Looking for solutions in climate change communicationsMichelle Kovacevic
Editor, ForestsClimateChange.orgTwitter: @kovamic
Doomsday images = climate change
From Center for Research on Environmental Decisions
People think climate change is “tomorrow’s
problem”
Outline
• The Messages• The Models• The Media
“Indonesia Still at High Risk of Catastrophic Fires”
Why doesn’t the forestry sector use more positive images to inspire action?
Lots of information and ideas…but it is scattered all over
Need to invest our energies in pathways towards solutions
Illustration by Frits Ahlefeldt (Hiking Artist)
Solutions = interesting (and sometimes weird) ideas
Consider the needs and preferences of your audience
Policy-orientated research: breaking down problems and suggesting tailored solutions
Don’t mention “climate change” but conservation, energy efficiency…
ForestsClimateChange.orgSynthesizing information on forests & climate issues
Follow us! @forestsCC
People who feel isolated do not take action on climate change-BBC Media Action’s Climate Asia study
Build communities through events and conferences
Root communication campaigns in peoples’ values
Capacity building and training goes a long way
Need to focus on how to fix what is broken
News headline 6 months after fires : “Indonesia Still at High Risk of Catastrophic Fires”
We shouldn’t ignore the problem, but should we allow it to continue framing the debate?