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Category Archives: Uncategorized

The science literacy paradox: Why really smart people tend to have the most biased opinions

Written on September 1, 2016 at 18:33, by

September 1, 2016 —When presented with contradictory evidence about a politically contentious issue, it’s easy to fall into the trap of reacting emotionally and negatively to that information rather than responding with an open mind. We may not only discount or dismiss such evidence, we are also likely to quickly call into question the credibility of  Continue Reading »

Climate change communication, energy politics, and journalism: Syllabus and schedule

Written on September 1, 2016 at 17:20, by

September 1, 2016–In this advanced seminar, students apply research and best practices to communicating about and reporting on climate change and energy issues. Course work prepares students for careers in journalism, advocacy, government, and strategic communication. Students analyze major debates over the environment, climate change, and related technologies; assessing how they are portrayed by experts, advocates,  Continue Reading »

Partisan pandemics: Political divisions likely to impact U.S. perceptions of Zika threat

Written on August 1, 2016 at 19:34, by

August 1, 2016 —In the lead up to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, global news attention has focused on the impact of the Zika virus in the country, including efforts to halt the spread of the mosquito-borne virus across Latin America, the Caribbean, and other regions. People who contract Zika are unlikely to experience symptoms. Those  Continue Reading »

Don’t fear a Franken public: The surprising reasons why we should label genetically modified foods

Written on May 1, 2016 at 20:20, by

May 1, 2016—In January 2016, Campbell Soup generated headlines by announcing that it would voluntarily label its products containing genetically modified (GM) corn, soy, beets, and other crops. Like most food industry leaders, about three quarters of Campbell Soup products contain such ingredients. The company’s announcement came in advance of a summer deadline set by  Continue Reading »

Will the health dangers of climate change get people to care? The science says: maybe

Written on April 7, 2016 at 17:18, by

April 7, 2016 —Climate change is a major public health threat, already making existing problems like asthma, exposure to extreme heat, food poisoning, and infectious disease more severe, and posing new risks from climate change-related disasters, including death or injury. Those were the alarming conclusions of a new scientific assessment report released by the Obama administration  Continue Reading »

Shifting the conversation about climate change: Strategies to build public demand for action

Written on March 1, 2016 at 20:44, by

March 1, 2016 —Late last year at the United Nations climate change summit in Paris, world leaders reached a historic accord committing their countries to lowering greenhouse gas emissions over the next two decades and beyond. The combined commitments by countries fall short of what many scientists say is needed to avoid the worst impacts of  Continue Reading »