Information for Strategic Climate and Di

Better climate communications have become a priority across sectors as the impacts of climate change continue to shift daily lives for individuals, communities, and organizations. Whether it be exploring more effective ways to communicate science, navigating difficult conversations stemming from different viewpoints, or connecting more meaningfully with individuals and groups in a changing world, at the center of climate communication is the convergence of science and the dynamics of human behavior. This course invites participants to explore how to apply research from psychology, adult learning theory, cognitive science, and social neuroscience to improve climate change communications and support meaningful change in their specific contexts. 

This course is designed for students who are, or will be, tasked with communicating climate change–related information in a range of settings, from professional and policy environments to community engagement, education, and everyday encounters. Every context and audience is unique; for that reason, the course emphasizes tailoring climate communication strategies to specific audiences, institutional settings, and decision-making environments. Using an applied, action-learning approach, the course follows a structured developmental arc in which students move from analyzing climate communication challenges, to modeling cognitive and systemic dynamics, to developing and refining a practicum proposal, and ultimately to designing a final applied climate communication strategy. 

The course combines short lectures, guest speakers from the field, and applied, in-class activities focused on mental modeling, systems thinking, and decision-making under uncertainty. Students will complete a practicum project that allows them to generate localized, evidence-informed communication strategies addressing an ongoing or emerging climate communication challenge relevant to their work, research, or community context.