Reuben Clements, Navjot Sodhi, David Bickford, David Lohman and Mary Posa write:

The explanatory power of videos has been harnessed by at least one online scientific journal explicating molecular biology protocols (Journal of Visualized Experiments). YouTube , which has arguably become the world’s online video-sharing nexus, is a free website containing more than 70 million video clips and commanding a monthly viewership of around 20 million people. Scientists should therefore consider broadcasting environmental messages through this pipeline, which connects to an audience that primarily consists of impressionable 12- to 17-year olds.

The concept of YouTube appears well-suited to improve online eco-literacy. An inexhaustible supply of short documentary clips that are viewable anytime could fare better at public outreach, as opposed to full-length versions shown at fixed times on television networks. The video commentary function on YouTube also allows scientists to contribute informed opinions.

YouTube’s connectivity is another powerful feature. Videos with similar themes can be ‘tagged’ to one another or hyperlinked to environmental weblogs to deliver stronger messages, or even act a platform for investigative journalism, where anonymous contributors are relatively safe from the repercussions of whistle-blowing. As an example, we uploaded a video documenting deforestation within Lore Lindu National Park in Sulawesi, Indonesia .

Despite its frivolity, the most viewed clip on YouTube has attracted more than 44 million views. If the scientific community can contribute expert opinions and persuasive videos on a regular basis, YouTube could be an effective conduit to foster a deeper understanding of our roles as environmental custodians.

Reuben Clements, Navjot Sodhi, David Bickford, David Lohman and Mary Posa

Department of Biological Sciences,

National University of Singapore