It addresses the critical issue of false equivalence and false balance, emphasising the importance of evaluating scientific consensus while also considering alternative perspectives.

Through a combination of theoretical understanding, practical exercises, and case studies, participants will learn to navigate the complexities of climate reporting while maintaining journalistic integrity and avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation.

The lesson is based on four articles on Media Helping Media which we recommend journalism trainers read before adapting this lesson plan to meet local needs. The articles are:

• Covering climate change
• Human contribution to climate change
• Climate change – tone and language
• Climate change – a glossary

Session 1: The science of climate change (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Introduce the main scientific concepts of climate change.
  • Set out the scientific consensus on anthropogenic global warming along with alternative explanations.
  • Familiarise participants with key climate data and sources.
• Content:
  • Introduction to the greenhouse effect and its scientifically proven amplification by human activities.
  • Analysis of key scientific studies and reports (IPCC, NASA, NOAA).
  • Examination of global temperature trends, atmospheric CO2 levels, and sea-level rise data.
  • Discussion on the role of climate models and their reliability.
• Activities:
  • Reviewing and discussing scientific papers and data visualisations.
  • Group discussion on the importance of scientific literacy in journalism.
  • Providing links to the resources (above).
• Materials:
  • Scientific reports and data visualisations.
  • Links to relevant websites (NASA, NOAA, IPCC).

Session 2: Dangers of false equivalence and false balance (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Define and illustrate false equivalence and false balance.
  • Analyse case studies of misleading climate change reporting.
  • Consider the alternative explanations.
  • Develop strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of trying too hard to achieve ‘balance’.

• Content:
  • Theoretical framework of false equivalence and false balance.
  • Analysis of media examples that demonstrate these issues.
  • Discussion on the ethical implications of misrepresenting scientific consensus.
  • Discussion of the correct proportion of dissenting voices.
• Activities:
  • Case study analysis of news articles and broadcasts.
  • Group exercises on identifying and correcting false balance.
  • Role-playing scenarios of interview situations.
• Materials:
  • Examples of media coverage with false equivalence.
  • Guidelines on ethical reporting.

Session 3: Climate change terminology and language (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Familiarise participants with essential climate change terminology.
  • Discuss the importance of using accurate and nuanced language.
  • Practice translating complex scientific terms into accessible language.
• Content:
  • Review of the provided climate change glossary.
  • Discussion on the impact of language on public perception.
  • Strategies for avoiding alarmism and complacency.
  • Review of the importance of avoiding adverbs and adjectives.
• Activities:
  • Glossary quizzes and exercises.
  • Writing exercises on simplifying complex terms.
  • Group discussions on the emotional impact of language.
• Materials:
  • Climate change glossary.
  • Examples of effective climate change communication.

Session 4: Data journalism and multimedia storytelling (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Introduce data journalism techniques for climate reporting.
  • Explore multimedia storytelling formats (videos, infographics, etc.).
  • Practice creating data-driven and visually engaging content.
• Content:
  • Introduction to data sources and analysis tools.
  • Techniques for visualising climate data.
  • Best practices for creating multimedia climate stories.
  • Instruction on how to effectively use provided resources.
• Activities:
  • Data analysis exercises using climate datasets.
  • Creation of sample infographics and video storyboards.
  • Presentations of multimedia project ideas.
• Materials:
  • Climate datasets and analysis tools.
  • Examples of effective multimedia climate stories.

Session 5: Ethical journalism and fact-checking (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Reinforce ethical journalism principles in climate reporting.
  • Develop fact-checking skills for identifying misinformation and disinformation.
  • Discuss strategies for dealing with unconscious and intended bias.
• Content:
  • Review of ethical guidelines and best practices.
  • Techniques for fact-checking climate claims.
  • Discussion on recognising and mitigating unconscious bias.
  • Discussion on how to deal with disinformation.
• Activities:
  • Fact-checking exercises using real-world examples.
  • Group discussions on ethical dilemmas in climate reporting.
  • Developing strategies for identifying and countering disinformation.
• Materials:
  • Fact-checking resources and tools.
  • Case studies of ethical breaches in climate reporting.

Session 6: Reporting on climate solutions and impacts (2 hours)

• Objectives:
  • Explore strategies for reporting on climate solutions and resilience.
  • Discuss the importance of humanizing climate change stories.
  • Develop skills for interviewing climate experts and affected communities.
• Content:
  • Strategies for highlighting climate solutions and innovations.
  • Techniques for telling impactful human stories.
  • Guidelines for conducting ethical and respectful interviews.
  • Review of the skills needed by climate journalists.
• Activities:
  • Interview practice with simulated climate experts and community members.
  • Group discussions on framing climate change as a collective challenge.
  • Developing project proposals for climate change stories.
• Materials:
  • Interview guidelines and sample questions.
  • Examples of effective climate solution stories.
  • The guides provided in the text.

Summary

The lesson plan covers essential aspects of climate change reporting, including understanding scientific consensus, interpreting climate data, using appropriate language, and avoiding false balance. It also emphasises the importance of ethical journalism, fact-checking, and recognising bias. Participants will learn to communicate complex information effectively, highlight solutions, and frame climate change as a collective challenge. The plan includes practical exercises, such as analysing news articles, conducting interviews, and creating multimedia content, to reinforce learning and develop practical skills.

