ABSTRACT
Focusing on the role of scientists and the media as shapers of the public discourse on climate change, this article contrasts the scientific discourse with shifting media narratives and underscores the importance of scientists and science communicators in informing the public about climate issues. The article explores scientists’ differing motivations and obligations based on their institutional affiliations – academic, corporate or post-academic. It highlights the challenges of maintaining objectivity and neutrality, which are significant when corporate interests influence scientists. It also presents the differing organisational affiliations of scientists as challenging for representatives of wider publics in their search for objective and reliable information about the state of the environment.
The article also addresses the role of the media, noting a trend towards presenting opposing viewpoints on climate change, which can dilute the perception of scientific consensus. The text calls for more efficient science communication in the field of environmental protection and is drawing attention to intercultural communication principles as potentially allowing for better dialogue between scientists and the broader public.
