Consumer

How — And Why —To Avoid Jargon When Covering Climate

Climate change reporting is sometimes peppered with jargon that confounds rather than clearly communicates. Audiences may miss not just one story’s message, but lose interest in the broader topic. Contributor Rebecca Hersher, a science reporter for National Public Radio, writes how the public’s connection with climate information increases when both journalists and scientists strive to replace elite terminology with simple and accurate language.

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"Edible Extinction: Why We Need to Revive Global Food Diversity"

"The Green Revolution helped feed a surging global population, but at the cost of impoverishing crop diversity. Now, with climate change increasingly threatening food supplies, the need for greater agricultural resilience means restoring endangered crop and food varieties."

Source: YaleE360, 03/14/2022

Analysis: Big Oil's Plastic Boom Threatens U.N.'s Pollution Pact

"When the United Nations agreed a landmark deal to create the world's first ever global plastic pollution treaty this week, every party was quick to claim a victory, from industry lobbyists to environmental activists. That could spell trouble."

Source: Reuters, 03/04/2022

"Harris in NJ Points To Newark As Model For Lead Replacement"

"The success of New Jersey’s biggest city at replacing nearly 24,000 lead drinking water pipes can serve as a national model and shows why infrastructure spending is vital, Vice President Kamala Harris said Friday in Newark."

Source: AP, 02/14/2022

New U.N. Treaty Effort Could Cap Skyrocketing Plastics Production

"Negotiators from around the world will start work this month on a treaty to reduce plastic pollution, in what diplomats say is the most ambitious round of climate diplomacy since the 2015 Paris agreement that focuses on global warming."

Source: Washington Post, 02/09/2022

Hydrogen Rainbow May Dazzle, But Journalists Should Eye It Warily

The hype on hydrogen — and it’s various “hues” or forms — suggests environmental reporters should clearly understand how this energy source is produced, as well as the politics and industry PR behind its claims to be clean and climate-friendly. Our latest Issue Backgrounder provides the basics of hydrogen science, while cautioning about the industry’s “color game.”

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