University of San Diego
IN-2: Innovation 2

The Climate Education Partners is a project funded by the National Science Foundation to study the views, values and perspectives of leaders regarding climate change and its impacts on the region. The goal of the project is to develop a strategic plan for effectively communicating climate science and policy with the public. The completed strategic plan will be incorporated into a proposal for additional funding by the National Science Foundation for implementation. Project Vision The overall vision of the project is to fill a void in climate science education by: Creating and expanding an innovative and interdisciplinary partnership. Assessing current climate change knowledge in the San Diego region. Collaboratively developing a strategic plan to shift climate change knowledge and behavior in the San Diego region. Approach The Partnership has chosen an innovative approach by involving regional leaders in an ongoing dialogue about climate change and its impacts. This effort is meant to inform the development of an effective strategic plan which can impact the short- to mid-term by increasing awareness of climate-related issues among the general public in the San Diego region and empowering decision-makers to support climate-friendly policies. Purpose The Climate Education Partners is developing a theory-based climate change education and communication program that empowers San Diego regional leaders and their community members to make changes that will enable San Diegans to adapt to and lessen the impact of climate change in our region. With the support of the National Science Foundation, local scientists from the University of San Diego, California State University, San Marcos, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in partnership with The San Diego Foundation and The Steve Alexander Group, are working together with community leaders to create a climate education movement with innovative and targeted messages for the groups they represent in the San Diego region.