Bridging the Gap: Trust, Transparency, and Digital Tools in Environmental Communication
Effective communication of scientific research is essential for public understanding and policy impact, particularly in environmental science. However, much of this research is written in technical language and not easily accessible to non-experts. This project explores the use of digital communication to build trust and transparency between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries and diverse stakeholder groups. During my internship with NOAA Alaska Fisheries, I worked on translating complex fisheries research into plain language to reach wider audiences and diverse stakeholders. I also conducted an online survey of college students to assess their engagement with various forms of digital communication, which included social media posts, videos, and infographics. Then, I did a literature review on the spread of misinformation and strategies for maintaining scientific accuracy in public messaging. Survey results showed that videos were consistently ranked as the most engaging and clear format, while written articles and infographics followed. Findings indicate that scientific communication is most effective when tailored to a middle school reading level and accompanied by visual storytelling. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as misinformation, oversimplification, and structural inequities persist. The results of this study emphasize the importance of developing inclusive and accessible communication strategies to strengthen public trust in science and support for environmental policy. Digital platforms can help NOAA connect with younger and more diverse audiences while maintaining the integrity of its scientific work.
