Millones de estadounidenses aprenden información crítica sobre el medio ambiente de personas en que confían – meteorólogos – a través del Earth Gauge, un programa de la National Environmental Education Foundation. A través de la iniciativa Calibrando La Tierra, lanzado más temprano este año, el programa ofrece la misma información práctica y basada en la ciencia para meteorólogos hispanohablantes y sus televidentes con consejos traducidos. Lanzando con tres canales de televisión hispanohablantes en febrero del 2011, Calibrando La Tierra ha crecido a 16 canales en los mayores mercados de medios de comunicación urbanos en los Estados Unidos.

Como parte del Mes de la Hispanidad, NEEF acudió a los meteorólogos recibiendo información de Calibrando La Tierra para decirnos porque es tan importante compartir información del medio ambiente y del clima con sus televidentes. Ésto es lo que tenían que decir.

Luis Carrera – Telemundo Miami – Tratando  nuestra  creciente huella ecológica

“Es importante transmitir información sobre el medioambiente a nuestros televidentes porque es necesario que ellos se den cuenta de que hay un proceso irreversible que esta ocurriendo en nuestro planeta. Debido al aumento de la población mundial y a la mayor aparicion de nuevas tecnologías (que requieren más y más energia), el daño que las personas le estamos provocando a nuestra tierra es cada vez mayor. Esto está generando cambios que no son naturales, lo que trae como consecuencia un desgaste del planeta. Al informar y educar a nuestros telespectadores, ellos pueden tomar conciencia de estos hechos, aprender y ayudar a prevenir, para asi evitar mas problemas en el futuro.”

Carlos Robles – Univision Houston – Informar a los televidentes sobre el tiempo y el cambio climático

“Son miles los hispanos que llegan a este país de localidades donde las condiciones del tiempo no son tan dinámicas como en los Estados Unidos.  Por tanto, ofrecerle un informe del tiempo detallado que ponga al descubierto como mitigar mejor los daños causados por los distintos eventos atmosféricos que afectan el territorio norteamericano es nuestra responsabilidad. La información provista por Calibrando la Tierra la usamos para concientizar a la ciudadanía sobre cómo proteger nuestros recursos naturales y le explicamos a los televidentes la importancia de conocer que la tierra es un ser vivo si muere morimos todos.  De igual forma utilizamos los artículos de Calibrando la Tierra para mostrarle a los televidentes como el planeta se está comportando ante los cambios en temperaturas que estamos sufriendo.

“La respuesta de nuestra audiencia es increíble con la información que le brindamos sobre el comportamiento de nuestra atmosfera y los efectos en la ciudadanía.  Los residentes hispanos entienden lo peligrosas que se pueden tornar las condiciones en el tiempo de un momento a otro.  Durante mis cuatro años aquí en Houston he visto como los residentes hispanos interesan saber más sobre los peligros que pudieran enfrentar en caso de un huracán, tornado o tormentas eléctricas severas.  Su interés siempre ha sido saber cómo tener el mejor  plan de acción para proteger sus vidas y las de sus familiares.  Incluso los temas sobre cambio climático y como estos pueden tener repercusiones en la calidad de vida de cada ciudadano a comenzado en nuestra audiencia a tener un auge increíble.  Entiendo que la interrogante de muchos es: ¿Cómo un aumento en temperaturas podrá afectar mi vida y que puedo yo hacer para detener estos cambios climáticos?”

Andrea Romero – Telemundo New York – Discutiendo temas que impactan la vida de los televidentes

“Como un medio de noticias, es nuestra responsabilidad informarle a nuestros televidentes sobre los temas que pueden tener un impacto directo sobre sus vidas. Por eso es tan importante que junto con las noticias sociales, económicas, y políticas, nuestros noticieros tambien contengan infomación correcta e actualizada sobre el medio ambiente y el clima. De esta manera, nuestros televidentes estan conscientes de los cambios o peligros que pueden estar ocurriendo y ellos pueden tomar una decision educada sobre qué tipo de acción, si alguna, pueden tomar para protejersen a ellos mismos, sus familias, comunidades, y hasta quizás el mundo entero.”

