This workshop was designed to help interpreters meet the challenges of connecting with visitors on climate change. It provided foundational climate science, engagement with scientists and peers, and exposure to new technologies.

We emphasized systems thinking for understanding and interpreting climate change. NASA visualizations and citizen science tools, and examples of climate interpretation were highlighted. We spent the second day at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesa Lab, where participants learned about climate modeling, engaged with NCAR’s communication and education professionals, and explored how the Lab interprets and educates about climate. Participants and presenters shared and compared best practices and challenges in climate science communication and audience engagement. 

Each participant created and presented their own plan for integrating the presented science, emerging technologies, and innovative communication techniques into their interpretive efforts.

A tuition-free course for interpreters, informal educators, and science communicators interested in creating and nurturing regional communities of practice focused on improving climate science communication.

Interpreting climate change can be challenging! It’s complicated, and audiences may respond on a wide variety of emotional and intellectual levels. This two-day, highly interactive workshop joined interpreters and NASA science and education specialists to learn from each other about climate science and communication. We covered some basics of the science, and explored appropriate techniques for addressing this subject with a variety of audiences, including youth. Abundant interpretation, education and scientific resources were provided to support participants’ climate change interpretation efforts.

Target Audience: Employees from the USFS, USFWS, and other Federal, State and Municipal agencies, as well as non‐profit and private organizations with science communicators, interpreters, environmental educators and education specialists. Participants were expected to have some experience with interpretation/science communication. Knowledge of climate science is not required.