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There's an assumption about ocean science communication that I’ve been hearing a lot this summer. If we explain the science clearly enough, people will care. That understanding leads to engagement, engagement leads to support, support leads to change. Image credit: Jeong yunji (Unsplash)

It's a tidy model. The problem is that it doesn't quite match how people actually respond to information, especially information about things that feel large and distant.

Understanding ocean acidification doesn't automatically produce a sense that you can do anything about it. Knowing about microplastics doesn't translate directly into changed behaviour.

I don't think this means science communication that focuses on knowledge isn’t important - there is a real value in sharing knowledge in its own right.