A new guide from Future Climate for Africa highlights two approaches researchers use  to communicate climate projections, and the associated uncertainties, in west and southern African contexts. These approaches include:
1. Presenting traditional scientific data visuals using slide-sets
2. Climate risk narratives or stories about possible futures, co-produced between stakeholders and researchers

The guide includes recommendations for how best to incorporate these approaches into wider stakeholder engagement processes and contexts, and the constraints and opportunities associated with each approach. It also provides ‘good practice’ guidelines for communicating uncertainty and signposts further resources on the topic for communicators of climate science.

The guidelines recommend considering the ‘MADE’ principle (Message, Audience, Design, Evaluation) when communicating scientific evidence. This principle can also be applied in efforts to improve communication by enhancing the relevance and accessibility of information, supporting trust, informing the choice of communication formats, and fostering co-production.

The guide draws on emerging learning and a research framework developed by the University of East Anglia (UEA), together with practical experience and research conducted by the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis-2050 (AMMA-2050) and Future Resilience for African CiTies And Lands (FRACTAL) research projects under the Future Climate for Africa (FCFA) programme.

Download the guide: Approaches to communicating climate uncertainty

Photo: Future Climate for Africa