Media and The Story of Climate Change

Climate change is all over the media today, from the 24-hour news cycle to TV and movies. Many have experienced the effects of climate change in the sudden arrival of a heat spike or drenching rain; when spring flowers bloom early, or when winter snows arrive late. It seems the consequences are inescapable. Amid all the bad news, how do we hang onto hope? Does the news media make us feel worse?

Frank Sesno is joined by Sadie Babits, an environmental journalist and storyteller. As supervising climate editor at NPR and former president of the Society of Environmental Journalists, Babits knows firsthand the challenge of presenting climate crisis information in a clear and impactful manner. She shares her insight into public media’s shaping of stories to better reach consumers, shifts in public opinion regarding climate science, the book she is currently writing, and much more.