scholarly journals Selling the Earth: re-purposing geoscience communications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Business World ◽  
Communication Practice ◽  
The Public ◽  
Sense And Respond ◽  
Research Organisations

Earth scientists have a critical role to play in communicating to the public and policy makers what we know about looming societal threats including climate change, extreme natural events, resource conflicts and the energy transition. But whilst geoscientists are being encouraged - and, increasingly, trained - to ‘go public’ with our science, what is less clear is to what extent our current geo-communications are effectively addressing the long-term planetary concerns that confront society.In this paper we argue that scientists are the interface between the research organisations that produce knowledge and the wider public who could use that knowledge, and, in that regard, are akin to marketers in the business world. Drawing from the dominant paradigms that shape business marketing, we re-consider the prevailing models of science communication and their consequent sense of purpose. We identify three dominant approaches of marketing-led science communication: ‘make-and-sell’; ‘sense-and-respond’; and ‘guide-and-co-create’. We judge the first two to be incompatible with delivering long-term sustainability, in contrast to the emergent guide-and-co-create mode - purpose-driven, interdisciplinary, participatory, and reflexive - which we contend is best placed to tackle long-term geo-environmental concerns through having a clear wellbeing- focused objective whilst co-creating the path to achieving it.We conclude with the contention that adopting a guide-and-co-create approach to science communications will require not only rethinking communication practice within universities but also radical institutional regime change towards universities becoming purpose-driven organisations.

scholarly journals What Framework Promotes Saliency of Climate Change Issues on Online Public Agenda: A Quantitative Study of Online Knowledge Community Quora

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Shi ◽  
Changfeng Chen ◽  
Jie Xiong ◽  
Haohuan Fu
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Communication ◽  
Knowledge Community ◽  
The Public ◽  
Change Communication ◽  
Public Agenda

Though scientists have achieved consensus on the severity and urgency of climate change years ago, the public still considers this issue not that important, as the influence of climate change is widely thought to be geographically and temporally bounded. The discrepancy between scientific consensus and public’s misperception calls for more dedicated public communication strategies to get climate change issues back on the front line of the public agenda. Based on the large-scale data acquired from the online knowledge community Quora, we conduct a computational linguistic analysis followed by the regression model to address the climate change communication from the agenda setting perspective. To be specific, our results find that certain narrative strategies may make climate change issues more salient by engaging public into discussion or evoking their long-term interest. Though scientific communicators have long been blaming lack of scientific literacy for low saliency of climate change issues, cognitive framework is proved to be least effective in raising public concern. Affective framework is relatively more influential in motivating people to participate in climate change discussion: the stronger the affective intensity is, the more prominent the issue is, but the affective polarity is not important. Perceptual framework is most powerful in promoting public discussion and the only variable that can significantly motivate the public’s long-term desire to track issues, among which feeling plays the most critical role compared with seeing and hearing. This study extends existing science communication literature by shedding light on the role of previously ignored affective and perceptual frameworks in making issues salient and the conclusions may provide theoretical and practical implications for future climate change communication.

scholarly journals GC Insights: Scientists as Marketers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain S. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
The Public ◽  
Societal Issues ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
Communication Practices ◽  
Sense And Respond ◽  
Current Science

Abstract. Motivated by pressing planetary concerns, scientists are  increasingly taking their work into the public arena, but it  remains uncertain whether current science communication  practices are appropriate for tackling complex and contested  societal issues. A fresh perspective emerges from the  business sector, and from the contrasting marketing  paradigms of ‘make and sell’, ‘sense and respond’, and  ‘guide and co‐create’. The newly emergent guide‐and‐co‐ create paradigm – purpose‐driven, interdisciplinary,  participatory, and reflexive – would seem to offer the best  template for science communicators addressing long‐term  geo‐environmental concerns.

scholarly journals Measuring fisheries performance using the “Goldilocks plot”

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn
Keyword(s):  
Primary Objective ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Fishing Mortality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Public ◽  
Stock Status ◽  
Realistic Information ◽  
Rate Threshold ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Most reporting of stock status accumulated at a national or regional level gives statistics on what proportion of the stocks are below some abundance threshold or above some fishing mortality rate threshold. This approach does not convey useful information on the performance of the fisheries management system in maximizing long-term sustainable yield, which is the primary objective of most national and international fisheries legislation. In this paper, I present a graphical approach for representing how much yield is being lost as a consequence of current suboptimal abundance and fishing pressure. Using the EU stocks assessed by ICES as an example, I show how traditional criteria for overfished and overfishing fail to display realistic information about the performance of the fishery. This approach provides much more useful information for the public and policy makers.

