A State of Emergency or Business as Usual in Climate Science Communication? A Three-Dimensional Perspective on the Role Perceptions of Climate Scientists, Climate Journalists, and Citizens

Abstract

Building on post-normal science, Brüggemann et al. (2020) suggest that the uncertain, disputed, high-stakes, and urgent character of the climate challenge facing modern societies may alter the conventional notion of what is expected of scientists, journalists, and citizens in the public discussion of climate science. This article examines this notion via 15 focus groups with climate scientists, climate journalists, and citizens ( N = 76). The analysis shows that neither of the three actors want climate scientists and climate journalists to act as advocates. However, interestingly, it is seen as legitimate for climate scientists to express emotions connected to their findings.