Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-852
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-852
20 Mar 2025
 | 20 Mar 2025

Broadcasting climate change: An international survey on weather communicators' approaches

Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

Abstract. This study explores the role of television meteorologists as key communicators of climate change across diverse global contexts. Utilizing a survey of 204 participants from 81 countries, it examines their perspectives, strategies, and challenges in addressing climate issues. Respondents, predominantly experienced professionals with meteorological and media expertise, highlighted the communicative potential of television weather segments, despite their brevity. Most participants reported strong climate knowledge, significant concern about its impacts, and reliance on trusted scientific sources like IPCC reports. Key barriers to effective communication included the complexity of climate science, misinformation, and limited public understanding. However, respondents identified strategies for improvement, such as tailored messaging, engaging visuals, and leveraging social media to reach younger audiences. Television emerged as the most impactful medium for raising awareness, complemented by print and digital platforms. The findings underscore the need for a global communication strategy emphasizing clear, actionable, and solutions-oriented messaging. By aligning international efforts with localized approaches, television meteorologists can play a pivotal role in bridging scientific insights and public engagement. This research highlights the critical importance of fostering informed societies, enacting national regulations, and advancing international agreements to drive collective action against climate change.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 Nov 2025
Broadcasting climate change: an international survey on weather communicators' approaches
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal
Geosci. Commun., 8, 371–377, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-8-371-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-8-371-2025, 2025
Short summary
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-852', Courtney Onstad, 03 Jun 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Tomas Molina, 06 Jul 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-852', Hans Olav Hygen, 17 Jun 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Tomas Molina, 06 Jul 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-852', Courtney Onstad, 03 Jun 2025
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Tomas Molina, 06 Jul 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-852', Hans Olav Hygen, 17 Jun 2025
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Tomas Molina, 06 Jul 2025

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (further review by editor) (23 Jul 2025) by Caitlyn Hall
AR by Tomas Molina on behalf of the Authors (28 Jul 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (further review by editor) (21 Oct 2025) by Caitlyn Hall
AR by Tomas Molina on behalf of the Authors (21 Oct 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes 
EF by Polina Shvedko (22 Oct 2025)  Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (22 Oct 2025) by Caitlyn Hall
ED: Publish as is (22 Oct 2025) by Kirsten v. Elverfeldt (Executive editor)
AR by Tomas Molina on behalf of the Authors (28 Oct 2025)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

11 Nov 2025
Broadcasting climate change: an international survey on weather communicators' approaches
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal
Geosci. Commun., 8, 371–377, https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-8-371-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-8-371-2025, 2025
Short summary
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal
Tomas Molina and Ernest Abadal

Viewed

Total article views: 824 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total Supplement BibTeX EndNote
624 176 24 824 21 21 40
  • HTML: 624
  • PDF: 176
  • XML: 24
  • Total: 824
  • Supplement: 21
  • BibTeX: 21
  • EndNote: 40
Views and downloads (calculated since 20 Mar 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 20 Mar 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 845 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 845 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 11 Nov 2025
Download

The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
This study examines TV meteorologists as key climate change communicators worldwide. A survey of 204 experts from 81 countries highlights their strategies and challenges. Despite barriers like scientific complexity, misinformation, and skepticism, respondents stress TV's impact. They support clear, solutions-oriented messaging, engaging visuals, and social media to enhance understanding, counter misinformation, and drive climate action effectively.
Share