Teachers and the communication of climate change science: a critical partnership in Australia

Climate change science is part of the Australian National Curriculum. Understanding current perceptions of climate change among pre-service teachers and the Australian public is important for designing effective teacher training on climate change communication. This study employed a survey to examine self-reported knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards climate change among adults (n=1240) and pre-service teachers (n=156) in regional Australia. Results highlight knowledge and understanding gaps of climate change science in pre-service teachers and mistrust of sources of climate change information in the general public. Implications of these findings are discussed within the context of teacher training and climate science communication. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Academic World Education and Research Center.