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Current events, as the name implies are things that are currently happening around the world. Awareness of the world around us and the events that are unfolding is of major interest to most people. When reporting current events, writers for newspaper and magazine articles often need to include a scientific viewpoint to help make their information sound more reliable. Take for instance, a news report concerning a volcano eruption, if the writer simply states that the volcano erupted, they don’t have a story; they has a line. If the writer wishes to delve further into the subject and develop a credible story, then facts will need to be researched. Rather than do guesswork and risk coming up with dubious information, many writers interview an expert who can explain events from a scientific point of view. Unfortunately, many times people are not that interested in scientific explanations and reasoning. Many people feel that scientists are constantly hyping about some subject or another simply in order to obtain increased funding for their pet projects. This may be true to an extent, and the damaging effects of “scientific” hype is that when real scientists warn of impending danger or threats, few people give them any serious thought or attention. One way of getting people to listen is by linking science to current events. Say for instance, heat waves are having devastating effects on a few major cities. Scientists take advantage of the occasion to bring up the global warming subject. It works to an extent, because most people pay attention when they are afraid and are looking for answers. On the other hand, due to adverse circumstances they are often more open to believe anything without careful consideration. |
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