A Systems Map of the Challenges of Climate Communication

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Health Communication
• Climate Change Studies

Background:

• Decades of scientific warnings on climate change impacts on human health have not translated into widespread public action.
• This gap highlights a critical need for novel communication strategies to address public engagement with climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and elucidate the challenges in communicating the links between human activity, climate change, and health effects.
• To explore potential solutions for more effective climate change communication.

Main Methods:

• A systems mapping approach was employed, involving sessions with climate change and communication experts.
• The methodology focused on mapping factors and processes involved in climate change communication.

Main Results:

• A systems map identified 27 distinct communication challenges.
• Key challenges include limited information on individual vs. collective action, present vs. long-term effects, and representing complex relationships.
• Identified themes include data scarcity, disciplinary silos, need for public-friendly lexicon, and strategies for communicating slow-manifesting processes.

Conclusions:

• Current communication strategies are insufficient to convey the complexities of climate change and motivate action.
• Addressing issues like data integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and accessible language is crucial.
• Developing innovative communication approaches is essential for public understanding and engagement with climate change solutions.