Public Health Framing of Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities

The public health community faces significant challenges in communicating about climate change to the American public. Although the majority of Americans have become aware of climate change, there is little recognition or concern with the potentially devastating public health consequences associated with climate change such as, drowning, heat stress, respiratory complications, and infectious diseases. Furthermore, the underlying science of climate change is complex and probabilistic, making it difficult to convey information clearly and accurately, while keeping your audience attending. In addition, unlike many other health issues, the benefits associated with climate change prevention and preparedness efforts may largely accrue to the community or future generations rather than the individual. In an effort to address these communication challenges, the CDC's NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication is conducting audience research to identify potential strategies, messengers, and channels for communicating about climate change. This presentation will discuss the challenges and potential opportunities for public health framing and the findings to date from this research agenda.