Abstract

This chapter assesses the dynamic, multi-directional communication processes between the media, science, policy makers and publics, with a particular emphasis on climate change. The authors stress the need to consider shifting communication modes, with the decline in specialised environment reporting in traditional mass media outlets and the rise in digital and social media. They examine how these shifts affect the quality and quantity of coverage or public awareness and engagement and influence the distribution and power of ‘claims makers’, including the attribution of expertise. When it comes to the connections between media communication and environmental policy outcomes, research shows that ‘more’ coverage can boost the saliency of issues but that the form and style of coverage affects beliefs about the efficacy of action.