Related articles

Human contribution to climate change

Covering climate change

Climate change – tone and language

Climate change glossary

The post Lesson: Climate Change first appeared on Media Helping Media.

The fact that climate change is driven by human activities is a matter of established scientific reality. However there will be those who disagree with this and who demand equal air time in order to get what they feel is fair exposure to their views.

Such contrary views need to be considered alongside decades of rigorous research, encompassing diverse scientific disciplines, that have reached one compelling conclusion: the Earth’s climate is warming at an unprecedented rate, and this warming is primarily attributable to human activity in the form of greenhouse gas emissions.

Journalists need to be aware of these scientific facts and ensure that they don’t try to ‘balance’ coverage by treating differing views in the global warming debate as having equal credibility and value.

This is about avoiding false equivalence or false balance. False equivalence is when journalists sometimes present an inaccurate or false version of events by trying too hard to ‘balance’ a story or incorrectly treating elements of a story as being roughly equal – or opinions as being of equal value.

To help journalists understand the importance of providing factual climate change and global warming coverage Media Helping Media has gathered some of the overwhelming scientific evidence, supported by data and research that points the finger at human activity as a major cause of climate change.

This evidence makes clear that those who contest the causes of climate change without credible evidence should not be given equal weight in serious scientific, policy, or media discussions.

If journalists and programme producers fall into the trap of providing false equivalence and false balance when covering stories related to climate change they will be denying the public the facts they need to make informed choices.

The evidence:

• The scientific consensus on climate change is overwhelming, with nearly 100% of climate scientists agreeing that human activities (anthropogenic) are causing global warming. You can read more about this consensus in studies such as:
  • Quantifying the consensus on anthropogenic global warming in the scientific literature (pdf)
  • Greater than 99% consensus on human caused climate change in the peer-reviewed scientific literature (pdf).
• The evidence for rapid climate change is compelling and well-established:
  • Global temperatures have risen by about 1.2°C since the late 19th century, with the past decade being the warmest on record. You can find global temperature data and analysis from:
    • NASA’s Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet
    • NOAA’s Global Climate Report
  • Atmospheric CO2 levels are at their highest in at least two million years, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. For CO2 data, see:
    • NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory
  • The ocean has absorbed much of the increased heat, warming significantly since 1969. Learn more about ocean warming:
    • IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
  • Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are shrinking, and sea levels are rising at the fastest rate in at least 3,000 years. Information on ice loss and sea level rise:
    • NASA’s Sea Level Change
    • National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)
  • Extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Information on extreme weather:
    • IPCC Sixth Assessment Report

The anthropogenic greenhouse effect is the primary driver of these changes. Human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, have amplified the natural greenhouse effect, leading to accelerated warming. The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations has caused the atmosphere to retain about 1% more energy compared to pre-industrial times.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that it is “extremely likely” (95%+ probability) that human influence has been the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century. The scientific evidence is based on extensive research, including analysis of ice cores, tree rings, ocean sediments, and changes in the Earth’s orbit. IPCC Reports

While natural climate variability exists, it does not explain the rapid warming observed since the 1950s. The current rate of warming is unprecedented in at least the last 2,000 years, and possibly longer.

In conclusion, the science of climate change is well-established, and there is an overwhelming consensus that anthropogenic effects are the primary contributors to global warming. The evidence spans multiple scientific disciplines and is supported by observations, measurements, and climate models.

Journalists need to be familiar with these models and with the evidence they produce before covering climate change stories.

Focusing on facts:

Given the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, those who contest it should generally not be given as much air-time in debates/discussions in the media or column inches in newspapers.

However, journalists need to be careful to ensure they maintain fairness while also ensuring accuracy. Dissenting voices should be heard, the issue is in what proportion.

• The scientific consensus on climate change is exceptionally strong, with studies showing that between 91% and 100% of climate scientists agree that human activities are causing climate change.
• Among climate scientists with high levels of expertise (20+ papers published), the agreement reaches 100%. This level of consensus is rare in science and indicates a robust body of evidence.
• The consensus has been growing stronger over time, with recent studies showing it approaching 100%. This trend reflects the accumulating evidence and improved understanding of climate systems.
• Multiple independent studies, using different methodologies and sampling methods, have consistently found a high level of consensus. This consistency across various approaches strengthens the reliability of the consensus.
• Major scientific organisations worldwide have issued public statements endorsing the position that human-caused climate change is real. This institutional support further validates the consensus. See NASA’s Scientific consensus: Earth’s climate is warming.
• The evidence for human-caused climate change is based on more than a century of scientific research, forming the structural backbone of our current understanding.
• Recent research shows that communicating the scientific consensus effectively increases public belief in climate change, worry about its impacts, and support for action.
• While healthy skepticism is a part of the scientific process, those who contest the established consensus on climate change often do so without providing credible scientific evidence to support their claims. Their arguments typically do not withstand rigorous peer review or scrutiny from the broader scientific community.
• It’s important to note that the public often underestimates the level of scientific consensus on climate change. This misperception can be exploited by those contesting the consensus to create doubt where little actually exists within the scientific community.

Conclusion:

The scientific community’s near-unanimous agreement on anthropogenic climate change is not a matter of opinion but a reflection of decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research.

This consensus is supported by a vast body of evidence, including temperature records, atmospheric data, ice core analyses, and climate modelling.

