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?