US is used to air condition bui dings. Did You Know? Current national recycling ef- forts reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49.9 million metric tons of carbon equiva lent, which is equivalent to the annual GHG emissions from 39.6 million passenger cars. Making a Case for Individuals Making a few small changes in your home and yard can lead to big reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and save money. Examples include: Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with Energy Star bulbs; When buying new appliances, electronics or windows, look for Energy Star labeled products; Have your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually and clean air filters regularly; Seal air leaks and add more insulation to your home to save energy; Use electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. You can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own green power; Reducing waste, reusing items and recycling helps con- serve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and dis- posal; Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. Making a Case for Communities State and local governments play an important role in reduc- ing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change impacts. EPA supports states and communities in these activities by providing technical assistance and tools, sharing best practices, and encouraging innovation. An important first step is to develop an inventory to under- stand sources of greenhouse gas emissions. With this informa- tion, a State or local government can develop a climate change action plan and implement policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Examples include: Implementing energy efficiency measures for government buildings, including schools and water utilities; Installing equipment that captures energy from sunlight, wind, water, and other renewable energy sources; Preventing emissions of methane (a powerful greenhouse gas) through the development of landfill gas energy projects; Addressing air quality and transportation programs to reduce fuel use, reduce emissions from fleet vehicles and support development and use of public transit systems. Energy Resources Living Habitats Fresh Air 'Sustainabilityj I Stewardship J Green Building Zero Waste Protecting Water Page 3 ------- Knowledge Building Series: Communicating Climate Change EPA Climate Change Information Region 8 Climate Change Website http: //www.epa.gov/regiori8/ climatechange/ EPA National Climate Change Website http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ Regional Climate Change Coordinator Laura Farris US EPA Region 8 / MC 8P-SA 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202-1 129 farris.laura@epa.gov 303-312-6388 phone 303-312-6341 fax Resources for Teaching about Climate Change: Region 8 Environmental Education http://epa.gov/region8/ee/ Guide for Teachers http://epa.gov/cli/mtechange/wycd/downloads/ WYCD-SCHOOL.PDF Climate Change for Kids http://epa.gov/cli/mtechange/kids/ The Rocky Mountain and Plains Regional Climate Science Education Collaborative http://epa.gov/region8/ee/CliaaateEducation.html USGS Climate Change Lessons http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/teachers-packets/ globalchange/globalhtml/ Climate Change Education http://www.climatechangeeducation.org/ Environmental Health Education http://epa.gov/region8/ee/teachinghenvhealth.html Resources for Taking Action: Energy Star http://wWW.ENERGYSTAR.GOV/ Climate Leaders Program http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/ EPA Green Power Partnership http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/index.htm A Business Guide to EPA Climate Partnership Programs http://www.epa.gov/partners2 / Biz_guide_to_epa_climate_partnerships.pdf Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ IND_CALCULATOR.HTML Actions at Home http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/ ACTIONSTEPS.HTML This publication was developed with assistance from: Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences Page 4 ------- |