Mirar la entrevista de Andrea con Earth Gauge (en inglés)

Calibrando La Tierra es una asociación con ClimaData Corporation, una empresa consultora de pronósticos meteorólogos privada que provee traducciones expertas para medios de comunicación hispanohablantes.

Calibrando La Tierra se ha hecho posible gracias a TogetherGreen, una alianza de conservación de Audubon y Toyota, y la Kendeda Foundation.

Spanish-Language Weathercasters Provide Critical Environmental Information to Their Viewers

Millions of Americans learn critical environmental information from people they trust – weathercasters – through the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Earth Gauge program.  Through the Calibrando La Tierra initiative launched earlier this year, the program offers the same practical, science-based information for Spanish-language weathercasters and their viewers with translated tips. Launching with three Spanish-language television stations in February 2011, Calibrando La Tierra has grown to 16 stations in major urban media markets across the United States.

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, NEEF turned to the weathercasters receiving Calibrando La Tierra information to tell us why it’s so important to share environmental and climate information with their viewers.  Here’s what they had to say.

Luis Carrera – Telemundo Miami – Addressing our Growing Ecological Footprint

“Transmitting information to our viewers about the environment is important because it is necessary that they realize that there is an irreversible process presently occurring on our planet.  Due to the ever increasing population around the world and to the use of technological advances, which require more and more energy, the ecological footprint that people are leaving behind on Earth is greater every day.  This is causing unnatural changes that will eventually result in a deteriorating planet.  Informing and educating our viewers of such [changes] will make them more aware of their actions and show them how to help prevent further deterioration.  This in the end should help avoid future problems on Earth.”

Carlos Robles – Univision Houston - Informing Viewers about Weather and Climate Change

“There are thousands of Hispanics who come to this country from places where weather conditions are not as dynamic as in the United States. Therefore, it is our responsibility to provide a detailed weather report that shows how to better mitigate damage from individual weather events that affect North America. We use the information provided by Calibrando La Tierra to inform the public about protecting our natural resources and explain to viewers the importance of knowing that the earth is alive – if the earth dies, we all die. Similarly, we use Calibrando La Tierra items to show viewers how the planet is responding to changes in temperatures we are experiencing.

“The response of our audience to the information we provide about the behavior of our atmosphere and the effects on citizens in amazing. Hispanic residents understand that weather conditions may turn dangerous at any moment. During my four years here in Houston, I have seen Hispanic residents interested in knowing more about the dangers they may face in the event of a hurricane, tornado or severe thunderstorm. Their interest has always been to know how to have the best plan of action to protect their lives and their families. Even climate change issues and how these may impact the quality of life of every citizen in our audience have started to have an incredible upswing. I understand that the question of many is: How may an increase in temperature affect my life and what can I do to stop these climate changes?”

Andrea Romero – Telemundo New York – Discussing Issues that Impact Viewers’ Lives

“As a news media organization, it is our responsibility to inform our viewers on issues that directly impact their lives. That is why it is so important that along with all the social, economic and political news, our newscasts also contain accurate and up to date environmental  and climate information. This way our viewers are made aware of  any changes or dangers that might be occurring and they can make an educated decision as to what type of action, if any, they can take to protect themselves, their families, their communities and perhaps even the world.”

Watch Andrea’s interview with Earth Gauge.

Calibrando La Tierra is a partnership with ClimaData Corporation, a private weather forecasting and consulting firm that is providing expert translations for Spanish-language media.

Calibrando La Tierra is made possible by TogetherGreen, a conservation alliance of Audubon and Toyota, and the Kendeda Foundation.

Visit WSET.com and view Sean’s bio to learn more about his work.

