Workshop Title: Navigating Science to Action in a Post-fact World

Wed Afternoon – 1 to 4

Proposed Theme and justification:

Students and faculty who are engaged in environmental studies and science face unique challenges in the context of the current federal administration, which is attacking both the federal agencies and programs that are responsible for protecting our environment and natural resources and science itself.  This workshop helps participants build a path forward for themselves and their careers, including modes of science communication in a post-fact world.

Outline of goals and learning outcomes:

The goal of this workshop is to stimulate creative thinking and new ways of managing expectations about personal decisions and careers in the context of “alternative facts.” Our recipe includes equal parts humor, advice, and innovation.  We plan to produce a series of short you-tube videos of particiants who choose to engage in our “mini-Ted-talks” at the end of this session.

Progression of topics, activities and learning methods:

1. Big data correlations graphics… opening sequence
2. Opening skit: How we know what we know - Missy as a reporter; Jim: opening Mustangs story – good approaches for handling misinformation without offence; Kathy: reframing the question about “believing” in climate change…Alternative “fact” sources lead to alternative world views: Fox News vs NPR?
3. Group discussion (30 minutes):

• How do know what we know? What is a fact? What is evidence?

What has changed in the space between science and action since November 8?

• Salience, credibility, and legitimacy – are these terms still relevant?
• Why communication matters – and always has: Facts vs what people feel; challenges in connecting science and decision-making aren’t new; “experts” vs experiential knowledge. Decision contexts;

10 minute break to get to breakout sessions

4. Breakout Sessions (45 minutes)

• Communication and public policy; what is at risk? (backup notes from convening discussion)
• Thriving as an environmental science student; jobs in the “new normal”
• Jobs in a post-fact world: Science has survived, you will too.

Break (15 minutes)

5. Report out from Breakouts (15 minutes)
6. Work in pairs on advice to your peers; prepare 1-minute Ted Talks (30 minutes)
7. Mini-Ted Talks (30 minutes) – what did they learn? Advice to peers?  Tactics, stories, personal experiences in communications… your favorite “Thanksgiving with relatives” story…

We will provide edited versions of the Ted Talks on a website available X days after the session; also, a jump drive with useful communications tools, graphics, etc.

Confirmed Leaders, Roles and Qualifications

Jim Buizer is Professor and Research Scientist, School of Natural Resources and the Environment; and Director for Climate Adaptation and International Development, Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona.  He has 20 years of experience as a program manager at NOAA; a decade of experience in administrative roles and as a principal investigator at ASU and UA; and a great sense of humor.

Kathy Jacobs is Director of the Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions at the University of Arizona, where she is also a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Soil, Water and Environmental Science Department.  She is the former director of the US National Climate Assessment.

Missy Stults has her doctorate from the University of Michigan and is a nationally known adaptation consultant.  She previously worked for ICLEI USA, Local Governments for Sustainability.  She also is a funny person.

Brief description of the workshop

This workshop builds personal and professional skills, including modes of communication in a post-fact world.   Participants will engage in discussions about facts vs evidence vs. perceptions; connecting science and decision-making and changing narratives; and building a career in the “new normal.”  The workshop will culminate with storytelling: mini-Ted talk presentations.