© crown copyright met office discussing climate science via social media richard betts

© Crown copyright Met Office

Discussing climate science via social mediaRichard Betts


Where do I discuss climate science online?

• Twitter:

• Blogs: www.bishop-hill.net

climateaudit.org

judithcurry.com

allmodelsarewrong.com

http://www.bishop-hill.net/


Why do I discuss climate science online?

• Stay informed about what’s going on, and tell people what I’m doing



• Pass on other news



• Tell people about my own science & discuss it


Why…?

• Discuss other peoples’ science



• Crowd-source information for IPCC writing



• Try to better inform a controversial debate…

• Be visible as a climate scientist discussing science

• For many people, the only impression they have of discussions between climate scientists is the Climategate emails

• Find out what other people think about the science and its implications, and why

• Includes both sceptics and activists

• Try to address misunderstandings / misrepresentations before they propagate further

• Again, includes both sceptics and activists


Blogging


Who are the contributors to climate sceptic blogs?

• Very wide range of understanding and opinions:

• Some appear to be incurably cynical* of the entire concept of man-made global warming

• Some accept that warming is happening and there is a human contribution, but are unconvinced that it is a significant problem

• Some have little in-depth knowledge of the science

• Some are well-informed, & read (& occasionally find errors in!) scientific papers. Some are scientists themselves

* The label “denier” tends to offend & close off discussion


Asking what people think…


What are the attitudes towards climate scientists on sceptic blogs?

• Undercurrent of mistrust towards climate scientists, eg:

• Perceptions / accusations of malpractice / incompetence, esp. through Climategate / Hockey stick affairs

• Perceived political motivations – climate science seen as closely tied to Green or left-wing politics, or as part of government control & taxation

• Seen as scaremongering in order to gain funding

• Feelings of marginalisation – excluded from discussion

• Welcome discussion with scientists (sceptics often stonewalled)

• Often have genuine questions about the science and like to hear the answers

• Arrogant, impatient attitudes tend to send the discussion of the rails

• A civil attitude generally promotes a response in kind


Can a productive conversation be had?

• Yes!

• Don’t underestimate audience

• Stay calm, polite and respectful even when responding to criticism, and especially when correcting inaccuracies / misconceptions

• Exert your right to insist that others do likewise!

• Be open about scientific uncertainties – don’t worry about things being “misused”. This is science, not law.

• Remember a potentially large audience of “lurkers” (people who read without responding). Often this is the main audience you are reaching, not the people who are replying to you.


Is there room for doubt?

• Scientists are here to find the truth. Our job is to ask questions

• Level of certainty varies widely for different aspects of climate science

• Uncertainty cuts both ways in informing decisions

• Over-simplified messaging in “Climate communication” sometimes seen as brushing uncertainties under the carpet, and can close down scientific discussion

• “Doubt is not to be feared, but welcomed and discussed” – Richard Feynmann


A blog by a scientist where sceptics are invited…

Allmodelsarewrong.com

(Tamsin Edwards, Bristol University)


Not communicating climate change but communicating climate science

• I do not aim to convince people to take action to mitigate climate change

• Plenty of others trying to do that already

• Instead, my aim is to help people understand & trust the science so they can make their own decisions

• Reputation of climate science is tarnished. Need to rebuild trust

• Climate science is an active, evolving science, with big questions still to be answered

• Pretending we have all the answers is seen through and simply maintains the loss of trust

• Sitting round agreeing with each other is boring

© crown copyright met office discussing climate science via social media richard betts

Documents

climate scientists

climate sceptic blogs

scientists sceptics

discussionwelcome discussion

climategate emailsfind

impatient attitudes

crowdsource information

little indepth knowledge