Therefore, in discussions regarding climate change and its implications, it is important to prioritise the perspectives of those who adhere to the established scientific consensus.

Those who deny this consensus without providing credible, peer-reviewed evidence should not be given equal weight in serious scientific or policy deliberations.

To do otherwise undermines the integrity of scientific discourse and hinders the development of effective solutions to address this critical global challenge.

Journalistic integrity

The core issue isn’t simply “balancing” viewpoints; it’s about upholding journalistic integrity in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus. False balance undermines the public’s ability to make informed decisions by creating a perception of equal validity between established science and fringe opinions.

The following are some suggestions as to how journalists should handle differing views on the causes of climate change.

The evidence

• Decades of research:
  • Emphasise that the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change isn’t a fleeting opinion but a conclusion drawn from decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research across multiple disciplines.
  • Highlight the sheer volume of data: ice core analysis, satellite measurements, ocean temperature records, atmospheric composition studies, and complex climate modelling.
  • Explain that this consensus isn’t merely a majority vote; it’s a convergence of evidence from independent studies, reinforcing each other.
• Scientific consensus:
  • Clarify that scientific consensus isn’t about eliminating all dissent but about establishing a robust body of evidence that supports a particular conclusion.
  • Differentiate between healthy scientific skepticism, which drives progress, and denialism, which ignores or distorts evidence.
  • Explain that the remaining small percentage of scientists that may not agree with the consensus, often do not have the same level of expertise in climate science as the much larger percentage of scientists who do agree.
• Dangers of misrepresentation:
  • Explain how false balance creates a “manufactured controversy,” misleading the public into believing that the science is unsettled when it’s not.
  • Point out that this misrepresentation can have serious consequences, delaying or hindering action to address climate change.
  • The media has a duty to not only report the news, but to report what the facts are.

Addressing the “demand for equal air time”

• The burden of proof:
  • Stress that those who challenge the established consensus have a responsibility to provide credible, peer-reviewed evidence to support their claims.
  • Explain that unsubstantiated opinions or cherry-picked data do not hold the same weight as comprehensive scientific studies.
• The importance of context:
  • When reporting on dissenting views, journalists must provide context, explaining the level of scientific consensus and the credibility of the sources.
  • Clearly distinguish between established science and fringe opinions, avoiding language that suggests equal validity.
  • Explain that often, those that are denying the reality of climate change, have a vested interest in doing so, such as those that work for the fossil fuel industry.
• The role of expert voices:
  • Prioritise the voices of climate scientists and experts who have dedicated their careers to studying the issue.
  • Ensure that dissenting voices are not given undue prominence, especially when they lack relevant expertise.

Journalistic responsibility

• Objectivity and accuracy:
  • Emphasise that journalistic objectivity doesn’t mean giving equal weight to all viewpoints, regardless of their validity.
  • Journalists have a responsibility to report the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or politically charged.
• Public understanding:
  • Highlight the importance of accurate reporting in shaping public understanding of climate change and informing policy decisions.
  • Explain how false balance can lead to public confusion and inaction, hindering efforts to address this critical issue.
• Credible sources:
  • Journalists must always source information from well -stablished scientific sources, and not from social media posts and unverified websites.

In summary:

The media’s role in reporting climate change is not to simply present opposing views, but to accurately reflect the scientific consensus. By prioritising accuracy and context, journalists can help the public understand the urgency of the climate crisis and make informed decisions.

1. Question: What is “false equivalence” or “false balance” in the context of climate change reporting, and why is it problematic?
   • Answer: False equivalence or false balance occurs when journalists present differing views on climate change as having equal credibility and value, despite the overwhelming scientific consensus. This is problematic because it misleads the public, creating the impression of a balanced debate where, in reality, there is a strong scientific agreement.
2. Question: What is the level of scientific consensus regarding human-caused climate change, and how is this consensus supported?
   • Answer: The scientific consensus is nearly 100%, with studies showing that the vast majority of climate scientists agree that human activities are the primary drivers of global warming. This consensus is supported by decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research, including analysis of ice cores, tree rings, ocean sediments, and climate modelling.
3. Question: What are some key pieces of evidence that support the claim that climate change is primarily caused by human activity?
   • Answer: Key pieces of evidence include:
     • Global temperature increases since the late 19th century.
     • Record-high atmospheric CO2 levels due to fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
     • Significant ocean warming.
     • Shrinking ice sheets and rising sea levels.
     • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
4. Question: Why should journalists prioritise the perspectives of those who adhere to the established scientific consensus on climate change?
   • Answer: Prioritising these perspectives ensures that reporting reflects the factual reality of climate change, allowing the public to make informed decisions based on accurate information rather than misleading “balanced” viewpoints.
5. Question: What is the responsibility of those who contest the established scientific consensus on climate change?
   • Answer: Those who challenge the consensus have a responsibility to provide credible, peer-reviewed evidence to support their claims. Unsubstantiated opinions or cherry-picked data should not be given equal weight to comprehensive scientific studies.
6. Question: How has the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) addressed the issue of human influence on global warming?
   • Answer: The IPCC has stated that it is “extremely likely” (95%+ probability) that human influence has been the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century, based on extensive research and analysis.
7. Question: What are some methods journalists can use to accurately report on climate change while addressing dissenting views?
   • Answer: Journalists should:
     • Provide context about the level of scientific consensus.
     • Clearly distinguish between established science and fringe opinions.
     • Prioritize the voices of climate scientists and experts.
     • Emphasise the burden of proof on those challenging the consensus.
     • Source information from credible scientific sources.
8. Question: Why is it important for journalists to understand the difference between healthy scientific skepticism and denialism?
   • Answer: Healthy skepticism drives scientific progress by questioning and testing hypotheses. Denialism, on the other hand, ignores or distorts evidence to maintain a predetermined belief, which can mislead the public and hinder appropriate action on climate change.
9. Question: According to the text, what are the dangers of the media misrepresenting the scientific consensus on climate change?
   • Answer: Misrepresenting the consensus can lead to a “manufactured controversy,” misleading the public into believing the science is unsettled, which can delay or hinder action to address climate change.
10. Question: What is the core issue that journalists must remember when reporting on climate change, beyond simply balancing viewpoints?
    • Answer: The core issue is upholding journalistic integrity in the face of overwhelming scientific consensus. Journalists have a responsibility to report the truth accurately, which means reflecting the established science and not creating a false perception of equal validity between established science and fringe opinions.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Climate Change which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

