Records of the U.S.
Climate Change
Science Program's Planning Workshop for Scientists and Stakeholders
3-5 December 2002, Washington, DC

Also available as MS Powerpoint presentation
[30 kb]

See also:
Workshop Photo Gallery
 Includes hundreds of photos. 

Breakout Session 24
Reporting & Outreach Plans
Panelist Comments by Janine Bloomfield, Environmental Defense

General Comments

Components to include in outreach efforts are a good start, for example

• Sponsor museum exhibits
• Sponsor, participate or contribute to meetings attended by stakeholders
• Fund outreach efforts managed outside federal government

But can and should identify existing stakeholder groups and distribution networks to build on.

Outreach to decision makers described in Chapter 4 should be closely linked.

Stakeholder networks can be a two-way street

• Input to Researchers: Identifying priority regional, sectoral, business and policy concerns, providing expertise, identifying adaptation and mitigation options
• Output to Publics: Using and disseminating information

Outreach should include new findings of CCSP AND relevant previous work by Government agencies, scientists under USGCRP

Decision makers and public still need basic information on climate change science, potential impacts and choices.

Stakeholder groups:

• Consist of local government, federal agency, energy/utility industry, business, tourism, insurance, NGO's, educators, scientists, researchers.

• Already engaged and motivated.

• Can save dollars and time building on existing relationships

• Familiar with regional/sector priorities & vulnerabilities, adaptation options

• Can help disseminate findings

Links scientists with science, nature centers to inform public on climate change

Programs include:

• Traveling exhibits
• Staff & Docent Training and Development
• Teaching Tools - e.g.,Climate Change Backpack
• Radio Programs
• Speakers Bureau/Meet the Scientists

Primary existing public source for information on weather, climate, and impact on our lives

Provide continuing education through American Meteorological Society

Weather Notebook radio series

Public, cable, network TV

The Climate Change Science Program should allocate enough funding to allow partnership with media outlets to provide the American public with the most credible and up to date science on climate change and our options for response.

Example: International Cities for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), Cities for Climate Protection

• Established relationships with local officials
• Wide coverage over U.S.

Build on existing stakeholder relationships to jumpstart outreach process

Involve stakeholders early-on in process for maximum engagement and benefit

Continue to use basic findings from earlier studies to raise level of public discourse