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Citizens and Science: Media, Communication and Conservation

chapter
posted on 2023-05-24, 07:08 authored by Elizabeth Lester, Foxwell-Norton, K
This chapter examines the relationship between conservation science, citizens and policy change through a lens focused on communication media. These media influence the formation of public opinion and action, and limit or assist the passage of conservation science to policy outcome. Recognising the complexity of public communication helps highlight the challenges facing conservation science in garnering public support for policy change. The chapter argues that science and scientists are a critical but underestimated political force in public debate and policy conflict. However, to achieve this potential, scientists cannot assume that they are distant from the often messy politics of public sphere debates. Media engagement is unavoidable and yet frequently cited by scientists as difficult terrain. Communicating science, we agree, is hard. To aid conservation scientists seeking to navigate media, we therefore identify practical strategies for public engagement that will support efforts to inform and influence environmental debate and decision-making. The starting point for these strategies is critical reflection on the role of science itself in the global communication landscape.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

Conservation Research, Policy and Practice

Editors

WJ Sutherland et al

Pagination

265-276

ISBN

9781108638210

Department/School

College Office - College of Arts, Law and Education

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Place of publication

Cambridge, UK

Extent

20

Rights statement

Copyright 2020 British Ecological Society

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Communication not elsewhere classified

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    University Of Tasmania

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