Related articles

Covering climate change

Climate change – tone and language

Climate change glossary

Lesson: Climate Change

The post Human contribution to climate change first appeared on Media Helping Media.

In an era defined by the escalating climate crisis, the role of a well-informed, accurate, and articulate climate change correspondent has never been more critical.

These journalists are tasked with informing the public about complex scientific data, policy changes, and the profound impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems worldwide. The following are some of the qualities needed to do the job.

Expertise

An environmental or science correspondent covering climate change will have to have a broad understanding of climate science or policy in order to interpret complex data and policy discussions.

Beyond formal education, proven experience as a journalist is essential, with a track record of reporting on complex issues. A demonstrated understanding of climate science, policy, and related fields is a must.

Experience in data journalism and multimedia storytelling can be a significant advantage, allowing for more engaging and impactful reporting.

Communication

Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills are essential. A climate change correspondent must be able to translate complex scientific and policy information into accessible language for a broad audience.

Strong research and analytical skills are crucial for investigating and reporting on the multifaceted aspects of climate change.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is also important, as these journalists often work with scientists, policymakers, and community leaders.

Guides

Some climate correspondents will be working as freelancers – meaning that they are not attached to any particular news organisation.

The European Journalism Centre (EJC) has published ‘A freelancer’s guide to reporting on climate change‘ which offers advice for freelancers reporting on climate change, highlighting the importance of their role in reaching a broader audience and influencing individuals and policymakers. Here’s a summary of the main points:

• Focus: Break down the broad topic by concentrating on specific areas such as activist groups, government actions, solutions, or climate adaptation.
• Precision: Be accurate when linking real-world events to climate change, and incorporate personal stories to engage audiences.
• Human impact: Explore the experiences of those affected by climate change, particularly vulnerable communities and Indigenous peoples, and consider including non-human perspectives.
• Relatability: Connect environmental issues to everyday events to make stories more relevant to the audience, and explore the intersections of climate change with other areas like food security, health, and income inequality.
• Critical approach: Challenge existing perceptions, question narratives, and highlight inconsistencies in climate coverage.
• Scientific understanding: Grasp the scientific basis of climate change, use data effectively, and employ clear language to explain technical details.
• Safety: Assess and prioritise safety risks when covering sensitive topics.
• Diversity: Include a wide range of interviewees, incorporate traditional and Indigenous knowledge, and avoid jargon to enhance accessibility and impact.

The final point about avoiding jargon is particularly important when explaining complex issues, as is understanding the frequently used words and terms that relate to climate change.

The organisation Covering Climate Now has produced a helpful guide for journalists covering climate change which is introduced with the words:

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our time impacting nearly every aspect of our lives, making it a story for every journalist in the newsroom. Audiences want to better understand climate change, its potential solutions, and what they can do about it. This guide is designed to help do just that. It covers the basics of climate change and provides sample language to help you include climate in your stories.”

Another organisation offering guidance to climate change journalists is World Weather Attribution which has produced an 18-page guide for journalists covering climate change. You can download it in pdf format here. The document is introduced with the words:

“Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, storms and droughts, are becoming more frequent and stronger in many parts of the world as a result of human-caused climate change. However, not all events are becoming more likely, and changes are uneven across the world.

“These events often have widespread impacts on society, including the loss of crops and farmland, destruction of property, severe economic disruption and loss of life. Following an extreme event with severe impacts, a great deal of public interest is generated in its causes. Increasingly, the dominant question is: “Was this event caused by climate change?” This guide is intended to help journalists navigate this question.”

Internews has produced a two-page pdf called ‘Covering Climate Change: A Journalist’s Guide to Science, Stories, and Solutions’ which it introduces as follows:

“Climate change poses significant threats to the health of the planet, ecosystems, and humans. Journalists can raise public awareness about the health impacts by reporting accurately and giving their audience relevant and accessible information. They can help communities prepare for and prevent potential health crises and influence policy makers to take action against climate change.”

