Sunday, November 22, 2009

ONGOING COVERAGE: WSU REPORTING PROJECT: WARMING

A note to readers

December 13, 2008

When we began this project at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, I wanted students to explore an intersection between science and public policy.

As journalists, we are particularly interested in how scientific research might be applied to the lives of farmers, homeowners and taxpayers in the Inland Northwest. We decided on one of the most contentious topics: climate change.

This series is not meant to be an exhaustive examination of the topic. It is simply too broad and rich to be addressed by a handful of students in one short semester.

ADVERTISEMENT

Instead, we attempted to break this discussion into manageable pieces – how climate may affect wildfires, energy, farming, even a glass of Merlot on your dinner table.

The stories include a mix of both popular and scientific viewpoints; in places, you’ll find those views at nearly opposite poles. To the extent possible, I attempted to remove myself from this debate, asking students to examine the best available evidence and make their own journalistic decisions. Yet I also attempted to challenge their findings and decisions. Let me be clear: This is their project.

However, I stand by their work as an honest, thoughtful attempt to examine the issue. We expect criticism; in fact, we welcome it. But we hope that this series will continue the discussion in the Inland Northwest, rather than result in hard and fast conclusions.

Regardless of your personal views, we hope you will find stories of interest in this project.Please feel free to share your feedback by e-mailing me at bshors [at] wsu.edu.

Benjamin Shors
Clinical Assistant Professor