EP#160: Climate Science and the Danger of Making Comms Too Simple

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke speaks with Dr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell, the science lead at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Secretariat. Dr. Borgford-Parnell provides an in-depth look at the CCAC's mission to mitigate short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), such as methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone. He emphasises the coalition's efforts to integrate climate and air pollution policies to achieve multiple benefits, including improved public health, labor rights, and population resiliency. The discussion highlights the scientific understanding of SLCPs, their sources, and the immediate and long-term advantages of reducing emissions.

The conversation dives into the challenges of communicating the complexities of climate change and the importance of presenting climate actions as delivering multiple benefits to various communities. Dr. Borgford-Parnell critiques the limitations of using CO2 equivalents as a metric for all greenhouse gases, advocating for a more nuanced approach to treating each pollutant as unique. He provides real-world examples of how different pollutants interact with ecosystems and human health, illustrating the need for tailored communication and policy development.

Dr. Borgford-Parnell also addresses the impact of misinformation and disinformation on climate action, offering strategies to combat these challenges by focusing on the multiple benefits and engaging diverse constituencies. He shares his optimism about the potential to achieve climate goals through existing technologies and policies, despite the current trajectory of global emissions.

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