Creative (Climate) Communications: Productive Pathways for Science, Policy and Society

Rutgers Department of Human Ecology

 Rutgers Climate Institute

Joint Seminar

Virtual and In-person*

Creative (Climate) Communications:

Productive Pathways for Science, Policy, and Society

Friday, November 12, 2021

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Max Boykoff, University of Colorado-Boulder

Abstract: Conversations about climate change at the science-policy interface and in our lives have been stuck. In this presentation, Boykoff will highlight some dimensions of his recent book ‘Creative (Climate) Communications’ that integrates lessons from the social sciences and humanities to more effectively make connections through issues, people, and things that everyday citizens care about. This has worked to enhance our understanding that there is no ‘silver bullet’ to communications about climate change. It argues that a ‘silver buckshot’ approach is needed instead, where strategies effectively reach different audiences in different contexts. Tactics emanating from this approach can then significantly improve efforts that seek meaningful, substantive, and sustained responses to contemporary climate challenges. Boykoff argues that it can also help to effectively re-capture a common or middle ground on climate change in the public arena. The presentation will highlight endeavors that harness creativity to try to better understand what kinds of communications work where, when, why, and under what conditions in the twenty-first-century communication environment.

* This seminar will be held in person on the Rutgers Cook Campus and virtually. A limited number of Rutgers faculty, staff, and students will be eligible to attend in person following Rutgers COVID protocols. All are welcome to attend virtually (including members of the public and those not affiliated with Rutgers).

*Everyone must register to attend whether they will participate in person or virtually. 

REGISTER HERE