This article was originally published on the New Scientist Big Wide World Blog

We need to talk about climate change

Juliet Davenport, CEO and founder of green energy company, Good Energy

When I was studying atmospheric physics at the University of Oxford back in the 1980s, little did I realise how soon almost every member of the public would have a view on climate change and what to do (or not do) about it.

In the last 10 years, the rise in awareness of the global issues we face is encouraging; with big business in particular understanding that sustainability will be a key driver of their future success. But with awareness quite rightly comes debate, which is often followed by dissent, discord and disharmony.

I read with interest the comments left on my first blog; they provide a good illustration of the many and varied views on future energy production in the context of climate change, from strong opposition to wind farms to a sound understanding of the need for immediate action.

I set up Good Energy 10 years ago to empower people to do something about climate change. Today, with subsidies such as the Feed in Tariff - a financial incentive paid to individuals for generating green power, people now have a myriad of ways to take action but first they need to realise they have these options.

As a result, much of my time these days is spent engaging with communities and communicating Good Energy's vision of a decentralised energy market, powered by the people. This is an amazingly empowering message and it is built on solid scientific foundations, but it has to be well communicated.

Those studying science nowadays need to consider how they will communicate what they do to the wider world. Peer reviews and academic publications are one thing, but these days the media, blogosphere and Twittersphere provide everyone with an opportunity to join the debate. This is a positive thing, engaging and empowering people, but it puts the onus on scientists to be smart in how they communicate their work.

I am a big believer in face-to-face communication and how it can enrich subsequent online relationships. This week I made three major presentations to very different audiences: business people involved in corporate and social responsibility; farmers interested in diversification and energy microgeneration; and students at the University of Oxford's union. Each audience required a different, considered approach, based on their background and areas of interest, but all have a major part to play in helping grow sustainable energy in the UK. It is up to us to communicate the Good Energy vision to them, rather than expecting them to approach us.

So when you are studying hard, high up in your scientific ivory towers, remember to get involved in other aspects of university life - particularly debate, and don't resent it when you are required to make presentations. It may turn out to be one of the most important aspects of your education.