Advanced Certificate in Climate Change Communication for Urban Planners
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in climate change communication and the lead instructor for the new course, "Advanced Certificate in Climate Change Communication for Urban Planners." Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about why effective communication is so crucial for urban planning in the context of climate change? GUEST: Absolutely, it's essential to translate complex climate science into accessible narratives for diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and inaction, which is detrimental when addressing climate change challenges. HOST: That makes sense. Can you share any current trends or challenges in the field that this course addresses? GUEST: Certainly. There's growing recognition of the importance of visual communication and data storytelling to influence urban planning decisions. Risk communication and public participation are also becoming more critical as communities face climate change impacts. This course equips learners with these essential skills and strategies. HOST: That sounds incredibly relevant. Now, what would you say are some common challenges students face when learning to communicate complex climate information effectively? GUEST: One challenge is finding the right balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility. It's important to maintain the integrity of the science while ensuring that messages resonate with various audiences. The course helps students develop this crucial skill through real-world examples and practical exercises. HOST: That's great to hear. Finally, how do you envision the future of climate change communication in urban planning, and how does this course prepare students for that future? GUEST: I believe that climate change communication will become even more integral to urban planning as the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent. This course prepares students to be leaders in climate-conscious urban development by providing them with the tools and expertise needed to effectively communicate and address climate change challenges. HOST: Dr. Jane Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing valuable insights about the new "Advanced Certificate in Climate Change Communication for Urban Planners." To our listeners, explore the program details and enroll today to elevate your skills in this critical area.
