Bridging science and society: Lessons from the Nuuk International Film Festival 🎬
"Scientists, please write your articles and give your presentations in a language a 14-year-old can understand." This was the appeal from one of the audience members at our public screening of 'The Color of Ice' during the Nuuk International Film Festival.
This documentary follows two scientists, William Colgan and Chris Shields, who are testing a new drill in North Greenland. We also meet Olennguaq Kristensen, a local hunter navigating a rapidly changing icescape. While their paths cross on the ice, it raises an important question: how do we ensure these critical meetings between science and local communities happen more often?
Following the film, we hosted a panel debate with researchers, hunters, and activists to tackle these very questions. Here are some key insights from their discussion:
🔹 Olennguaq Kristensen, hunter from Savissivik and starring in the movie: "There has been decent cooperation between hunters and scientists, but we could collaborate more, that's for sure."
🔹 Arno Hammann, atmospheric researcher, Asiaq - Misissueqqarnerit - Grønlands Forundersøgelser: "Dialogue is key, but it has to go both ways. Scientists can be introverted, and sometimes it can feel like people don't really want to engage."
🔹 Penelope How, data scientist, GEUS: "We collect data through instruments, but we miss the on-the-ground observations. It's valuable for us to see if our data aligns with what people are experiencing locally."
🔹 Karen Motzfeldt, special advisor, Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat: "Climate change is already altering lives. Those living near the ice are adapting. International and local cooperation go hand in hand."
The takeaway? Dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding are crucial for turning scientific knowledge into action that resonates with communities on the frontlines of climate change.
#Collaboration #NuukFilmFestival #TheColorOfIce
