From forest fires to floods, Canadians are not immune to the ever-worsening effects of the climate crisis. Despite the worsening effects of extreme weather – fueled by climate change – pollution from planet-warming greenhouse gases continues to grow both in Canada and around the world.
But why is it so difficult to engage people, organizations, and policymakers on the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of our changing climate?
BCIT launched a new 12-week, Flexible Learning course Environmental and Climate News and Analysis (BCST 1510) that explores this question through the ways that people talk about the climate emergency. The course examines the social psychology of climate change with a focus on climate and environmental news and analysis.
In this course, Dr. Kamyar Razavi, a climate change journalist and veteran television news producer, will teach learners how to construct environmental news stories for impact, as well as how to develop messages that engage stakeholders on issues pertaining to climate change, environment and sustainability.
“For many years, the assumption by policymakers and even the scientific community has been that if the public were just to learn about the science of global warming, that concern about this issue, along with pro-environmental behaviours and actions, would follow,” says Dr. Kamyar Razavi, who is teaching the course this fall. “But this ‘information-deficit’ view of climate science overlooks the need for how we tell stories that engage the public on environmental issues. We are only now learning ways to do that well.”
The course will also examine the environmental and energy policy landscape in Canada, including ways to describe (and show) energy transition in action. The course is taught through a transnational and global lens. In that spirit, environmental issues, challenges – and solutions – from around the world will be discussed.
Who is this course for?
In prioritizing the need for strong climate change communicators and ecologically-conscious thinkers, the Environmental and Climate News and Analysis course is designed to drive meaningful impact. It caters to a wide range of participants, including science and engineering students, news consumers, and professionals who want to promote environmental action within their organizations. The course also serves policymakers, journalists, and scientists who seek to enhance their expertise and influence in climate-related issues.
Learn more about the Environmental and Climate News and Analysis course, starting September 12.
The course is delivered in-person with two sessions being offered online (October 28 and November 28).