Why it is so important in today’s world

Extreme unpredictable weather, higher temperatures and changed rainfall patterns are being experienced by populations globally, regardless of whether this is recognised as ‘climate change’ by them. These data-intensive climate change reports are easy to access and provide evidence. The question is, however, if these documents are accessible to those most at risk from climate change and how many people can decipher them.

Inaction and miscommunication between scientists and communities can lead people to take ineffective or inefficient actions in adaptation and mitigation efforts. This is why it is important to have consistent, clear, and simple communication about climate issues.

Many communities talk about climate change based upon their own stories and experiences. These stories are often not captured by mainstream media. The politics and policies surrounding climate change continue to dominate the narrative.

Reporting is centered around national and global negotiations and summits on the topic of climate change, as well state-level plans and reports. These themes are important but have little direct impact on those experiencing the effects.

The media is a powerful tool for changing the narrative and simplifying and dejargonising the language of climate change. It can influence behaviours, attitudes, spread awareness, and increase knowledge about climate change.

Global media houses are realising this and actively changing their terms to communicate the urgency for action. Many now use Climate crisisOr climate emergencyInstead of Climate Changeto voice the urgent need to act.

To address those who believe in the counter narrative, the term climate science denierIt is used. This is equally important, given the strength of the disbelievers’ lobby and how damaging and potentially dangerous misinformation can be.

Conventional media continues to be the main source of awareness. However, it is important that creative media and new age media are used to communicate that climate changes are real and happening right in front of our eyes.

To reach the masses, social media and documentaries are crucial. Different audiences relate to different mediums. To achieve the larger goal of telling stories, and demanding mitigation and adaptation actions, it is important to use all possible means.

Inaction can also be caused by a lack motivation and belief that individual actions cannot make a difference. This is due to a lack of information and awareness about the issue.

We can overcome this problem by starting young and making climate awareness a part of school curriculums. This will encourage a sense of responsibility and encourage action to reduce the effects of future and present climate changes.

As climate change continues to impact our lives, young climate activists are joining the movement, leading discussions, demanding action, inspiring others, and becoming more vocal. 

To increase citizen-led transitions and increase participation in climate action at local level, it is important to encourage community engagement. The Sustainable Development Goals incorporate public participation into their agenda. However, this is not yet a reality. Engaging campaigns can increase awareness and participation, and help to solve problems as a community.

People who depend on natural resources are the most vulnerable to climate change. However, they are also the best qualified to lead the movement because they know the land better than anyone.

This knowledge is becoming more widely recognized by policymakers who are now incorporating traditional and indigenous knowledge in their adaptation plans. For example, in the Sundarbans, one of India’s most climate vulnerable regions, attempts are being made to involve the community in adaptation and conservation efforts.

In the Amazon, tribes, communities, and individuals are recognized as forest guardians and leaders in adaptation efforts. These stories of local heroes can be used as a way to highlight successful efforts and to inspire others to take action.

Government support and political will can also play a significant role in encouraging communities to take action. The government is working on addressing climate issues across levels — from the Centre to the district level — through the National Action Plan on Climate Change and state-specific adaptation plans.

However, none of these plans include a significant emphasis on communicating climate change to the public. Even though these plans are comprehensive, implementation is still suboptimal.

To ensure that the climate action plans are implemented, it is important to have better coordination among departments.

Only mainstreaming climate change at all levels of society and focusing communication efforts will result in a change in behaviour. Climate change is as real as any other social problem and not another hashtag or trend on social media. Climate communication is the key to understanding climate change and creating awareness in a language that is understandable, understood, understood, and taken action upon.

Bhavani Ganddu and Kashmeera Ptel are climate change communicators who work on advocacy communication in these fields.

Views expressed are the authors’ own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down to Earth