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Best Practices

Reporting + Editing

Attribution Science: Communicating the Link Between Extreme Weather and Climate Change

Friday, September 12, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Area of Focus: Climate
Attribution science is an emerging field that uses data and modeling to determine whether — and by how much — climate change influenced a specific extreme weather event. From heatwaves to hurricanes, it provides journalists with scientifically grounded language to explain how a warming planet is shaping the increasingly severe disasters their communities face.

In this workshop, journalists will learn how attribution science works, why it can significantly strengthen climate disaster reporting, and how to apply it in real time. Facilitated by Metcalf Institute and two scientists working in the field, this session will equip participants with tools and resources to make the climate connection with nuance and credibility.