Ethical journalism

Covering climate change demands a deep commitment to informing, educating, and explaining complex climate issues to a wide audience. A strong ethical compass and a dedication to journalistic integrity are essential. This includes a commitment to:

• Fact-checking: Ensuring the veracity of all reporting by applying robust fact-checking techniques as outlined in Fact-checking and adding context.
• Accuracy: Adhering to the highest standards of journalistic ethics and accuracy, as detailed in Integrity and journalism and Accuracy in journalism.
• Avoiding false balance and false equivalence: Ensuring that reporting reflects the scientific consensus on climate change, as explained in False equivalence and false balance.
• Recognising bias: Understanding and addressing the influence of unconscious bias in reporting and analysis, referencing Unconscious bias and its impact on journalism.
• Maintaining impartiality: Striving for impartiality in journalism, as explained in Impartiality in journalism.
• Dealing with disinformation and misinformation: Being equipped to handle the challenges of disinformation and misinformation, as outlined in Dealing with disinformation and misinformation.
• Using appropriate language: Presenting climate information in a manner that is understandable and relatable to a broad audience, utilizing appropriate climate change tone and language.
• Employing correct terminology: Utilizing the Climate Change Glossary from Media Helping Media to ensure accurate and consistent use of climate-related terms.

Commitment

Ultimately, the most effective correspondents are driven by a passion for addressing the climate crisis and promoting informed public discourse. They possess a deep commitment to informing, educating, and empowering the public to make informed decisions and take action. Their work is characterised by integrity, accuracy, and a dedication to amplifying marginalised voices and holding policymakers accountable.

The climate journalist

Our planet is facing serious challenges due to climate change, and the role of climate journalists has become incredibly important. They’re more than just reporters; they’re essential guides, helping us navigate a complex and often confusing situation.

Key skills:

• Deep understanding:
  • It’s not enough to simply report on scientific findings. Journalists need to understand the underlying science, the uncertainties, and how different aspects of the Earth system interact.
  • They must also be able to connect climate change to other important issues, such as economics, politics, and social justice. This requires a broad understanding of various fields.
  • They should be skilled in analysing data and presenting it in a clear and engaging way, using visuals and storytelling techniques.
• Effective communication:
  • Translating complex scientific information into understandable language is crucial. This involves simplifying without losing accuracy.
  • They must tell stories that highlight the human impact of climate change, while respecting the dignity and agency of those affected. It is important to avoid stereotypical stories.
  • They should encourage critical thinking and open discussions about climate change, challenging misinformation and promoting informed debate.
• Clarifying complex information:
  • In a world filled with fake news and misleading information, journalists must be vigilant in fact-checking and debunking false claims.
  • They must adhere to high ethical standards, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in their reporting.
  • They must also be aware of the variety of cultural impacts, and report with sensitivity.
• Commitment:
  • While maintaining journalistic integrity, they should be driven by a genuine concern for the planet and a desire to inform the public.
  • Their goal is to empower people to make informed decisions and take action, not to promote a specific political agenda.
  • They must understand the difference between advocating for informed public discourse, and personal advocacy.

In essence, climate journalists are:

• Highly knowledgeable and capable of critical analysis.
• Skilled communicators who can make complex information accessible.
• Ethical and responsible in their reporting.
• Dedicated to informing and empowering the public.

They act as a crucial bridge between scientific knowledge and public understanding, helping us all work together to address the challenges of climate change.

Questions and answers

Try our 10 questions about the role of a climate change journalist.

1. Why is the role of a climate change correspondent increasingly important today?

Answer:
Because the escalating climate crisis impacts communities, ecosystems, and nearly every aspect of our lives, making it crucial for journalists to inform the public with accurate, clear, and impactful reporting.

2. What knowledge and expertise should a climate change journalist have?

Answer:
They should have a broad understanding of climate science and policy, experience in journalism, and ideally skills in data journalism and multimedia storytelling to interpret and present complex information effectively.

3. Why are strong communication skills essential for climate journalists?

Answer:
Because they must translate complex scientific and policy information into clear, relatable stories that are accessible to a broad audience while maintaining accuracy.

4. What is one resource available for freelance climate journalists, and what does it offer?

Answer:
The European Journalism Centre’s guide, “A Freelancer’s Guide to Reporting on Climate Change,” offers tips on focusing coverage, connecting stories to human impacts, ensuring accuracy, and considering safety and diversity in storytelling.

5. What ethical principles should guide climate change journalism?

Answer:
Ethical climate journalists must fact-check rigorously, ensure accuracy, avoid false balance, recognise and deal with bias, maintain impartiality, combat misinformation, use appropriate language, and employ correct terminology.

6. How can climate journalists make complex scientific information relatable to audiences?

Answer:
By simplifying scientific concepts without sacrificing accuracy, connecting climate issues to everyday life, exploring human impacts, and using personal stories and multimedia to engage audiences.

7. What is ‘false balance’ in climate reporting, and why should it be avoided?

Answer:
False balance is giving equal weight to fringe opinions that contradict scientific consensus, which misleads audiences about the reality of climate change. Journalists must reflect scientific facts, not promote misinformation.

8. What role does data journalism play in covering climate change?

Answer:
Data journalism helps analyse, visualise, and present complex climate data in engaging ways, making abstract concepts like global temperature rise or carbon emissions understandable and impactful for audiences.

9. How should climate journalists handle misinformation and disinformation?

Answer:
They should be vigilant in fact-checking, debunk false claims, rely on credible sources, and educate their audience to distinguish facts from misleading information.

