(Re)presenting nature: contrasting field and media communication of environmental experts in a Hungarian context

Abstract

The present study interviewed 16 epistemic workers involved in creating and disseminating environmental knowledge and explored how experts communicate and present environmental issues in the field and news media in Hungary. Results show that both forums of communication face (re)presentational problems when communicating and presenting biodiversity, air pollution, and water pollution. Although climate change has become easily visualizable, it is overutilized in media. Conversely, presenting climate change in the field is challenging. This paper underscores the need for effective communication that mediates local issues affecting everyday life and reports the facts irrespective of whether they evoke positive or negative emotions. Such an approach will bring nature close to people and empower local communities within the context of increasing anti-environmentalism in Hungary.