Communicating Climate Change En Español: A Nationwide Survey of Bilingual Broadcast Meteorologists in the United States

Année de publication

2025

With 42.1 million Americans speaking Spanish at home, the role of Spanish-speaking weathercasters in conveying climate change information has become increasingly important. This study examines how bilingual weathercasters engage with audiences, the framing strategies they use, and the linguistic resources they draw upon in their communication. A nationwide survey of 40 Spanish-speaking weathercasters, nearly half of the entire bilingual broadcast field in the United States, revealed they see their audiences as both receptive and climate aware. They regularly weave climate topics into on-air segments, long-form features, and community events, at rates far surpassing those in English-language markets. Weathercasters predominantly connect climate change to meteorological and environmental consequences, yet underutilize important frames such as climate justice and economic impacts, despite their strong relevance to Spanish-speaking communities. Additionally, they tend to emphasize local-level stories, even though research indicates that international-level narratives may resonate more deeply with Spanish-speaking audiences. Significant linguistic challenges persist, particularly regarding terminology differentiation between "el tiempo" (weather) and "el clima" (climate). While resources like the NWS dictionary are commonly used, substantial improvements in reference materials are needed. That way, communicating climate change can overcome language barriers and make the greatest impact en español. Significance Statement Bilingual broadcast meteorologists are key messengers on climate change for the 42.1 million individuals in the United States who speak Spanish at home. We surveyed 40 of these weathercasters, representing nearly half of the national total, to learn about how they present climate change information on air. We found that they include climate topics far more often than English-language stations, and they say their viewers welcome the information. Most Spanish-language stories link climate change to extreme weather hazards, but few cover climate justice or economic costs, themes that matter to Latino communities. Weathercasters also face translation challenges, such as explaining the difference between "el tiempo" (weather) and "el clima" (climate). Better bilingual resources and training are needed.</div>

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