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

How do you use Earth Gauge? Which topics or materials have you found helpful?

Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information?

What advice would you give to broadcasters who have no yet covered science and environmental stories?

What’s your favorite thing about your job as a broadcast meteorologist?

Visit KRDO.com and view Matt’s bio to learn more about Matt’s work in southern Colorado.

How do you see the role of “station scientist” at your station? How does your role as broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

Its logical in most newsrooms that the meteorologist is the “station scientist.” I embrace it. Who else is going to do it, the investigative reporter? The consumer specialist? Compared to most reporters and anchors that have extensive journalism, broadcasting, writing and literature course work, the meteorologist has often had additional physical science and even life science courses in his or her academic history to qualify them as such. For me specifically, I took several geology courses in college as electives. Thus, it’s very easy for my newsroom to turn to me for some immediate information and impact analysis during earthquakes, mudslides, volcanoes or other natural disasters that may happen in our backyard or around the world. When these events become news, its my job to approach the newsroom with information and graphics that I can add to their coverage. I tend to be proactive about it versus waiting for them to come to me and that’s how my role as the meteorologist goes beyond the daily forecast.

Tell us about “The Colorado Weather Book.” How are you educating youth about Colorado’s weather and environment?

Why is it so important to communicate with youth about weather and weather safety?

Being the father of young children, my perspective on this has changed in the last five years. At some point, you have to realize that a kid is going to be in a situation that requires them to make a decision regarding their own safety when Mom and Dad aren’t around. For example, they could be walking home from school with a developing thunderstorm overhead. With our 14,110 foot thunderstorm generating machine (Pikes Peak) sitting 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs as the crow flies, we often do the “blue sky to mature thunderstorm in 20 minutes” thing during summer afternoons. If we can help arm them with some simple tools to understand that a storm is developing and they should get inside, what a gift to give them. When I visit elementary schools, I stress two simple safety things so that I don’t overwhelm them. First, I explain why it’s important to pay attention to the sky around them. Second, I teach them “When thunder roars, go indoors” that the National Weather Service preaches. In my mind, that will keep them safe from most, if not all, thunderstorm threats.

Which Earth Gauge materials have you used? How have you found these resources useful?

I’ve used quite a few of the resources that Earth Gauge makes available. The weekly emails pointing to different information on the website often end up as points of discussion on my work Facebook page or in cross talk with anchors. I’ve occasionally used them on the station website, too. I’ve downloaded the Climate Change PowerPoint presentation that I use parts of when a community group would like me to speak on that. During the recent Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, the special Earth Gauge email that was sent out pointed me to visuals that I didn’t have time to look for and ended up incorporating into my newscasts that day.

What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?

Our biggest environmental issue is how we as humans affect the natural environment. Jutting up against National Forest on the west side of Colorado Springs means several issues result. We have a large number of people heading into these areas for physical activity and recreation on a pretty routine basis. We have some areas, there is a shooting range up on the Rampart Range in particular, where humans have literally destroyed the area with littering and a simple lack of respect for the environment. We’ve covered that extensively over the last two years as it’s currently shut down. In addition, wildfire risk is a significant concern for many residents, as their homes jut up against the wildland interface in the foothills, so we also spend a lot of time talking about fire mitigation projects when we’re out in the community and during broadcasts on an almost yearly basis.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

I’m so blessed to live where I do. I can drive to the top of Pikes Peak in 40 minutes from my front door or I can be at the trail head to hike up it in less than 20 minutes. I can ride a bike into the Pike National Forest in about 15 minutes for awesome singletrack mountain biking trails. Within an hour or so I can be on the slopes of some of the best skiing in the world during winter and white water rafting in the spring. Like many fellow Colorado residents, my answer is it really doesn’t matter where as there are so many choices. From our 52 14,000 foot-plus peaks to our National Grasslands on the eastern plains and our beautiful canyons and mesas on the western slope, it’s tough to beat Colorado for being outdoors.