10. What drives the best climate change journalists in their work?

Answer:
A deep commitment to informing the public, promoting informed debate, amplifying marginalised voices, holding policymakers accountable, and helping society understand and act on the climate crisis while maintaining integrity and impartiality.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Climate Change which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

Related articles

Human contribution to climate change

Climate change – tone and language

Climate change glossary

Lesson: Climate Change

The post Covering climate change first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Climate change is a complex and urgent story, demanding careful consideration of tone and language from the journalists covering the issue.

Journalists bear a responsibility for conveying the science, the impacts, and the potential solutions of climate change accurately without resorting to alarmism or complacency.

Here’s a guide to navigating this crucial balance:

Prioritise accuracy and nuance:

• Avoid hyperbole and sensationalism: While the stakes are high, exaggerated language can undermine credibility and foster distrust. Stick to verifiable facts and data.
• Acknowledge uncertainty: Science is a process of refinement. When dealing with climate projections, clearly differentiate between established consensus and areas of ongoing research. Use phrases such as “scientists project” or “models suggest” to convey appropriate levels of certainty.
• Define technical terms: Climate science is rife with jargon. Explain terms such as  “carbon neutrality,” “RCP scenarios,” and “climate feedback loops” in clear, accessible language. See our Climate change glossary. See our Climate change glossary.
• Represent diverse perspectives: While scientific consensus on the reality and severity of climate change is overwhelming, acknowledge the existence of differing viewpoints within the scientific community and among policymakers. However, avoid false balance by giving undue weight to fringe theories. See our article on ‘False balance and false equivalence’.

Strike a balance between urgency and hope:

• Convey the gravity of the situation: Don’t shy away from reporting on the real and devastating impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to sea-level rise.
• Highlight solutions and those working for change: Focus on stories of innovation, resilience, and action. Showcase individuals, communities, and organisations working to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
• Frame the story as a collective challenge: Emphasise the shared responsibility of addressing climate change, fostering a sense of community and encouraging collaborative action.
• Avoid apocalyptic language: While the risks are significant, framing the climate crisis as an inevitable apocalypse can lead to apathy and disengagement. Instead, focus on the potential for change and the importance of immediate action.

Choose language carefully:

• Move beyond “climate change”: Consider using more specific terms such as “climate crisis,” “climate emergency,” or “global heating” when appropriate, to reflect the urgency of the situation.
• Humanise the story: Focus on the human impacts of climate change, telling the stories of individuals and communities affected by extreme weather events, displacement, and resource scarcity.
• Avoid language that normalises inaction: Phrases such as “business as usual” or “inevitable consequences” can create a sense of fatalism. Instead, emphasise the agency of individuals and institutions to effect change.
• Be mindful of the emotional impact of language: Words such as “catastrophe” or “disaster” can be triggering for some audiences. Consider using more nuanced language that conveys the severity of the situation without causing undue alarm.
• Use respectful language: avoid terms that could be seen as demeaning or othering to those affected by climate change, especially those from vulnerable communities.

Consider your audience:

• Tailor your language and tone to your audience: A scientific journal will require a different approach than a general-interest news outlet.
• Be mindful of cultural and regional differences: Climate change impacts and responses vary across different regions and cultures.
• Avoid alienating your audience: Use language that is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of readers.

In conclusion, reporting on climate change demands a delicate balance. By prioritising accuracy, nuance, and responsible language, and avoiding adverbs and adjectives, journalists can play a crucial role in informing the public, fostering understanding, and inspiring action.

1. Prioritising accuracy and nuance: 
   • Data integrity and source verification:
     • Beyond simply “verifiable facts,” journalists must scrutinise data sources. Consider the provenance of data, the methodologies used, and potential biases.
     • Utilise peer-reviewed scientific studies as primary sources. Understand the difference between a pre-print publication and a peer reviewed one.
     • Employ data visualisation tools responsibly, ensuring they accurately represent the underlying data and avoid misleading interpretations.
     • Be transparent about the limitations of data and models.
   • Acknowledging uncertainty: 
     • Explain the range of uncertainty in climate projections, acknowledging that models are tools, not crystal balls.
     • Discuss the factors that contribute to uncertainty, such as feedback loops, future emissions scenarios, and natural variability.
     • Distinguish between short-term climate variability and long-term climate trends.
     • Explain the difference between weather and climate.
   • Defining technical terms:
     • Create comprehensive glossaries and explainer articles to demystify complex climate concepts. See our ‘Glossary of climate change words and terms‘.
     • Use analogies and real-world examples to make technical terms more accessible.
     • Consider interactive graphics and videos to illustrate climate processes.
     • Explain the meaning of terms such as the IPCC, COP and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
   • Representing diverse perspectives: 
     • While avoiding false balance, explore the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate change.
     • Include perspectives from marginalised communities, indigenous groups, and developing nations, who are often disproportionately affected by climate change.
     • Investigate the role of vested interests and disinformation campaigns in shaping public opinion.
     • When reporting on those who deny the reality of climate change, report on who funds their research, and the history of their research, and how it has been debunked.

