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

Other speakers included:

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 – 8:30	Coffee/Snacks
8:30 – 8:45	Why a Land-Grant University Must Lead on Climate Change Dr. Jack Payne, Senior Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida
8:45 – 9:15	Climate Change Communications Research: What’s New? Dr. Lauren Griffin, Environmental Sociology, co-Managing Editor, Frankology
9:15 – 9:45	Deadly Heat Waves, Drought and Floods: Extreme Weather and Public Interest in Climate Change Sponsor: Florida Climate Institute Andrew Freedman, Science Editor, Mashable
9:45 – 10:15	Establishing Public Trust on Climate Change Science Dr. Teresa Myers, Assistant Research Professor, Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University
10:15 – 10:30	Break
10:30 – 11	Communicating 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.	Lunch Sponsor: IFAS Welcome: Ann Christiano, Frank Karel Chair in Public Interest Communication, UF College of Journalism and Communications Keynote: Mac Stone, Conservation Photographer

Sponsors