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A comparative study of frames and narratives identified within scientific press releases on ocean climate change and ocean plastic
Summary
Researchers analyzed over 300 scientific press releases about ocean climate change and ocean plastic pollution to understand how research institutions communicate these topics to the public. They found that ocean plastic stories tended to focus on health risks and actionable solutions, while ocean climate change stories emphasized environmental and economic consequences. The study reveals that how scientific issues are framed in press releases shapes public understanding and engagement with these environmental challenges.
To understand how scientific institutions communicate about ocean climate change and ocean plastic research, 323 press releases published between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed. A clustering method revealed 4 ocean climate change- and 5 ocean plastic frames that were analyzed qualitatively. Ocean plastic was presented as a biological and health issue, placing an emphasis on solutions and society's obligation to implement them. Ocean climate change was framed as environmental and socio-economic problem, highlighting politics' responsibility for mitigation. Narratives were only used to personify science and represent scientists, indicating that future press releases could include more social dimensions to engage audiences in ocean issues.
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