2. Striking a balance between urgency and hope: 
   • Conveying the gravity of the situation: 
     • Report on the human cost of climate change with empathy and sensitivity, avoiding sensationalism.
     • Document the lived experiences of those affected by extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and other climate impacts.
     • Investigate the systemic inequalities that exacerbate climate vulnerability.
     • Report on the economics of climate change, and the cost of inaction.
   • Highlighting solutions and agency: 
     • Showcase innovative solutions in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation.
     • Profile individuals and communities leading the way in climate action.
     • Investigate the role of policy and governance in driving climate solutions.
     • Explain the different types of carbon offsetting, and their efficacy.
   • Framing the story as a collective challenge:
     • Emphasise the interconnectedness of climate change and other global issues, such as poverty, inequality, and public health.
     • Promote a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.
     • Highlight the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism.
   • Avoiding apocalyptic language: 
     • Focus on the potential for transformative change, emphasizing the agency of individuals and institutions.
     • Explore the concept of climate resilience and adaptation, highlighting strategies for building more sustainable and equitable societies.
     • Report on the progress being made in climate negotiations, and the potential for future agreements.

3. Choosing language carefully: 
   • Moving beyond “climate change”:
     • Use specific terms such as “global heating,” “climate crisis,” or “climate breakdown” when appropriate, to convey the urgency of the situation. See our ‘Glossary of climate change words and terms‘.
     • Contextualise climate change within broader environmental and social issues.
   • Humanising the Story: 
     • Tell the stories of individuals and communities affected by climate change, focusing on their resilience and those working for change.
     • Use personal narratives to illustrate the human impacts of climate change.
     • Report on the mental health impacts of climate change.
   • Avoid language that normalises inaction: 
     • Challenge the assumption that climate change is an inevitable consequence of progress.
     • Expose the vested interests that perpetuate inaction.
     • Promote a sense of urgency and accountability.
   • Being mindful of the emotional impact: 
     • Use language that is both accurate and sensitive, avoiding triggering or alienating language.
     • Provide resources and support for audiences who may be experiencing climate anxiety or grief.
   • Using respectful language:
     • Avoid language that blames victims of climate change.
     • Be aware of the historical context of climate change, and the role of colonialism and industrialisation.
4. Considering your audience: 
   • Tailoring language and tone: 
     • Adapt your language and tone to the specific audience you are addressing.
     • Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms.
     • Consider the cultural and linguistic background of your audience.
   • Being mindful of cultural and regional differences: 
     • Recognise that climate change impacts and responses vary across different regions and cultures.
     • Include diverse voices and perspectives in your reporting.
     • Avoid imposing Western perspectives on other cultures.
   • Avoiding alienating your audience: 
     • • Use inclusive language that avoids polarising or alienating audiences.
       • Focus on shared values and common ground.
       • Promote dialogue and collaboration.

By embracing these principles, journalists can play a crucial role in informing the public, fostering understanding, and inspiring action on climate change.

Questions and answers

1. 1. Question: Why is it important for journalists to avoid hyperbole and sensationalism when reporting on climate change?
      • Answer: Exaggerated language can undermine credibility and foster distrust among the audience. Sticking to verifiable facts and data ensures that the information is accurate and reliable.
   2. Question: How should journalists handle the inherent uncertainties in climate science
      • Answer: Journalists should clearly differentiate between established consensus and areas of ongoing research. They should use phrases such as “scientists project” or “models suggest” to convey appropriate levels of certainty, and explain the factors that contribute to uncertainty.
   3. Question: What is the journalist’s role in making complex climate science accessible to the public?
      • Answer: Journalists should define technical terms clearly, using glossaries, explainer articles, analogies, and real-world examples. They should also consider using interactive graphics and videos to illustrate climate processes, and explain the meaning of terms like the IPCC, COP and NDCs.
   4. Question: How can journalists ensure they represent diverse perspectives on climate change without creating false balance?
      • Answer: While acknowledging differing viewpoints, journalists must avoid giving undue weight to fringe theories. They should focus on the overwhelming scientific consensus while also exploring the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate change, including the perspectives of marginalized communities.
   5. Question: What is the importance of highlighting solutions and agency when reporting on climate change?
      • Answer: Focusing on stories of innovation, resilience, and action can inspire hope and empower audiences to take action. Showcasing individuals, communities, and organizations working to mitigate and adapt to climate change can demonstrate that positive change is possible.
   6. Question: Why should journalists avoid apocalyptic language when reporting on the climate crisis?
      • Answer: Framing the climate crisis as an inevitable apocalypse can lead to apathy and disengagement. Instead, journalists should focus on the potential for transformative change and the importance of immediate action.
   7. Question: What are some examples of language that journalists should use to convey the urgency of climate change?
      • Answer: Journalists can use specific terms such as “global heating,” “climate crisis,” or “climate breakdown” when appropriate. They should also contextualize climate change within broader environmental and social issues.
   8. Question: How can journalists humanise the climate change story?
      • Answer: By focusing on the human impacts of climate change, telling the stories of individuals and communities affected by extreme weather events, displacement, and resource scarcity. They should also report on the mental health impacts of climate change.
   9. Question: Why is it important for journalists to be mindful of the emotional impact of their language?
      • Answer: Words such as “catastrophe” or “disaster” can be triggering for some audiences. Journalists should use language that is both accurate and sensitive, and provide resources and support for those experiencing climate anxiety or grief.
   10. Question: How should journalists tailor their reporting to different audiences?
       • Answer: Journalists should adapt their language and tone to the specific audience they are addressing. They should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, consider cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and avoid alienating their audience.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Climate Change which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

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Lesson: Climate Change

The post Climate change – tone and language first appeared on Media Helping Media.