scholarly journals CHALLENGES IN MOVING FROM INCREMENTAL TO RADICAL LOW-COST INNOVATION IN EMERGING AND TRANSITION COUNTRIES: Institutional Perspectives Based on Rechargeable Battery Innovation in China and Point-of-Use Water Purification Innovation in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 1950028
Author(s):  
SUNEEL KUNAMANENI
Keyword(s):  
Water Purification ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Transition Countries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Science System ◽  
Public Science ◽  
The Public ◽  
Chinese Firm ◽  
Point Of Use

Low-cost innovation is increasingly becoming the focus of attention of both firms and policy makers in emerging and transition countries. Previous research has elaborated on the ‘market-based’ view of low-cost innovations captured under various terminologies such as ‘frugal’, ‘good-enough’, ‘resource-constrained’, etc. This study, however, demonstrates that low-cost innovation capabilities are profoundly influenced by the structuring of institutions, particularly the public-science system. The analysis in this paper is structured around innovation in rechargeable batteries in China and point-of-use water purification in India, drawing upon strategies at the Chinese firm BYD and Indian firm Tata, respectively. Both the cases illustrate that diffusion-oriented policies and weak university–industry links played a critical role in firms low-cost ‘incremental’ innovations. However, as regards ‘pre-competitive’ research conducted in the public-science system, with the potential for better performing ‘radical’ technologies at lower costs, the current structure of institutions and firms strategies does not encourage firms to appropriate value from them into innovative output. This has important implications for both firms and policy makers in scaling-up low-cost radical innovations.

scholarly journals Public science communication in Africa: views and practices of academics at the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (06) ◽  
pp. A05 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Ndlovu ◽  
Marina Joubert ◽  
Nelius Boshoff
Keyword(s):  
Science Communication ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Popular Media ◽  
Peer Communication ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Public Science ◽  
The Public ◽  
Science Engagement ◽  
National University ◽  
Funding Environment

This study of the science communication views and practices of African researchers ― academics at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe ― reveals a bleak picture of the low status of public science engagement in the developing world. Researchers prioritise peer communication and pay little attention to the public, policy makers and popular media. Most scientists believe the public is largely not scientifically literate or interested in research. An unstable funding environment, a lack of communication incentives and censoring of politically sensitive findings further constrain researchers' interest in public engagement. Most NUST academics, however, are interested in science communication training. We suggest interventions that could revive and support public science engagement at African universities.

Ammonia and Methanol as Energy Carriers Towards 2060 The Long-Term Plan Strategy: A Comparative Perspective of China and Indonesia Cases

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-90
Author(s):  
Tri Ligayanti ◽  
Raldi Hendro
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transition ◽  
Primary Energy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Energy Carriers ◽  
Policy And Strategy ◽  
Energy Economy ◽  
Carbon Neutral ◽  
Management Optimization

The objective of this paper was to review China’s long-term carbon neutral 2060 policy and to compare with Indonesia’s case in term of energy carriers such as Ammonia and Methanol. Topics regarding China and Indonesia's long-term carbon neutral 2060 policy and strategy are important to be discussed because it will open up issues related to the role of primary energy, chemical-energy nexus and the blue energy economy supported by technology innovation, and political will. The energy-chemical nexus on the background of the Ammonia & Methanol industries are the largest sources of CO2 emissions in China, so it will contribute significantly to emission reductions from the energy transition to carbon neutral energy. From the efforts made by China, it can provide information and considerations to Indonesian policy makers and researchers on their efforts regarding resource management optimization to reconcile the tradeoffs on resources protection and development of socioeconomic as well as to ensure a sustainable system.ABSTRAKTujuan dari makalah ini adalah untuk meninjau kebijakan netral karbon jangka panjang Tiongkok 2060 dan membandingkan dengan kasus Indonesia dalam hal pembawa energi seperti Amoniak dan Metanol. Topik mengenai kebijakan dan strategi jangka panjang karbon netral 2060 Tiongkok dan Indonesia penting untuk dibahas karena akan mengangkat isu terkait peran energi primer, perhubungan energi kimia dan ekonomi energi biru yang didukung oleh inovasi teknologi, dan kemauan politik. Hubungan energi-kimia di latarbelakangi industri Amoniak & Metanol adalah sumber emisi CO2 terbesar di Tiongkok, sehingga akan berkontribusi signifikan terhadap pengurangan emisi dari transisi energi ke energi netral karbon. Dari upaya yang dilakukan oleh Tiongkok, dapat memberikan informasi dan pertimbangan kepada pembuat kebijakan dan peneliti Indonesia tentang upaya mereka mengenai optimalisasi pengelolaan sumber daya untuk mempertemukan timbal balik perlindungan sumber daya dan pengembangan sosial ekonomi serta untuk memastikan sistem yang berkelanjutan.

