Short Wave Goodbye, Climate Jargon. Hello, Simplicity!
Sep 30, 2021
Rebecca Hersher, an NPR climate correspondent, dives into the confusing world of climate change terminology. She discusses how terms like 'mitigation' and 'carbon neutral' can baffle the public. Rebecca highlights a recent study illustrating the need for simpler language to improve understanding. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication in connecting scientific insights with everyday people. With a focus on accessibility, she advocates for rethinking climate messaging to better engage audiences.
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Confusing Climate Jargon
- The word "mitigating" in a climate context is often confusing to the public, as revealed by a study.
- This confusion was highlighted in a Short Wave episode about sharks.
Confusing Climate Terms
- Common climate science terms, used by scientists in public reports, often confuse the general public.
- A UN-backed study investigated these confusing terms used in international climate reports.
Examples of Confusing Terms
- In a focus group study, participants confused "mitigation" with "mediation."
- They also mixed up "carbon neutral" with "zero carbon" and struggled with "unprecedented transition."