About the College

Science, Society and the Climate Story

Science, Society and the Climate Story

On November 13, 2015,  a free University-wide symposium on climate change communication featured distinguished journalists, communicators and scientists delving into the complexities and dynamics of the climate change story.  The event offered guidance to scientists, communicators and other professionals on translating one of the most important issues of our time to the public.

On October 12, 2016, a new symposium will focus on Science, storytelling and the climb toward better understanding of climate change.

A video of last year’s event is available below.

Keynote speakers last year included:

  • Andrew Freedman, Science Editor, Mashable
  • Benjamin Strauss, Vice President for Sea Level and Climate Impacts, Climate Central
  • Andrea Dutton, Geochemist, University of Florida
  • Mac Stone, Conservation Photographer
Andrew Freedman
Andrew Freedman
Dr. Benjamin Strauss
Dr. Benjamin Strauss
Dr. Andrea Dutton
Dr. Andrea Dutton
Mac Stone
Mac Stone
Dr. Jack Payne
Dr. Jack Payne

Other speakers included:

Dr. Lauren Griffin
Dr. Lauren Griffin
Dr. Teresa Myers
Dr. Teresa Myers
Cynthia Barnett
Cynthia Barnett
Ann Christiano
Ann Christiano

The symposium was a collaborative effort between the College of Journalism and Communications and the McCormick Foundation, in partnership with IFAS, the School of Natural Resources and Environment, the UF Water Institute and Florida Climate Institute.

Agenda and Speakers

8 – 8:30Coffee/Snacks
8:30 – 8:45Why a Land-Grant University Must Lead on Climate Change
Dr. Jack Payne, Senior Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida
8:45 – 9:15Climate Change Communications Research: What’s New?
Dr. Lauren Griffin, Environmental Sociology, co-Managing Editor, Frankology
9:15 – 9:45Florida Climate InstituteDeadly Heat Waves, Drought and Floods: Extreme Weather and Public Interest in Climate Change
Sponsor: Florida Climate Institute
Andrew Freedman, Science Editor, Mashable
9:45 – 10:15Establishing Public Trust on Climate Change Science
Dr. Teresa Myers, Assistant Research Professor, Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University
10:15 – 10:30Break
10:30 – 11UF Water InstituteCommunicating Climate through the Lens of Rising Seas
Sponsor: UF Water Institute Distinguished Scholar Seminar Series
Dr. Benjamin Strauss, Vice President for Sea Level and Climate Impacts, Climate Central
11 – Noon Roundtable: Scientists and Communicators on How We Talk With Each Other and our Audiences about Climate Change
Moderator: Cynthia Barnett, Hearst Visiting Professional, UF College of Journalism and Communications
Andrew Freedman, Mashable
Dr. Andrea Dutton, Geochemist, University of Florida
Dr. Benjamin Strauss, Climate Central
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.UF IFASLunch
Sponsor: IFAS
Welcome: Ann Christiano, Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communication, UF College of Journalism and Communications
Keynote: Mac Stone, Conservation Photographer

Sponsors

UF College of Journalism and CommunicationsMcCormick FoundationUF IFASFlorida Climate InstituteUF Water Institute