Policies for Financing the Energy Transition

Daedalus ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kassia Yanosek
Keyword(s):  
Private Equity ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Private Investment ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Energy Economy ◽  
Clean Energy Policy

Historically, energy transitions have occurred gradually over the span of several decades, marked by incremental improvements in technologies. In recent years, public interest in accelerating the next energy transition has fueled a clean-energy policy agenda intended to underpin the development of a decarbonized energy economy. However, policies to date have encouraged investors to fund renewable energy projects utilizing proven technologies that are not competitive without the help of government subsidies. A true transition of the energy mix requires innovations that can compete with conventional energy over the long term. Investments in innovative technology projects are scarce because of the “commercialization gap,” which affects projects that are too capital-intensive for venture capital yet too risky for private equity, project, or corporate debt financing. Accelerating innovation through the commercialization gap will require governments to allocate public dollars to, and encourage private investment in, these riskier projects. Policy-makers will face a trade-off between prioritizing policies for accelerating the energy transition and accounting for the risks associated with innovation funding in a tight budgetary environment.

scholarly journals The object of art in science: science communication via art installation

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. A04 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Rios ◽  
Aquiles Negrete
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Emotional Response ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
Art Installation ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Spectator ◽  
Scientific Facts

Science is part of our everyday live; so is art. Some art installations that link the two require the active presence of the spectator. Thereby they help to raise the awareness, promote understanding, and generate an emotional response from the public. This project rests on the public participation model that seeks to explore the connection between art installations and science communication through experiential learning. In order to test the effectiveness of an art installation communicating science two groups were contrasted. The first was exposed to a list of scientific facts; the second participated in the creation of an art installation. The results of this research suggest that art installations do promote long-term fact retention. Therefore, the use of art installations can be considered an interesting method of conveying science in an attractive, reliable, and memorable way.

scholarly journals The Future of Our Seas: Marine scientists and creative professionals collaborate for science communication

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence De Clippele ◽  
Madlaina Michelotti ◽  
Charlotte R. Findlay ◽  
Amy Cartwright ◽  
Qing Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Engagement ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Future ◽  
Effective Science ◽  
Collaborative Engagement ◽  
Development Support ◽  
The Impact

To increase awareness of the current challenges facing the marine environment, the Future of Our Seas (FOOS) project brought together the expertise of scientists, public engagement experts and creatives to train and support a group of marine scientists in effective science communication and innovative public engagement. This case study aims to inspire scientists and artists to use the FOOS approach in training, activity design and development support (hereafter called the ‘FOOS programme’) to collaboratively deliver novel and creative engagement activities. The authors reflect on the experiences of the marine scientists: (1) attending the FOOS communication and engagement training; (2) creating and delivering public engagement activities; (3) understanding our audience; and (4) collaborating with artists. The authors also share what the artists and audiences learned from participating in the FOOS public engagement activities. These different perspectives provide new insights for the field with respect to designing collaborative training which maximizes the impact of the training on participants, creative collaborators and the public. Long-term benefits of taking part in the FOOS programme, such as initiating future collaborative engagement activities and positively impacting the scientists’ research processes, are also highlighted.

scholarly journals Integrated vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions based strategies in Ontario, Canada, as a case study: a mathematical modelling study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (180) ◽  
pp. 20210009
Author(s):  
Matthew Betti ◽  
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi ◽  
Jane M. Heffernan ◽  
Jude Kong ◽  
Angie Raad
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Public Health Decision ◽  
The Public ◽  
Epidemiological Trend ◽  
Health Decision ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

Recently, two coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine products have been authorized in Canada. It is of crucial importance to model an integrated/combined package of non-pharmaceutical (physical/social distancing) and pharmaceutical (immunization) public health control measures. A modified epidemiological, compartmental SIR model was used and fit to the cumulative COVID-19 case data for the province of Ontario, Canada, from 8 September 2020 to 8 December 2020. Different vaccine roll-out strategies were simulated until 75% of the population was vaccinated, including a no-vaccination scenario. We compete these vaccination strategies with relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Non-pharmaceutical interventions were supposed to remain enforced and began to be relaxed on 31 January, 31 March or 1 May 2021. Based on projections from the data and long-term extrapolation of scenarios, relaxing the public health measures implemented by re-opening too early would cause any benefits of vaccination to be lost by increasing case numbers, increasing the effective reproduction number above 1 and thus increasing the risk of localized outbreaks. If relaxation is, instead, delayed and 75% of the Ontarian population gets vaccinated by the end of the year, re-opening can occur with very little risk. Relaxing non-pharmaceutical interventions by re-opening and vaccine deployment is a careful balancing act. Our combination of model projections from data and simulation of different strategies and scenarios, can equip local public health decision- and policy-makers with projections concerning the COVID-19 epidemiological trend, helping them in the decision-making process.

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