How and why have you taken on the role of “Station Scientist?”

What types of materials have you used so far, either from Earth Gauge or other sources?

What are some of the topics you cover?

How have your viewers responded to this information?

What advice would you give to broadcasters who have not yet covered science and environmental stories:

What do you like about your job?

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

It wasn’t so much a conscious decision as it was a necessity.  The vast majority of the people I work with have journalism backgrounds, but little or no science background … So, whenever science makes the news, and the station needs someone to explain it, they turn to the only people in the building with a science background — the meteorologists … It’s just a natural fit.

The same is true in the classrooms, especially the elementary schools.  Elementary school teachers have a tough job!!  Not only do they have to they have to perform every role from counselor to peace officer, they have to know something about every subject and know how to explain it.  That doesn’t necessarily give them time to become experts in a particular science.  So, when they need an expert in a particular science, they turn to the one they know.  I obviously get a lot of requests to explain weather to students.  I also get requests to explain everything from climate change to water pollution, and in one case at least, even the evolution of species in a changing climate.  I must admit I had to read up on that last one!

How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

The Climate Facts and the Climate In the News sections are very helpful.  It’s hard to keep up with a constantly changing science so its very valuable to have someone put the latest news and info right at your fingertips.  The quick facts I mention on the air every chance I get.  But, since we are almost always short on time in the newscast, I save the more detailed info for blogs on the station’s website.  I often copy the links right from the Earth Gauge e-mail into a blog.

Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information? What impact do you think Earth Gauge has made in your audience’s knowledge and understanding of the local environment?

When it comes to the audience, I often get an e-mail or two when I mention anything related to climate change on-air or blog about it on the station’s website … Often I point them to links I got from Earth Gauge or forward them Earth Gauge information.

As for the students, I LOVE the “thank you” notes I often get.  Its especially rewarding when they say something like “I learned a lot and now I always recycle.”  Or, even better, “I told my parents what I learned and now the whole family recycles.”

What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?

Water pollution is a big issue in Florida!  We get tropical downpours on a daily basis in the summer and massive fish kills are common in area lakes.  I don’t get a chance to talk about it much on TV until its too late.  So, I try to talk about it with school kids as often as I can.  I borrow a model called the “Enviroscape” from the local county stormwater division to illustrate the point.  Its a model of a neighborhood.  The students sprinkle various food items on the model to represent things like fertilizer, trash and pesticides.  Then we have them spray the model with water.  The water washes into a depression in the model forming a lake and carries all of the food bits along the way.  It creates a disgusting concoction that gets an immediate reaction from the students.  They get the point fast!

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

Florida is a great place to connect with nature and its hard to pick a favorite!  In the summer months, its hard to beat the pristine natural beauty of the Canaveral National Seashore.  In the cooler months (relatively speaking), I love to go to Blue Springs State Park.  The natural spring water stays a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round.  If the surrounding waters get too cool in the winter, Manatees flock there in the hundreds to stay warm.  Its an amazing sight!  In the mild months, a hike along the Florida National Scenic Trail or any of the county’s trails is always invigorating … There is never a shortage of wildlife sightings — sometime too close for comfort!

Photo courtesy of My Fox Orlando.

How do you see the role of “Station Scientist” at your station, and how have you taken on that role?

How do you use Earth Gauge?

What are some of the earth science, general science or environmental stories that you typically cover?

Do you notice increased response from the public when you cover science-related crises [such as the Gulf oil spill]?

Are there any local resources (natural resources office, botanic garden, etc.) that you and your news team can use to cover science stories in your area?

Where do you use most of this information — on air, online, social networking?

What advice would you give for a broadcaster who has not yet embraced the Station Scientist role?

What does ‘Station Scientist’ mean to you? What are some of the science stories you have covered?

Where do you go for trusted science information?

