A comparative study of frames and narratives identified within scientific press releases on ocean climate change and ocean plastic

Abstract

To understand how scientific institutions communicate about ocean climate change and ocean plastic research, 323 press releases published between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed. A clustering method revealed 4 ocean climate change- and 5 ocean plastic frames that were analyzed qualitatively. Ocean plastic was presented as a biological and health issue, placing an emphasis on solutions and society’s obligation to implement them. Ocean climate change was framed as environmental and socio-economic problem, highlighting politics’ responsibility for mitigation. Narratives were only used to personify science and represent scientists, indicating that future press releases could include more social dimensions to engage audiences in ocean issues.