More scientists should enter the climate change discussion, say five climate communication professionals who paused for a few minutes at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting to advocate for broader participation from scientists. In the latest AGU video seen here, each shared a few thoughts on the importance of speaking up and on preparing ahead in order to make a connection with general audiences. Here are their top tips from the video:

1. Take responsibility and talk about climate change.
2. Know your audience.
3. Explain what we know and why it matters.
4. Keep it simple.
5. Be passionate!

To read the full story, go to: http://blogs.agu.org/sciencecommunication/2013/02/25/agu-video-speak-up-about-climate-change-science-communicators-say/

Soundbites provided by:

Susan Joy Hassol
Climate Communication
Director

Richard C. J. Somerville
University of California, San Diego
Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Research Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Katharine Hayhoe
Texas Tech University
Associate professor in the Department of Political Science and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University

James Balog
Extreme Ice Survey
Founder and Director, Extreme Ice Survey and Creative Director, Earth Vision Trust

Hunter Cutting
Climate Nexus
Director of Strategic Communications