In the bigger picture, what is the goal of the AMS Committee on the Station Scientist?

What are some of the obstacles that keep broadcast meteorologists from taking on that role? What advice would you give to someone who would like to take on that role, but hasn’t yet “jumped in?”

How do you fit Earth Gauge or other environmental and climate stories into the weathercast or newscast?

What is your vision of the role of a “Station Scientist,” and how have you taken that on at your station?

How have you used Earth Gauge materials?

Why do you think there is a specific need for your audience — for a Hispanic audience — to learn more about health and environmental issues? Why did you decide to fill this role?

Jennifer uses Earth Gauge information in the Living Green segments of CBS4′s Project Green Colorado:

Read Jennifer’s bio to learn more about her work.

How did you first hear about the AMS Station Scientist initiative, and why did you decide to fill the role of “Station Scientist?”

Years ago, I attended the national AMS [American Meteorological Society] conference in Seattle, where I heard a lot of discussions about the role that meteorologists could play in their newsrooms.

I’ve been covering science/environmental stories for more than 15 years — it just seemed natural for me to ask my news director if I could take on this role. While the idea isn’t new that meteorologist can be tapped as the Station Scientist, I think with the recent changes in climate patterns and more awareness about our Earth, news management teams across the country are looking to us to address what’s going on.

As a Station Scientist, what challenges have you encountered in presenting scientific topics to your viewers?

I think one of the biggest challenges is making sure the information is accurate and balanced. Another challenge we are faced with is finding ways to make the the story easy to understand when the information is complicated.

Which Earth Gauge materials have you used and how have you found them helpful?

The weekly newsletters have been a great resource. They provide me with timely information that pertains to our area and help me to come up with ideas for a weekly segment on the web for our The CBS4 Project Green Colorado section.

Why do you think that providing environmental information to your viewers is important? What has been your viewers’ response to increased scientific/environmental content?

We are lucky in Denver and the state of Colorado because the folks who live here are eco-friendly and environmentally savvy. They are eager to find ways to save money and to look for ways to protect our Earth by just changing things they do in their daily lives. We’ve seen increased traffic to our website when we cover certain types of environmental stories.

Can you explain the partnership between CBS4 and The Wildlife Experience? How does it educate Denver-area youth about weather and the environment?

CBS4 is a proud partner of The Wildlife Experience, an educational and entertaining museum that connects visitors with wildlife and habitats in a fun learning environment. Earlier this year, CBS4 worked closely with The Wildlife Experience on the opening of their major expansion called Globeology … [in which] visitors can experience seven different biomes.

CBS4 and The Wildlife Experience also partner together to provide Project Green Weather Visits from the CBS4 Weather Team.   The CBS4 Project Green Weather Visits are geared towards 3rd- 5th grade students and are 40 minutes in length. The presentation includes a 30-minute presentation and a 10-minute weather video by a member of the CBS4 Weather Team. The school weather visits are highlighted in a newscast that same evening.  Each student who attends the presentation receives a Project Green Weather Guide that includes facts about Colorado weather and wildlife.

What is one environmental topic affecting your community that you feel strongly about, and have you covered it on-air or in other ways?

Transportation and water. When I’ve covered some of these stories they’ve mainly been as news stories.

Where do you see Earth Gauge and the Station Scientist initiative going in the future?

I think the Station Scientist initiative will only continue to grow. As more and more people across the country are affected by floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and other weather phenomena, I think viewers will look to their meteorologists for more explanations on what’s causing them, how they form and why are they occurring.

As more newsrooms expand the stories they cover on the environment and weather, I think the information and resources that Earth Gauge provides will continue to grow as well. One of the best examples is the recent addition of Climate Facts … while I haven’t found the right opportunity to use it just yet, it’s information I might be able to use in a future story or weather broadcast.

Visit WHNT-TV Weather and check out Dan’s Web sites for more information: Wild Wild Weather, Wild Wild Climate and Wild Wild Science Journal.

