Program on the Environment

Marine ecosystems are of economic and social value for communities around the world, providing food, jobs, and cultural necessities. However, as climate change accelerates, decisionmakers will need to address impacts on ecosystems using science and research as their guide in resource management. This will rely on receiving complex information from scientists, yet current science communication methods can frame information in a way that conflicts with an audience’s worldview, values, and knowledge. This study aimed to assess the needs and opportunities of communicating actionable science to stakeholders, such as fishery management and council members, associated with the Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling (ACLIM) project. To accomplish this, I used literature review to assess research of science communication and conducted interviews with ACLIM scientists and affiliated stakeholders. Interviews with both groups discussed preferred communication methods, information needs, and personal values of ACLIM’s impact. Results suggested collaboration could be expanded in order to further engage the two groups. Furthermore, implementing a variety accessible platforms, such as multimedia and educational outreach, to smaller or rural communities could be further prioritized. Effective climate communication through collaboration and outreach creates space to build actionable conversations between scientists and a diverse audience. Through diversifying methods and prioritizing communal involvement, climate change solutions can be refined and challenged.