Written Progress

"I understand the choice to 'let data speak for itself' in the interest of preserving an arena of objectivity, free from scientists’ assumptions and biases. But I’d argue that naked data are ripe for misunderstanding, and scientists withhold our expertise and authority at the world’s peril. Just like I rely on my CPA to interpret tax law, and my doctor to interpret public health policies for me, those of us fluent in climate have people leaning on us to help them understand what’s happening in this rapidly evolving landscape." Read the full article "Is your data naked?" on our blog.

I LOVE the Yale Climate Communications initiative publications on climate awareness. …yet… …sometimes their data is a little, well, naked. Objectively reported, with no dressings to spiff them up and let us know whether they are headed to the grocery store or the opera. Data without interpretation is tough for everyday readers to fully appreciate. Our complete and "uncensored" thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/gRvMuFnR

Curious what WP thinks about AI? Here's the tl;dr from our recent article "AI's role in advancing climate tech": "We're excited by AI even though we’re not willing to become reliant on it. Our philosophy is about balance—using AI where it adds value, not as a crutch. By combining the best of technology with irreplaceable human insights, we continue to deliver services that are not just efficient but also deeply resonant with your mission." Check out the full article on our blog.

"AI is more than the buzzy hot topic of the moment. Those of us working in climate are particularly obligated to be intentional and discerning about our decisions of whether and when to use AI. What does this “sea change” moment mean for folks focusing on things like sea-level rise?" Check out the full article "AI's role in advancing climate tech" on our blog.

Our latest blog article takes on a big challenge we face as science communicators: when it comes to reporting data, how can we thread the needle between owning our expertise and being "objective"?

Clients ask us about our stance on AI all the time. Our thoughts are bound to evolve as the technology does, but Megan Mayzelle has put together a mini-manifesto to provide our current answers to some common questions and curiosities that people like you have for us. Check it out on our blog and let us know what you think!

Isabelle's monthly curated list of GREAT opportunities for for-profit climate initiatives is updated for September. Lots of great finds this time around—take a peek and see which of these could be right for your team!

Have you ever finished a white paper and feared that it would only resonate with another scientist? That’s how we met our client Wendy Lu Maxwell-Barton, Executive Director of International Biochar Initiative. She reached out to Written Progress with a vision to make her white paper accessible to her enterprise and policy-oriented readers. What she got was a document that has all the detail a researcher would want, eye-catching key takeaways for policymakers and journalists, and the visuals a biochar newbie needs to start discovering biochar’s surprising properties. Why was this partnership successful? Because Wendy Lu knew exactly what she needed the brief to communicate, and engaged our team fully as the scientists we are. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFnmY23Y

Women scientists often shoulder an unfair share of the work involved in documenting, translating, and disseminating knowledge. This not only distracts from their research and leadership but also contributes to an inequitable work environment. At Written Progress, we believe that this kind of vital but often invisible labor shouldn’t fall disproportionately on those who are already working tirelessly to advance science. Our aim is to transform science into a field where everyone can truly focus on their training, passion, and potential to make a meaningful impact. We do this by helping researchers, like Stéphanie with CIAT, secure more grants, produce clearer reports, and amplify the impact of their ideas. To read how we supported Stéphanie and her work, click the link in the comments.

Written Progress principal Megan Mayzelle was recently featured as a guest on The Expat Pod, a podcast hosted by fellow expat and sustainability enthusiast James Doran. The Expat Pod centers the experiences of people who have chosen to make their home in a country other than where they were born and raised. (ICYMI: Megan is an American citizen who lived in Paraguay for 3 years and now spends time in Montpellier, France!) Given that James is an engineer who helps develop electric vehicles, he and Megan connect on the level of being expats who deeply care for the environment. But this interview is a glimpse at Megan’s day-to-day life, including some of the ways in which culture informs her relationship to food, dance, and even walking her dog. The Expat Pod is a great source of wisdom (and hyper-practical tips) that’ll help you make a smooth transition into a world outside your own! If you’ve ever considered living abroad, or just want to get to know another side of our intrepid leader, make sure to give this a listen!