Tell us how you incorporate Earth Gauge information into your work.

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

The public is very interested in all aspects of Science and in particular Earth Science. They are bombarded by conflicting information in the news media and online about topics like health and especially climate change.

How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

The person who does the on air weathercast is usually the only person with a science background the average person sees on a daily basis. I think we have a responsibility to give good science-based information.

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

I use the Climate Facts on two Web sites and occasionally use the videos [Earth Gauge] makes in my weekend science segments. Many times I spot some interesting links on your emails that lead to a graphic in the daily weathercast. Interesting and informative graphics that I can customize to our “look” are always needed by TV weathercasters. They make great fillers when the weather is quiet.

Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information? What impact do you think Earth Gauge has made in your audience’s knowledge and understanding of the local environment?

The Climate Facts have been a great addition to my science journal online, and I get frequent feedback from viewers about the science I mention. I use Earth Gauge facts frequently on social media like Facebook and Twitter. These outlets reach a demographic that does not tend to watch local TV news as much.

What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?

We have done a lot on climate change and air quality. We also have NASA here [in Huntsville], so I have a lot of engineers/scientists/astronomers in the area. Anything to do with Space Science is of high interest.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

I live on a mountain surrounded by a very nice state park! I also teach an environmental geosciences course at the local community college.

Check out the WTAJ Weather page to learn more about Joe’s work.

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist?

If you read the news wires, you realize that there is a lot of information that is incomplete, inaccurate or misleading for reporters. I feel that I can fill a hole and help to educate people.

How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

I always try to educate people about the weather, astronomy and their environment. I answer questions from the public and create special graphics to do so.

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? In which ways are you using them and how often? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

Mostly the facts, but also some of the graphics and videos. I use them as extras in my weather presentations.

Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information?

…In the way that I get asked to speak to groups about some of the topics. [Earth Gauge] helps to remind me to cover these topics.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

On the local rivers on my canoe or kayak.

Photo courtesy of WTAJ.

Learn more about Sarah’s work by visiting the WGME weather page.

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

While my title does not include “station scientist” I do try to be a constant resource for our newsroom, making producers and the news director aware that they have someone in house that can speak to the science/environment stories they are working on. Our weather team spreads out this title, so that the meteorologist on duty also acts as the station scientist for reference.

Our viewers thirst for environmental and climate information. I see this in the public talks that I give, whether at a school or to other groups. People want to be good stewards to the environment, and with so much information — some of it contradictory — they are looking for a solid source.

How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

As mentioned above, I am often out of the weather office visiting with groups of people and school kids. I use this opportunity to educate and excite the public about the atmosphere and our climate. It gives me a candid arena to speak with viewers and take as much time as I need to answer their thoughtful questions while also sending them back to our online resources and, of course, our newscast for a continual feed of weather and environmental information they are looking for.

I am not always able to dig for fresh environmental topics during the busy early morning hours. Earth Gauge is helpful in providing a point of topic and discussion that I can post to our viewers that come to our Web site. It helps to bulk up my morning discussion with something extra, something different to add after the synoptics.

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

I use Earth Gauge materials online most often. With more and more online venues being added to our plate there are multiple places to post either the same information or make it more exciting and post different tips on our Web site, Facebook page and Twitter feed. Being pressed for time, Earth Gauge is a great way to add a tip or link that I may not have thought of.

The environmental impact and astronomy tips are the most helpful, it gives the info I post more range than the daily forecast.

Since you began using Earth Gauge information, have you seen a difference in your audience’s response to environmental information?

If I use an Earth Gauge tip on an interactive site, like Facebook, it’s a way to get a discussion going. We have thousands of “fans” on our station page — the perfect venue.

What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?

