Increasing society`s resilience to fake news by expanding trust in science in the context of Climate change

Abstract

Science communication is explored in this project as the appropriate use of knowledge, media, actions and dialogue to promote citizens' scientific awareness, engagement and attention. Understanding the importance of science is one of the fundamental conditions for the development of society. Public scientific education raises awareness and,by changing consumer habits, improves the lives of society members. This project's primary aim is to evaluate the Lithuanian population's perception of science and provide organizational, communication, and educational solutions, which will increase citizens' trust in scientific knowledge and strengthen public resistance to fake news. Effective scientific communication affects various areas of social life and reaches citizens of different generations. Research shows that society members accept and support only those measures whose benefits they clearly understand, so the choice of measures should be based on scientific evidence and delivered understandably. Science communication could become a tool that connects society, science and politicians. Knowing the scientific audience would make it possible to communicate more accurately and efficiently by choosing the right tools and information channels. The implemented measures would strengthen society's resistance to fake knowledge and "junk science", reduce the polarization of society, improve mental health and positively impact related economic consequences.