Meteorologist Figure Out How to Discuss Climate Change

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 -- 12:00 PM

(By Jonah Beleckis, Wisconsin Public Radio) Bob Lindmeier knew how to report the weather.

According to Jonah Beleckis with Wisconsin Public Radio, when the studio lights and cameras turned on, the longtime meteorologist felt ready to help Wisconsinites prepare for the day or days ahead, pleasant skies or pending storms.

After about 20 years on the job, however, Lindmeier noticed more unusual weather events and more concern among climate scientists. He also saw a growing disconnect between what his viewers knew about climate change and how they felt about it.

Informing people about climate change could be a public service. But he was nervous. "It was like my first weather report that I had ever done," he said. "That’s how much out of my comfort zone I was, at least to start out."

Over time, Lindmeier grew more at ease talking about climate change during routine weather reports. He found resources aimed at helping meteorologists.

He received support from station managers and is now the senior chief meteorologist at WKOW-TV in Madison. On Wisconsin Public Radio’s "The Morning Show," Lindmeier recently joined other meteorologists to discuss the challenges covering climate change and how to overcome barriers.

Studies suggest meteorologists can be influential in public opinion of climate change. A decade ago, Yale researchers found weathercaster-delivered climate change education can have positive effects on TV viewers.

Lindmeier said covering climate change is important. That means meteorologists need to be thoughtful about how it’s done. "It’s very important," he said. "How you message."

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