Once fall arrives, the heating oil discussion is a given in Maine. We have all heard tips on how to heat our homes more effectively and use less fuel, but the Earth Gauge tips have helped me to put some fresh ideas out there for our viewers.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

My garden is my absolute favorite place to spend time outside. I live in a spot where many people choose to vacation — Portland, Maine. I love Portland because it’s close to the ocean and also the White Mountains in New Hampshire, so I have lots of choices.

Why did you decide to participate in Earth Gauge? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

When I first became aware of Earth Gauge, I saw a great educational opportunity – not only for the media, but for emergency managers and severe weather spotters, as well as the general public. Part of my role as a Warning Coordination Meteorologist is to manage our outreach program, and the Earth Gauge email topical messages and seasonal weather radio ‘tip’ messages make it very easy to send information to our partners, customers and the general public.

The greatest need in our community is to become aware of how all individuals can do more to educate themselves about environmental issues and do more in the conservation/preservation area.  Our natural resources are limited, so it does matter what each individual can do alone.

What impact do you think Earth Gauge has made in your audience’s knowledge and understanding of the local environment? Do you have any recent examples of Earth Gauge information impacting your listeners’ behavior?

… I did receive a letter from a weather radio listener who subsequently installed a rain barrel after hearing a ‘tip’ about it on his radio. So, I think some people are acting on the information, but  it’s difficult to measure its effect.

How does your role as a meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

It is my duty to improve my office’s outreach efforts in the area of severe weather preparedness in order to minimize the loss of life and property.  An extension of this concept easily falls into the environmental area and all scientific areas since weather affects all environmental issues.

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

I have used all Earth Gauge materials for my outreach efforts.  I immediately forward all Earth Gauge email messages to all of my media outlets, and depending on subject matter, send them to the emergency managers I work with, as well as severe weather spotters.  As for the seasonal ‘tip’ messages, I record them onto our weather radios, send them out on our computer circuits as Public Information Statements and incorporate them into a Top News of the Day story on our office’s Web site. I believe all of the topics and tips have been useful.  I’ve received many compliments from the TV meteorologists about the periodic email topics.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

Walking on a road that goes around Blue Spring Lake southwest of Palmyra, WI.  It’s a 2.5 mile hike in a hilly, heavily-wooded environment surrounding a beautiful lake … Otherwise, hiking and climbing on Pikes Peak in Colorado would be ideal!

Visit Chris’ Environmental Tips page and read his bio to learn more.

Why did you decide to fill the role of Station Scientist? Where do you see a need in your community for using Earth Gauge environmental and climate information?

Weather was not and is not my only interest in the sciences. So the perfect career choice was a television meteorologist where I have the opportunity to EXPLAIN the forecast (why certain atmospheric features change our weather) and cover various other sciences such as coastal loss (which is vitally important in post-Katrina New Orleans), meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses, earthquakes, etc. This is the perfect job for a science geek!

How does your role as a broadcast meteorologist go beyond the daily forecast?

The reason I went into television weather was because of my love of science. Though meteorology has always taken the top spot, the list of my favorite sciences also includes astronomy, geology, chemistry, etc. I look for any (and every) opportunity to discuss other, non-weather events. For example, I will not only announce an upcoming lunar eclipse, I will explain why it occurs and perhaps some interesting history or myths about it. Or, quite recently, the Orionids meteor shower: where to look in the sky, why it is called the Orionids, and where the particles come from (Haley’s Comet!). If an earthquake or tsunami happens, I build graphics to show where, why, and how it occurs. I take the title of “station scientist” to heart.

Which Earth Gauge materials do you use? What topics or tips have you found particularly helpful?

I commonly use the Climate Facts to pose questions to our morning anchors (and the viewers) in our “Great Weather Quiz” segment. Most of the questions are weather related, but I will also ask from various topics in science and geography. And thankfully, with the localized version of the weekly newsletters and Climate Facts, it makes asking relevant questions that much easier. I also use the environmental tips for our website. The local twist to the tips is also very useful!

What is one issue that affects your local environment and how have you covered it?

