South Africa's Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the Applied Centre for Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS) hosted the first in a series of workshops for scientists and journalists. The event aimed to inform the general public on science-related news that have an impact on their and the planet's future.

The workshop, titled “Reporting the science of climate change” took place in Pretoria, South Africa, from 4 to 5 June 2012. It focused on climate change science, as well as on key risks to Southern Africa, national and regional response strategies, and particularly on how best to communicate complex information to the general public.

George Claassen, Journalism Department at Stellenbosch University and participant from the world of journalism, says: "We cannot afford the public not having correct understanding of climate change and believing in a conspiracy by scientists and politicians. The survival of our planet is at stake."

on this subject: Read more on the workshop