Geologists can offer key insights in regard to several high profile environmental issues that are faced today. At the same time, like scientists in most other disciplines, many geologists are not naturally adept at co...Geologists can offer key insights in regard to several high profile environmental issues that are faced today. At the same time, like scientists in most other disciplines, many geologists are not naturally adept at communicating in an effective manner with non-geologists. This paper firstly identifies the more subtle facets of topical major issues （the drivers） where geologists can contribute important perspectives. Next, the detractions to effective communication are identified, along with the recommended means to overcome them （the mechanisms）. Many topical issues are in fact geologically-underpinned （e.g. obviously, geohazards）, so geologists ought to have something meaningful to say. By the same token, if geologists have difficulty communicating with other scientists, how can they possibly hope to communicate with journalists and with the public at large？ Proper scientific contextualization is an ideal starting point, but this fundamental framing step does not always suit protagonists who have non-scientific agendas. Thus, geologists not only have to convey their science （geology） in an understandable way, but to do so in a truly effective manner must recognize and take into account possible predispositions that their audience may have.展开更多
文摘Geologists can offer key insights in regard to several high profile environmental issues that are faced today. At the same time, like scientists in most other disciplines, many geologists are not naturally adept at communicating in an effective manner with non-geologists. This paper firstly identifies the more subtle facets of topical major issues （the drivers） where geologists can contribute important perspectives. Next, the detractions to effective communication are identified, along with the recommended means to overcome them （the mechanisms）. Many topical issues are in fact geologically-underpinned （e.g. obviously, geohazards）, so geologists ought to have something meaningful to say. By the same token, if geologists have difficulty communicating with other scientists, how can they possibly hope to communicate with journalists and with the public at large？ Proper scientific contextualization is an ideal starting point, but this fundamental framing step does not always suit protagonists who have non-scientific agendas. Thus, geologists not only have to convey their science （geology） in an understandable way, but to do so in a truly effective manner must recognize and take into account possible predispositions that their audience may have.
