Every day, our team of Meteorologists works hard to bring you a thorough, researched report on the weather. Things are about to change around here when it comes to reporting climate.
Over the weekend, I participated in a climate change conference at the Field Museum with the help of the Tribune and McCormick Foundations. Scientists from all over the country converged on Chicago to present informative speeches on our changing climate and what we (Broadcast Meteorologists) should do about it. In attendance were fellow Meteorologists from TV stations in Milwaukee, Chicago, Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Toledo, and Quincy. All of us will be working together in the future to make sure the right information is being given out when it comes to climate change.
Consider this: Most people in our society are quite knowledgeable in the day to day Hollywood gossip but lack daily information on science. It’s not the fault of anyone. However local news, and more importantly local weather, is the #1 source of science information for everyone. It’s for this reason solely that we are starting the 13Climate Authority.
Many TV Meteorologists squabble when it comes to whether they want to be the “station scientist.” For many this is a valid point. When there’s an earthquake why does CNN turn to their Meteorologists for insight? They’re Meteorologists, not experts in plate tectonics. Even though they aren’t the experts on the subject, they use the information they know and broadcast that. The same holds true for us here at WREX. We know we’re not experts in climatology and that’s why we’re not doing the research! We are going to publish and air the research that scientists all across the globe come up with. And we will make sure what we report comes from unbiased sources. When possible we will even offer the contact information from the authors.
So this is all about giving you the right information when it comes to climate change.
While climate is not political, the way we combat any problems in the future will be. Politicians make policy. Are they making policies based on climate change today? No. Perhaps the reason is because the electorate in this country is unfamiliar with the subject. Our intent with the 13Climate Authority is to make you familiar with it by responsibly reporting the change in our climate.
It’s always been our goal that you should walk away with enough weather knowledge after you watch the 7 Day Outlook. The same will be said when it comes to climate. Just keep watching!
We’ll begin Wednesday…Earth Day.
Eric Sorensen, Chief Meteorologist
Posted under 13 Climate Authority
This post was written by Eric Sorensen on April 20, 2009
Eric, This is a great idea. How can anybody be expeted to do anything if they dont have to knowledege to be able to make an educated decision? I agree that the media will have to play a much larger role than in the past of educating the general population about climate change if we are to expect any significat changes in the attitude of the average citizen.
Hey, Eric, that’s GREAT news! Even though you aren’t climatologists, you are scientists. It’s always easier to understand and explain one type of science if you are actively involved in another –many of the research methods overlap, and you are used to evaluating concepts using the scientific method.
Bring it on
I’ll be looking forward to it!
Sounds like things went great! I hope more and more stations pitch in and help with educating people. If you’re asking me, the local media would be most effictive. Not everyone has cable or cares for network news. On the other hand everyone watches or listens to the local media to know what’s happening in their area. That makes it an even better way to reach more people.
If this program could use some volunteer help from the public I have plenty of spare time.