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GEOG 417Climate Change Communication

Units
0.50
Faculty
Environment
Subject
Geography and Environmental Management

When it runs

  1. F24
  2. W25
  3. S25
  4. F25
  5. W26
  6. S26
  7. F26
  8. W27
  9. S27

Ran in 2 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 2 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.

Climate change is a complex phenomenon at the intersection of social and ecological systems. An understanding of the fundamental science of climate change is only part of the challenge; evidence-based decision-making depends on communicating science effectively, and engaging diverse perspectives. Effective communication also helps to uncover the deeper differences in worldviews that may give rise to disagreements about how to respond. This course introduces the fundamentals of climate change communication, moving from linear to dynamic, context-dependent models of communication that draw directly from our knowledge of climate change. We explore the various audiences with whom climate change communicators might engage, strategies for addressing misinformation, and specific communication tools that help to connect science to action.

Prerequisites

  • Complete all of the following
    • Must have completed at least 1 of the following:
      • GEOG207 - Climate Change Fundamentals (0.50)
      • SCI205 - Climate Change Fundamentals (0.50)
    • Students must be in level 3A or higher

Antirequisites

  • Not completed nor concurrently enrolled in any of the following:
    • COMMST479 - Media and Environment Communication (0.50)

Leads to

No course lists it as a requisite.

Winter 2027 sections

Enrolment from UW Open Data, which can trail Quest by up to two days. Instructors and rooms: Schedule of Classes.
SectionClassEnrolledMeets
LEC 00154560 / 50MW 14:30–15:50
LEC 701215028 / 9999Online or by arrangement

Reviewed on UW Flow

100% liked it67% easy92% useful

From 3 ratings and 1 comment on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.

  • I'm grateful that CEC programming requires this course. It's quite different from our other physical science-based courses and requires you to look at climate change in a social science context. I think it's really important to consider this perspective as well. There are also plenty of practical skills that are taught like how to read articles and what communication strategies are most effective. Overall, quite a mixed bag in terms of what's covered but Seth does a good job!

    Apr 2026 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this

Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026

Calendar versions

Undergraduate Calendar