Can climate communication overcome the bad news problem?

Can climate communication overcome the bad news problem?

Join us for an interactive hybrid event on 24 September.

Climate change is real, and is widely perceived as the most serious threat to the world’s future. Climate change needs to be reported, made visible and discussed to drive and inspire us to taking action. But how can we talk about such an alarming subject, that seems to be growing steadily worse, without the “bad news syndrome” – people walking away because the news is simply too depressing – kicking in? Can we address the severity of the crisis while remaining hopeful about the future? Can we increase the public’s interest and appetite for climate news, while overcoming misinformation?

We’re bringing together media, scientists, NGOs, and representatives from politics and business to share and discuss their insights into these issues. We’ll do that in the political heart of Europe: Brussels, where climate policies are drafted that affect us all.

Join us for a special interactive hybrid event that will be broadcast from Brussels’ historical Bibliothèque Solvay on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Programme:

09.30–09.45: Introduction by Åsa Jamal, Vattenfall

09.45–11.15: Session 1 – Can we be balanced about climate change?

Various research findings confirm that how we discuss climate change matters. The words we choose in reporting the issues and in climate change policies themselves can make a significant difference. Meanwhile, navigating between neutrality and activism is becoming difficult for mainstream media. Will climate change alter the industry’s operating assumptions?​

11.45–13.15: Session 2 – Can we grow the publics for climate change news?

Over the past years, traditional media have been hit hard. Overall trust and viewership for news is continuing its downward trend. Up to 40 percent of the audiences that have left tend to avoid news, because they find it too depressing. Who and where are the audiences for climate change news?​

14.15–15.45: Session 3 – Whose facts matter in the climate change story?

‘Facts’ are now more disputed than ever. Whose facts are legitimate, and to whom has become a matter of faith. In practical terms: what constitutes "proof" for the publics of climate change communication?​

15.45–16.15: Collective session & wrap-up​

Click here for more information and the full line-up.

Join the event and sign up here.