Simplifying climate change language
Simplifying how experts and academics talk about climate change, so the public can understand threats facing their communities—and respond.
USC Completed 2020
Share this page
Partners
We helped climate science communicators simplify their message so they could have a greater impact and influence more action.
If we want more people to take action on climate change, they first need to understand it. But many Americans struggle with the technical terms used in climate reports, making it harder for them to grasp the urgency of the issue. So the UN Foundation reached out to us to help them create simpler, more straightforward talking points that resonate with the general public.
Our analysis not only shaped new guidelines and provided clear recommendations for climate leaders, it also caught the attention of Grist, NPR, and other major outlets—showing that clear communication is the first step toward building awareness and action on climate change.
Meet the project team
Marianna Babboni
Project Manager
Research team
Wändi Bruine de Bruin
Project Lead
USC Price School of Public Policy, and Dornsife Psychology
Lila Rabinovich
USC Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research
Lance Ignon
Price School of Public Policy, Communications
Recent Updates
Push to save trees damaged by the Eaton Fire
Ahead of Olympics, ShadeLA to expand shade across city
Can we turn our water infrastructure into a climate solution?
New team will brainstorm ways to provide more shade in L.A. ahead of major events
Related Projects
- USC
Making sense of climate change graphics
Assessing how well the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) graphics are understood by the policymakers who rely on them—so that critical science can be clearer, more usable, and more actionable.
- USC
Greening L.A.’s hottest streets
Bringing more trees, shade, and fresh air to L.A. by mapping where, what kind, and how many trees to plant for the biggest impact.
- USC
Tracking climate stories on screen
Tracking how climate stories impact the TV and film industry—and how they shape audience perceptions of climate change.