Climate Change Communication: Empowering Educators and Volunteers

Course Description

"Climate Change Communication: Empowering Educators and Volunteers" is an introductory-level course designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate about climate change. This comprehensive program, developed in collaboration with renowned institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, NOAA, and others, offers a unique blend of climate science fundamentals and cutting-edge communication strategies.

What Students Will Learn

• The importance of climate change communication in educational settings
• Fundamental climate science concepts, including Earth's climate history and current drivers of climate change
• The latest research on public perceptions and beliefs about climate change
• Effective strategies for facilitating meaningful conversations about climate change
• Real-world examples of climate work conducted by the Smithsonian Institution

Prerequisites

This course is designed for beginners, and there are no specific prerequisites required. Anyone with an interest in climate science and communication can enroll and benefit from the program.

Course Content

• The necessity of climate change communication
• Earth's past climate and current climate change drivers
• Climate change impacts and potential solutions
• Public perceptions and beliefs about climate change
• Effective facilitation strategies for climate discussions
• Examples of Smithsonian climate research and initiatives

Who This Course Is For

• Educators seeking to incorporate climate change topics into their curriculum
• Museum volunteers and docents
• Environmental enthusiasts and activists
• Students interested in climate science and communication
• Anyone looking to enhance their ability to discuss climate change effectively

Real-World Applications

1. Educators can integrate climate change topics into their lessons more effectively
2. Museum volunteers can engage visitors in meaningful discussions about climate exhibits
3. Environmental activists can communicate their message more persuasively
4. Students can apply their knowledge in academic projects and future careers in environmental fields
5. Individuals can engage in more informed discussions about climate change with friends, family, and colleagues

Syllabus

The course is divided into four main lessons:

1. Why we should communicate about climate change
2. Climate science - Earth's past climate, today's drivers, climate change impacts and solutions
3. How people perceive climate change
4. Facilitation strategies

Each lesson takes approximately 20 minutes to 1 hour to complete and includes a short, non-graded quiz to reinforce learning. The self-paced format allows students to progress through the material at their own speed, making it accessible for busy professionals and students alike.

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain invaluable insights into climate science and communication, empowering you to become an effective advocate for climate action in your community and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts and institutions in the field of climate change education!