The following is a list of some of the common climate change terms used by scientists, environmental agencies, governments, activists, and journalists.

This short glossary has been compiled from various sources including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ‘Climate dictionary‘. For a much longer list you might want to consider browsing the USA Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) lengthy list.

We have edited the definitions in order to shorten them and, hopefully, make them easier to understand.

The glossary contains words and phrases that journalists will need to understand in order to cover climate change clearly and accurately. We have published it as a reference documents for any journalists reporting on environmental issues.

Adaptation: Adjusting to climate change impacts (e.g., building flood defences).

Afforestation vs. reforestation: Reforestation replants forests, afforestation creates new ones.

Anthropogenic: Caused by humans.

Blue economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources.

Carbon capture: The process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or emissions sources and storing it to prevent its release and mitigate global warming.

Carbon credits: Tradable certificates that represent the removal or reduction of one tonne of carbon dioxide or an equivalent greenhouse gas.

Carbon footprint: The amount of greenhouse gases released by an individual or organisation.

Carbon markets: Trading schemes for carbon credits.

Carbon neutrality: Signifies achieving a balance between emitting carbon dioxide and removing it from the atmosphere, so the net amount added is zero.

Carbon removal: The processes that extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in long-term reservoirs, aiming to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Carbon sink: Natural reservoirs that absorb carbon dioxide (e.g., forests, oceans).

Climate action: Any measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Climate change: The long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.

Climate crisis: The serious problems caused by climate change, including extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem damage.

Circular economy: Minimising waste and pollution.

Climate finance: Funding climate action.

Climate impacts: The observable consequences of altered climate patterns, such as increased frequency of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and changes in ecosystems.

Climate justice: Fair distribution of responsibility and impacts related to climate change.

Climate overshoot: Temporarily exceeding climate targets.

Climate security: Managing climate-related risks to peace.

Climate mitigation: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the rate of climate change.

Climate model: A computer simulation of the Earth’s climate system used to predict future climate change.

Decarbonisation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Deforestation: The clearing of forests for other land uses, such as agriculture or development.

Ecosystems: Complex communities of living organisms and their physical environments that are being disrupted and altered by rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and other climate-related impacts.

Ecosystem damage: The negative alteration or destruction of the natural components and functions of an ecological system.

Ecological systems: Interconnected communities of living organisms and their physical environments, which are being disrupted by rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and other climate-related changes.

Emission: The release of a substance, such as a gas or pollutant, into the environment.

Extreme weather: Weather events that are significantly different from typical weather patterns, often characterised by unusual severity or intensity.

Feedback loops: Changes that reinforce themselves, such as melting ice leading to more warming.

Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

Gas emissions: The release of gases into the atmosphere, particularly those that contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change.

Global warming vs. climate change: Global warming is the rise in Earth’s temperature; climate change includes broader changes such as extreme weather.

Green jobs: Jobs that support environmental protection.

Greenhouse effect: The process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, warming the planet.

Greenhouse gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat, causing global warming.

Impacts: The effects of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changes in ecosystems.

Indigenous knowledge: Utilising traditional knowledge for climate solutions.

Loss and damage: Addressing unavoidable climate impacts.

Mitigation: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., renewable energy).

Nature-based solutions: Using ecosystems to address climate change (e.g., reforestation).

Natural components: The Earth’s systems, such as oceans, forests, and ice caps, that are being altered by rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, impacting their ability to regulate the climate.

Natural reservoirs: Environments such as forests, oceans, and wetlands that store carbon, and their health is crucial for regulating the Earth’s climate.

Net zero: Balancing greenhouse gas emissions with removals.

Ocean resources: The ocean’s vital roles in absorbing carbon dioxide and heat, and the marine ecosystems that are impacted by rising temperatures and acidification.

Paris agreement: An international agreement on climate change adopted in 2015, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Precipitation patterns: The changes in the amount, timing, and distribution of rainfall and snowfall, which are being altered by rising global temperatures, leading to increased variability and more extreme events like floods and droughts.

RCP scenarios: A representative concentration pathway (RCP) is a possible future climate outcomes based on varying concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Reforestation: The process of replanting trees in areas where forests have been cleared.

Regenerative agriculture: Farming that restores soil health.

Renewable energy: Energy from natural sources (e.g., solar, wind).

Resilience: Building the capacity to withstand climate impacts.

Rewilding: Restoring ecosystems.

Sea-level rise: The increase in the average global sea level due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and the expansion of seawater as it warms.

Tipping points: Irreversible changes, such as melting ice sheets.

Vulnerability: The degree to which a system is susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Weather vs. climate: Weather is short-term, climate is long-term averages.

Weather events: More frequent and severe occurrences of phenomena such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms.

Weather patterns: The long-term trends and variations in atmospheric conditions, which are being altered by rising global temperatures and increased greenhouse gas concentrations, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

This glossary is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a basic overview of some of the most common terms used in discussions of climate change. It’s important to note that the meanings of some of these terms can vary depending on the context.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan: Climate Change which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

Related articles

Human contribution to climate change

Covering climate change

Climate change – tone and language

Lesson: Climate Change

The post Climate change glossary first appeared on Media Helping Media.