Knowledge of climate change means understanding why it is changing and what we can do about it

How would you define "knowledge on climate change," and what are its main components?

As a geoscientist, I understand that knowledge of climate change means understanding why it is changing and what we can do about it. So, to me, it has four main elements: 1) understanding the scientific principles, including the differences between weather and climate, the natural variability of climate, the role of greenhouse gases, etc; 2) identifying the causes, recognizing how burning of fossil fuels or industrial processes impact the climate; 3) noting the consequences such as the rising of temperatures and the higher frequency and severity of weather events; and 4) learning the strategies that we can and need to adopt to slow down climate change.

Why do you believe it is important to have access to information and knowledge about climate change in today's society?

Because the time is urgent to act, and each of us can make a big difference. Although governments and international organizations have a central role, our individual actions can effectively drive bigger changes. For example, when we change our habits, like using public transportation or consuming eco-friendly and KM0 products, we influence business behaviours and policy strategies towards more sustainable practices. In this manner, when these efforts are shared and become collective, they have the power to drive significant changes.

What are the most reliable sources for acquiring knowledge about climate change, and why are they important?

Your question is important because there is an overwhelming amount of information available, and some of it is not accurate. Misinformation is dangerous as it can obscure scientific consensus and prevent effective action. To contribute to bringing reliable sources forward, we have put together an article that gathers reliable sources of information about climate change in Europe, I recommend you to read it if you are interested in consulting trustful sources.

Does there exist a relationship between education about climate change and action to mitigate its effects?

I am not sure if there is a strict relationship between the two because many people who live in rural areas naturally adopt sustainable practices without necessarily thinking about climate change. These people normally have a deep understanding of the landscape they work with and respond to its needs. But in more urbanized societies, I do believe that education plays a central role in making informed decisions and meaningful actions. Education helps connect our daily lives to the concept of climate change, which can seem distant due to its complexity and long-term nature. I think education is key to driving motivation and empowerment to act.

How can knowledge about climate change contribute to the promotion of sustainable practices in agriculture, industry, and other sectors?

Just like for individuals, it is about raising awareness of the environmental challenges and potential ways to act. For example, in agriculture, it could mean promoting adapting farming or implementing measures to reduce food waste. In industry, it could be fostering the use of resources more efficiently and adopting circular economy practices. This applies to sectors like transportation, energy, and tourism, too, where small changes can have a big impact.

How do you view the responsibility of educational institutions and the media in disseminating knowledge about climate change?

Educational institutions and the media play important roles in disseminating knowledge, and it is clear that scientists and journalists need to communicate effectively. However, in my experience, there is not always enough collaboration because scientists worry their work might be misrepresented. To improve this, I believe educational institutions should increase their efforts in sharing knowledge while the media should take greater responsibility in providing accurate and evidence-based reporting.