Climate stories and communication
Climate risk communication (6.1)
Communicating climate risk effectively can foster informed decision-making and community engagement. However, while technical climate data are essential, they can be complex and inaccessible to both local authorities and citizens. This section explains the importance of using clear and accessible communication methods, incorporating various formats to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, it underscores the need to balance scientific information with compelling narratives, making the communication relatable and tailored to the audience to build trust and empower communities to take proactive steps toward resilience.
Climate stories to communicate risk (6.2)
Climate stories are a powerful storytelling tool that bridge he gap complex climate data and public understanding. By combining personal narratives with data visualizations like maps and infographics, climate stories make scientific information more relatable and compelling. Utilizing narrative structures such as the Hero’s Journey, these stories can evoke emotional responses and drive action. This section also emphasizes the importance of co-creation, involving stakeholders in the development process to ensure the stories resonate with the target audience.
Create your climate story (6.3)
This section offers a practical guide to develop climate stories, based on the experience gained in the REACHOUT project. The guide provides support along the three iterative cycles of development (Plan, Design, Create). This approach encourages collaboration among stakeholders, fostering trust and creativity throughout the development process. It also emphasizes the importance of aligning the story with the audience’s needs and preferences, ensuring its effectiveness in conveying the intended message.
References
Anker, J.W et al. (2024) How to build a climate story – A practical guide. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14228927 (Accessed February 2025)
REACHOUT (2023), Online Training Module I. Learning Program for the City Hubs. Available at: https://reachout-cities.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Online-Training-Modules-I-gecomprimeerd.pdf (Accessed: January 2025)
