基于问卷调查的古气候科普内容创作能力提升探索

Enhancing content creation in paleoclimate science outreach: insights from a survey-based study

关键词:  古气候  科普  原创  调查问卷

Key words:  paleoclimate  science outreach  originality  questionnaire

摘要:

古气候研究在科学应对未来气候变化上具有重要作用，是理解未来气候变化的重要基础之一。为深入了解古气候科普创作现状及存在的问题，厘清读者兴趣、期望和要求，提出可行的策略举措，以更好地满足古气候领域科普读者的需求及科研工作者的科普创作，特针对古气候科普创作者和读者设计两套调查问卷，涵盖科普的内容侧重、表达形式、社会相关性等多个方面，并对问卷数据进行统计分析，结果表明：（1）读者对古气候相关的科普需求旺盛，期望的更新频率远高于创作人员，也有较高意愿辅助科研人员进行科普创作；（2）古气候学科特性需要专业科研人员广泛参与，目前科普创作者面临的挑战主要为时间和资源不足；（3）读者与创作者对科普内容、篇幅、表现形式等理念相近但略有不同，显示出良好的科普创作氛围与基础；（4）增加科普经费、举办专项培训、扩大合作范围等方式可充分调动古气候科研人员的科普创作热情与潜能。针对调查结果，提出五点建议以促进古气候科普内容创作能力提升，从而更好地传播古气候学基本知识，提高全球气候变化背景下大众的知识储备，引导大众合理对待气候、环境、可持续发展相关的社会问题及决策响应。

Abstract:

Background, aim, and scope Paleoclimate research plays a vital role in addressing future climate change and serves as a fundamental basis for comprehending the Earth’s climate system. To gain a deeper understanding of the current state and existing issues in paleoclimate science outreach, as well as to clarify the interests, expectations, and requirements of diverse audiences, we designed two sets of questionnaires for both paleoclimate researchers and readers. Materials and methods The questionnaires cover various aspects including content preference, presentation format, and social relevance. Results Statistical analysis of the survey data reveals that: (1) high demand for paleoclimate-related science outreach as readers expect a significantly higher frequency of updates than that preferred by content creators. Readers also expressed a strong willingness to assist researchers in science outreach efforts. (2) Paleoclimatology outreach requires the involvement of a diverse range of concerned researchers, however time and resource limitations pose significant challenges. (3) There is generally good alignment between readers and content creators regarding content, length, and presentation styles, despite minor differences, indicating a solid foundation and a positive environment for science outreach in paleoclimatology. (4) Increased funding, targeted training, and broader collaboration could effectively encourage paleoclimate researchers in science outreach activities. Discussion Paleoclimatology, as a highly interdisciplinary field intersecting with physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, presents unique challenges for effective science outreach. The complexity of its concepts complicates communication efforts to the public. It is essential to support scientific content creators with resources, funding, and time, while also establishing collaborative networks among scientists, educators, media workers and audiences. Even though the questionnaire is focused on paleoclimatology, the results may also be applicable to other fundamental scientific disciplines. Conclusions Based on the survey results, this study proposed 5 recommendations to enhance content creation in paleoclimatology outreach, aimed at improving knowledge communication with the public and supporting rational responses to environmental and sustainability issues as well as policies in the context of global climate change. Recommendations and perspectives Future studies will expand the scope of the survey to collect a broader range of responses, in order to further clarify the unique needs and improvement strategies of paleoclimate science outreach through quantitative analysis, such as the comparison of communication effectiveness among different formats, and qualitative evaluations including the examination of exemplary science outreach cases.