http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/

http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/2006/07/climate_scientists_create_news.php

Thanks!

If I may toot my own horn, I addressed this topic, with considerable approval, on Wednesday morning:

http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/

Eric

There is a big difference between saying something should be done because X is going to happen, and something should be done regardless of whether X happens or not.

In signing the statement, Curry agrees that improving hurricane policy, mitigation and preparedness is really the important social issue, with AGW enhanced tropical activity being relatively inconsequential in comparison. One can not say that such a mindset is implied by her previous statements.

http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/2006/07/climate_scientists_create_news.php

But…this is exactly what scientists need to do more of. They need to work with journalists to create news pegs that focus on the relevance and connection of science to policy. Otherwise, there is a repeating pattern in coverage. Science writers do a good job of covering the release of a new study or writing more thematic scientific backgrounders, but often times don’t do much on exploring the policy angles. Political reporters start paying attention when the White House or Congress put the issue on their agendas, but usually this coverage focuses on strategy, personalities, and sometimes leads to the type of false balancing that everyone criticizes. When policy angles are covered by political reporters, they are usually dichotomized into just the Democrats’ versus Republican plans.

Sometimes you will see policy discussion break out of the partisan dichotomy on the opinion pages when experts contribute op-eds, but for the most part, with the exception of just a few of the very best columnists, opinion pages feature the same type of limited partisan policy discussion.

I think the recent hurricane release is a great example of how scientists, journal editors, and scientific organizations can can step beyond just the promotion of a single study, and start to negotiate news that focuses on the policy-relevance of research.