In recent years, many researchers and advocates have noted the potential
of religious groups and institutions to leverage their significant
influence in favor of addressing environmental challenges. However, in
the United States, many scientists struggle to communicate the
implications of their work on climate change with faith communities who
may be skeptical of both climate science and scientists. Recent polls
from the Pew Research Center show that white evangelical Protestants are
the least likely to believe climate change is caused by human activity
and the most likely to assert that there is no solid scientific support
for a changing climate. However, the full picture is more nuanced than
can be captured in a news headline or polling survey, and evangelical
Christiantiy is a diverse movement that is also found at the forefront
of enviornmental and climate science and action. Drawing on more than
six years of experience working on climate science communication and
climate action solutions among fellow evangelicals in the United States,
this presentation highlights best practices for communicating climate
science to faith communities. Showcasing examples of work advanced
through the Evangelical Environmental Network, Young Evangelicals for
Climate Action, and PBS Global Weirding series with Dr. Katharine
Hayhoe, I present a hopeful view of efforts to communicate climate
change in a way that intentionally and genuinely connects with people's
values, and ultimately motivates action. Additionally, this presentation
discusses the challenges of and opportunities for engaging communities
of faith as scientists with a different or no faith affiliation.