The reason that about 4% of people understand what actually needs to be done is precisely because scientists don't control the narrative, what I say doesn't matter, and why maybe 1% of people in the US could identify Michael Mann. We're all talking in a small bubble hoping that what we find important makes it to a larger bubble controlled by other people. This isn't my opinion, this is just the actual numbers of people vs. organizations reach.
@ScienceCommunicator
In terms of how people are even aware of anything, in general, people do research and their organization puts out a press release. Those are covered by whatever press feels like picking it up, or no one. I know you know this.