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OVERVIEW

In the morning session, we we will delve more deeply into how values, social identity and selective frames of reference are often at the root of disagreements over environmental problems and emerging technologies.  We will review research specific to climate change; disputes over off-shore wind; and coastal development.  We will also discuss how these factors relate to current debates over the environment, natural resources and economic development in Maine.

In the afternoon session, we will apply this understanding to developing your own authentic story about why the issue you are working on matters; how the issue fits within a broader context for communities, the state or country; and the benefits of your research or proposed course of action.

Download Slides for Day 2

DAY 2 — WED. MORNING: WORKING WITH A DIVERSITY OF PUBLICS AND DECISION-MAKERS

Articles

  • Nisbet, M.C. (2011). Public Opinion and Political Participation. In D. Schlosberg, J. Dryzek, & R. Norgaard (Eds.). Oxford Handbook of Climate Change and Society. London, UK: Oxford University Press. [HTML] [PDF]
  • Kahan, D. (2012, Aug. 15). Why We Are Poles Apart on Climate Change. Nature. [HTML]
  • Hoffman, A. (2012). Climate Science as Culture War. Stanford Social Innovation Review. [HTML]
  • Center for Research on Environmental Decisions. (2009). The Psychology of Climate Change Communication: A Guide for Scientists, Journalists, Educators, Political Aides, and the Interested Public. New York. [PDF]
  • Nisbet, M.C. (2009). Communicating Climate Change: Why Frames Matter to Public Engagement. Environment, 51 (2), 514-518. (HTML).
  • Pasqualetti, M. (2011). Opposing Wind Energy Landscapes: A Search for Common Cause. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 101(4), 907-‐917. [PDF]
  • Safford, T.G. & Hamilton, L. (2010, Winter). Ocean Views: Coastal Environmental Problems As Seen by Downeast Maine Residents. Carsey Institute, University of New Hampshire. [PDF]

Videos

  • Kahan, D. (2012). Science Communication as the New Political Science. Sackler “Science of Science Communication” Colloquium, National Academies of Science [Video]

DAY 2 — WED. AFTERNOON: DEVELOPING AND FRAMING YOUR MESSAGE

Articles

  • Baron, N. (2010). “Deliver a Clear Message.” In N. Baron A Guide to Making Your Science Matter: Escape from the Ivory Tower (pg. 103-22) Washington, DC: Island Press. [PDF]

Videos

  • PBS Frontline The Persuaders, Chapter Five: Giving Us What We Want, Profile of Frank Luntz [Video]
  • So Goes the Nation “The Message”  [Segment]

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1) First read about each of the current relevant debates occurring in Maine from the list of news articles below.  For each case, briefly answer the following questions:

  • Who are the relevant publics or stakeholders involved in the debate?
  • What values or social identities appear to be relevant to decision-making or conflict?
  • What are the relevant frames of reference employed by different groups and/or by the journalists writing the news story?
  • What approaches to communication or engagement appear to be applied? What approaches might best suit the issue?

News articles:

  • Anon. (2008, April 29). Island Institute Launches Climate Change Program. Working Waterfront.  [HTML]
  • Chaim, N. (2013, March 9). Changing Ecosystem Concerns Fishermen. Portland Press Herald [HTML]
  • Thistle, S. (2013, March 27). Oil Sands Through Maine? The Battle Is on Despite No Plan. Bangor Daily News. [HTML]
  • Shepard, M. (2013, March 23). East West Highway Foes Pursue Access to Information. Portland Press Herald. [HTML]
  • Woodard, C. (2013, March 18). Is Maine Ready for Climate Change? Portland Press Herald. [HTML].
  • Dodge, M. (2013, April 30). Maine Companies Prep For Rise in Climate Change. MaineBiz [HTML].
  • Turkel, T. (2013, Jan. 25). Pioneering Maine Wind Project Passes Biggest Hurdle. Portland Press Herald [HTML]

2) Drawing on the Baron reading, develop a message box specific to the topic that you research, work on, or care most about.  This message box should include brief talking points specific to:

  • Issue: In broad terms what is the overarching issue or topic?
  • Problem: What is the specific problem or piece of the issue I am addressing?
  • So What? Why does this matter to my audience?
  • Benefits: What are the potential benefits of resolving this problem?

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