Transcript Climate change research at the Met Office Hadley Centre

Discussing climate science via social
media
Richard Betts
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Where do I discuss climate science
online?
• Twitter:
• Blogs:
www.bishop-hill.net
climateaudit.org
judithcurry.com
allmodelsarewrong.com
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Why do I discuss climate science
online?
• Stay informed
about what’s
going on, and
tell people what
I’m doing
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Why do I discuss climate science
online?
• Pass on
other
news
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Why do I discuss climate science
online?
• Tell people about
my own science &
discuss it
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Why…?
• Discuss other
peoples’ science
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Why do I discuss climate science
online?
• Crowd-source
information for
IPCC writing
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Why do I discuss climate science
online?
• Try to better inform a controversial debate…
• Be visible as a climate scientist discussing science
• For many people, the only impression they have of discussions
between climate scientists is the Climategate emails
• Find out what other people think about the science and
its implications, and why
• Includes both sceptics and activists
• Try to address misunderstandings / misrepresentations
before they propagate further
• Again, includes both sceptics and activists
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Blogging
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Who are the contributors to climate
sceptic blogs?
• Very wide range of understanding and opinions:
• Some appear to be incurably cynical* of the entire
concept of man-made global warming
• Some accept that warming is happening and there is a
human contribution, but are unconvinced that it is a
significant problem
• Some have little in-depth knowledge of the science
• Some are well-informed, & read (& occasionally find
errors in!) scientific papers. Some are scientists
themselves
* The label “denier” tends to offend & close off discussion
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Asking what people think…
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Asking what people think…
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What are the attitudes towards
climate scientists on sceptic blogs?
• Undercurrent of mistrust towards climate scientists, eg:
• Perceptions / accusations of malpractice / incompetence, esp. through
Climategate / Hockey stick affairs
• Perceived political motivations – climate science seen as closely tied to
Green or left-wing politics, or as part of government control & taxation
• Seen as scaremongering in order to gain funding
• Feelings of marginalisation – excluded from discussion
• Welcome discussion with scientists (sceptics often stonewalled)
• Often have genuine questions about the science and like to hear the
answers
• Arrogant, impatient attitudes tend to send the discussion of the rails
• A civil attitude generally promotes a response in kind
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Can a productive conversation be
had?
• Yes!
• Don’t underestimate audience
• Stay calm, polite and respectful even when responding to criticism,
and especially when correcting inaccuracies / misconceptions
• Exert your right to insist that others do likewise!
• Be open about scientific uncertainties – don’t worry about things
being “misused”. This is science, not law.
• Remember a potentially large audience of “lurkers” (people who
read without responding). Often this is the main audience you are
reaching, not the people who are replying to you.
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Is there room for doubt?
• Scientists are here to find the truth. Our job is to ask questions
• Level of certainty varies widely for different aspects of climate
science
• Uncertainty cuts both ways in informing decisions
• Over-simplified messaging in “Climate communication” sometimes
seen as brushing uncertainties under the carpet, and can close down
scientific discussion
• “Doubt is not to be feared, but welcomed and discussed” – Richard
Feynmann
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A blog by a scientist where sceptics
are invited…
Allmodelsarewrong.com
(Tamsin Edwards, Bristol University)
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Not communicating climate change
but communicating climate science
• I do not aim to convince people to take action to mitigate
climate change
• Plenty of others trying to do that already
• Instead, my aim is to help people understand & trust the
science so they can make their own decisions
• Reputation of climate science is tarnished. Need to rebuild trust
• Climate science is an active, evolving science, with big
questions still to be answered
• Pretending we have all the answers is seen through and simply
maintains the loss of trust
• Sitting round agreeing with each other is boring 
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