The Power of Positive Messaging during a Changing Climate
As the world faces the complex issues of climate change, the discussions about solutions are oftentimes overwhelmingly noisy and endorse a negative narrative. To generate any lasting momentum for sustainable action, however, it is important that we allow each other and ourselves the space to process the events happening around us and to us, as well as take notice of the progress that is occurring all the time. Positive messaging can be a powerful tool to inspire hope and action across all levels. It does not exist to put a veil over the harmful impacts and challenges of climate change, nor does it serve to greenwash, but it gives space to the inspiring and empowering stories that mainstream headlines often neglect to capture.
In light of Earth Day this week, we see an opportunity to reflect on how the climate crisis, its impacts and our solutions are discussed and engaged with. We can no longer ignore the facts about climate change but how we communicate them matters, particularly due to the widening experience of climate anxiety. As a result, we believe positive messaging can help us see past the doomist narrative and instead focus on solutions-oriented approaches to tackling climate change. Disempowerment and climate anxiety can each be decreased by capturing more stories of hope about sustainability and climate action.
Whilst positive messaging is a key component to drive action, it must not be naïve to the impacts of climate change and the associated inequities, therefore this approach to communication has to take care to centre stories and perspectives that can forge new collaborations and deeper understanding – this means, including people and groups that have traditionally been excluded by the mainstream conversation on the climate, for example by identifying the factors that prevent action and participation to make way for increased understanding and collaboration, and a greater sense of empowerment. Only talking about climate change is a privilege – experiencing it first hand is an injustice. As such, we have a responsibility to challenge voices and narratives that do not serve to remove divisions and enable sustainable change.
Putting ambiguity to one side, we encourage you to engage directly with the abundance of positive messaging out there, and share your own, to mark this year’s Earth Day. Below we have listed recommendations of resources to use and actions you can take. This includes podcasts, books, videos, initiatives, and organisations. We have also listed several of the EAUC’s resources.
To share your own stories with us or to begin a conversation, please consider joining one of our member network groups and connect with the EAUC over social media.
Read!
Listen!
Watch!
Other resources, groups, networks etc
From the EAUC
This article was prepared and published by the EAUC. We actively encourage Members and Partners with insights, case studies or stories to submit an article for our blog.
In light of Earth Day this week, we see an opportunity to reflect on how the climate crisis, its impacts and our solutions are discussed and engaged with. We can no longer ignore the facts about climate change but how we communicate them matters, particularly due to the widening experience of climate anxiety. As a result, we believe positive messaging can help us see past the doomist narrative and instead focus on solutions-oriented approaches to tackling climate change. Disempowerment and climate anxiety can each be decreased by capturing more stories of hope about sustainability and climate action.
Whilst positive messaging is a key component to drive action, it must not be naïve to the impacts of climate change and the associated inequities, therefore this approach to communication has to take care to centre stories and perspectives that can forge new collaborations and deeper understanding – this means, including people and groups that have traditionally been excluded by the mainstream conversation on the climate, for example by identifying the factors that prevent action and participation to make way for increased understanding and collaboration, and a greater sense of empowerment. Only talking about climate change is a privilege – experiencing it first hand is an injustice. As such, we have a responsibility to challenge voices and narratives that do not serve to remove divisions and enable sustainable change.
Putting ambiguity to one side, we encourage you to engage directly with the abundance of positive messaging out there, and share your own, to mark this year’s Earth Day. Below we have listed recommendations of resources to use and actions you can take. This includes podcasts, books, videos, initiatives, and organisations. We have also listed several of the EAUC’s resources.
To share your own stories with us or to begin a conversation, please consider joining one of our member network groups and connect with the EAUC over social media.
Read!
- Vu, H. T., Blomberg, M., Seo, H., Liu, Y., Shayesteh, F., & Do, H. V. (2021). Social Media and Environmental Activism: Framing Climate Change on Facebook by Global NGOs. Science Communication, 43(1), 91–115. https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547020971644
- Rise Up to Reboot the Future | Jonathon Porritt (e-book)
- The Story of More | Hope Jahren (book)
- How to Save the World for Free | Natalie Fee (book)
- Tom Rivett-Carnac: Hot to Approach the Challenge of Changing the World | Outrage + Optimism
- Climate Emergence (newsletter)
- It's Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World | Mikaela Loach (book)
- Gen Dread (newsletter)
- Stubborn Optimism (book)
- Reasons to be Cheerful (newsletter)
- Perspectives on young people, education and environmental issues | SOS-UK
- Sarah Dukes: A Teacher Making Our Dream A Reality | Teach the Future
- The Frontline (newsletter)
Listen!
Watch!
- What Is Climate Anxiety? | Seat At The Table
- How to turn climate anxiety into action | Renée Lertzman at TEDWomen 2019
Other resources, groups, networks etc
From the EAUC
- Words from our CEO Charlotte Bonner (video)
- A Briefing on Climate Anxiety (video)
- Communities of Practice
- Topic Support Networks
- Case studies from previous Green Gown Awards
- Case studies from SDG Accord Signatories
- EAUC Annual Conference 2023
- Carbon Literacy Training
This article was prepared and published by the EAUC. We actively encourage Members and Partners with insights, case studies or stories to submit an article for our blog.
Share this story
