Climate Matters produces free weekly climate reporting materials in English and Spanish, localized for 245+ U.S. cities and media markets. Each week, we provide data analysis, localized graphics, science explainers, and other reporting resources on timely topics. Our media partners and others use these materials to tell science-based stories about how climate change impacts local communities, and solutions to limit warming.
During the pilot, WXLT's Jim Gandy showed how climate change affects Columbia, South Carolina.
Our history
Knowing that TV meteorologists are among the most trusted local science communicators, Climate Matters began in 2010 as a National Science Foundation-funded pilot project in partnership with George Mason University. AMS, NASA, NOAA and Climate Communication later also became Climate Matters partners.
Our growth
Following the successful pilot, Climate Matters launched as a full-time program in 2012. We’ve produced 560+ weekly bulletins and 70,000+ localized graphics since then. We also engage a global network of TV weather presenters and media through special projects, content support, and workshops.
The Climate Matters network has snowballed, with TV broadcasts increasing 100x in ten years.
3000+
Meteorologists and journalists
Climate Matters launched in 2012 with just 12 meteorologists.
200+
U.S. locations
Climate Matters reaches audiences in every U.S. media market.
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
Impact of the Climate Matters Program on Public Understanding of Climate Change (October 2020)
Climate Matters is a localized climate change reporting resources program developed to support television (TV) weathercasters across the United States. Developed as a pilot test in one media market in 2010, it launched nationwide in 2013; in the autumn of 2019 more than 797 weathercasters were participating in the program. In this paper we present evidence of the impact of the Climate Matters program on Americans’ science-based understanding of climate change.
Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society
Impact of the Climate Matters Program on Public Understanding of Climate Change (October 2020)
Climate Matters is a localized climate change reporting resources program developed to support television (TV) weathercasters across the United States. Developed as a pilot test in one media market in 2010, it launched nationwide in 2013; in the autumn of 2019 more than 797 weathercasters were participating in the program. In this paper we present evidence of the impact of the Climate Matters program on Americans’ science-based understanding of climate change.
See more peer-reviewed researchQuestions or ideas about Climate Matters? Reach out to Bernadette Woods Placky at bplacky@climatecentral.org.