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Reports & guides | 30 January 2018

Communications handbook for IPCC scientists

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Just like the IPCC reports themselves, the way IPCC authors engage with the public should be based on the best available evidence. This is the first time such guidance has been produced for the world’s leading scientific body on climate change, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).

The handbook sets out six principles for effective communication. With a wealth of research on the science of climate change communication and a focus on practical tips and case studies, this handbook serves as a valuable resource for IPCC authors – as well as the wider scientific community – to engage audiences with climate change.

 

The handbook was featured in the Guardian in an article called ‘Communicating the science is a much needed step for UN panel’.

The handbook has also kindly been translated by volunteers into Italian and Mandarin.

"This is a beautiful Handbook and I wish I could have received such guidance when I was first involved as an IPCC author".

Dr Valérie Masson Delmotte (Co-chair of IPCC WGI)

Building on this work, Climate Outreach was commissioned by the IPCC WGI TSU (Working Group I, Technical Support Unit) to gather case studies of how IPCC report authors from around the world are engaging with the public about their work. Climate Outreach staff also co-authored with IPCC staff a research paper, “Evaluating effective public engagement: local stories from a global network of IPCC scientists”, for the journal Climatic Change.

Climate Outreach runs public engagement workshops for climate change researchers. These workshops aim to empower and equip climate experts to speak confidently about climate change outside of academia. Find out more and express your interest in the training.

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Adam Corner presented the six principles from the communications handbook commissioned by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) WG1 TSU, the world’s leading authority on climate change science. Adam is introduced by Dr Roz Pidcock, Head of Communication IPCC WG1 at the time (and now part of the Climate Outreach team!).

Principles for effective public engagement on climate change: a handbook for the IPCC

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