Climate Central
Overview
Climate Central is an independent nonprofit organization that was founded in 2008 to meet the need for a central authoritative source for climate change information.
Climate Central scientists publish peer-reviewed research on climate science; energy; impacts such as sea level rise; climate attribution and more. But our work isn't confined to scientific journals. We investigate and synthesize weather and climate data and science to equip local communities and media with the tools they need to visualize the threat of climate change and the need for practical solutions.
Climate Central reaches the public through trusted messengers. Our TV Mets project provides local climate information to TV meteorologists based on our pioneering analysis and data visualization techniques.
Our independent research in climate science, impacts, and energy is designed to tell stories that stick and move the debate. We aggressively promote our work to mainstream and social media, targeting areas that are most affected.
Climate Central’s website covers climate as a journalistic “beat,” through news and feature stories, columns, blogs, podcasts, and interactive graphics aimed at showing Americans why climate change matters and how it affects them in their own backyards.
Climate Central's website also provides users with an interactive analysis of sea level rise across the United States with the Surging Seas page. Americans can understand the basics of sea level rise, see the projected effects of sea level rise on their home town and read the latest updates and news on the issue.
Climate change is tough to communicate, so we don’t just send our information out into the void and hope it sticks. We use proven social science methods to determine which messages work best with our viewers, and which messengers best engage the public, whether the receivers are common Americans or adaptation practitioners. We objectively evaluate our work using clear measures of comprehension, acceptance and retention. We then share this information with the broader community to ensure the most effective public outreach campaigns.