| This thesis is a synthesis of a research project that explored the issue of climate change communication in the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve (RMBR). Climate change has become an increasingly important environmental issue that has gained wide public awareness over the past fifteen years. Yet, despite the overwhelming multi-disciplinary research, policy efforts, and public education and communications on the issue, there has not been appreciable improvement in public understanding of the potential impacts of climate change and actions that can be taken. There is also a shortage of evaluative research conducted to determine the attributes of effective communications with adult learners. This study identified perspectives on the climate change issue among selected adult learners; developed and evaluated a climate change information program; established the effectiveness of the program in communicating climate change information with adults; identified potential barriers to communication; and, suggested tools and methods for improved communication of climate change information with adult learners. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). |