News and weather work very closely at our station; more so than at most stations. Wetland loss and coastal restoration are vitally important to SE Louisiana and all our viewers. Our station has taken the lead in covering these topics extensively from traveling to the coast a few times a month to special segments within a weathercast highlighting how the daily forecast can affect the coast. I also use the quiz to ask about historical hurricanes which have lead to the destruction of some barrier islands.

Where is your favorite local spot to spend time in nature and connect with your local environment?

I am a BIG fan of green space! The New Orleans area local parks are some of the most beautiful in the country! City Park in Mid-City was designed by the same architect as Central Park in New York and has the advantage of serene Bayou St. John … one of the original travel routes for native Indians and the French upon arriving in Louisiana. A great mixture of nature and history!

Photo courtesy of fox8live.com.

Mike Buresh, chief meteorologist at CBS47/FOX30 in Jacksonville, Florida, discusses his role as “station scientist.”

Tell us how you go “beyond the weather” at your station.

How did you first hear about the AMS Station Scientist initiative, and why did you decide to fill the role of “Station Scientist?”

I first heard about the initiative through information disseminated by the AMS [American Meteorological Society] for members and those with the Seal of Approval. It wasn’t so much a “decision to fill the role of Station Scientist” as much as a natural fit in continuing a role I always felt strongly about since my move from college into professional life. That role is delivering a consistent and interesting weather forecast that includes insight into the field of meteorology and general sciences that sometimes goes well beyond the daily forecast. Most importantly, there’s nothing like getting the right information right from the “horse’s mouth!”

As a Station Scientist, what challenges have you encountered in presenting scientific topics to your viewers?

The greatest challenge are probably having enough time to fully present the topic and convincing the newsroom that our viewers are interested in science stories.

Which Earth Gauge materials have you used and how have you found them helpful?

I’ve used online courses to further my continuing education. I use the weekly newsletters regularly to keep me informed and to inform my viewers.

How do you incorporate Earth Gauge information into your weather reports? Are you using the information in other ways?

I show at least one Earth Gauge tip on air each week — usually based on the newsletter. I also post most — if not all — of the newsletter in my Friday blog column. I will sometimes use the newsletter to do a question and answer in my twice-weekly segments “Weather Why’s.” I occasionally use Climate Facts in the same manner — my blog and/or “Weather Why’s” during newscasts.

Why do you think that providing environmental information to your viewers is important? What has been your viewers’ response to increased scientific/environmental content?

Environmental information is important for our viewers to keep them informed about our ever changing planet and climate. I also believe some U.S. historical perspective is important — “If you don’t learn from history, you’re condemned to repeat it” — see the 1970s! The viewer response has been positive and curious. Even the news anchors often say something to the effect of, “Really? That’s interesting.”

What do you like about the Earth Gauge program? Do you have any success stories you would like to share?

I like the Earth Gauge program because the information is broad, well researched and includes references. The beauty of Earth Gauge is lots of valuable information without taxing my own time. As for successes … my Friday blog posts – which include the Earth Gauge newsletters – consistently have the highest readership.

What is one environmental topic affecting your community that you feel strongly about, and have you covered it on-air or in other ways?

I feel strongly that water conservation and water quality is one of the most critical environmental topics for Jacksonville and surrounding areas. I have reported on this topic on-air, as have some of our reporters.

Where do you see Earth Gauge and the Station Scientist initiative going in the future?

I see Earth Gauge and the Station Scientist initiative only getting stronger in the coming years as environmental awareness grows and our hardships related to weather and climate continue to increase. Educating the young about these topics will be paramount in instilling long term, substantive change. I envision 30-minute programs for television and the web that will deliver the message, as well as shorter “infomercial”-style messages for iPods, Web programming and teacher curriculums. The message must be clear, factual, relevant and to the point.

Read Mike’s bio and the Buresh Blog to learn more about his work.