Office for Coastal Management
The Climate Communication Challenge
Stephanie Fauver
NOAA Office for Coastal Management
Clim
ate
Co
mm
un
icat
ion
Co-exploring risksand responses and
addressing the emotional and social factors that influence
response.
Have a Clear Goal
Who are you trying to reach?
What do you hope to accomplish?
Office for Coastal Management
How We Respond to InformationInsights from Homer Simpson
• Overloaded
• Distracted by immediate concerns
• Trusts what he already believes
• Responds to his emotions
• Worries about self image
• Oversimplifies and misunderstands
Image from Gabri Solera
Office for Coastal Management
The Climate Communication Challenge
“That’s too far off. I’ll be dead and gone before anything bad happens. Why should I even care?”
Office for Coastal Management
Find Out What Is Important to the Audience
Office for Coastal Management
Reframe Your Approach
Case Study:
Saving the Wetlands
Reframe Your Approach
What did you learn about your audience?
How did you change your message or approach?
Case Study:
Showing the Impacts with Storyboards
In what ways have you asked your audience to share their
experiences?
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Case Study:
Showing Residents Options to Reduce Their Risks
Office for Coastal Management
The Climate Communication Challenge
“My house is already elevated. Why do I need to worry?”
Seven Best Practices for Risk Communication Webinar
coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/
Office for Coastal Management
• Risk Communication Guidebook
• The Climate Talk Template
• One day Risk Communication Training
New Resources Coming Soon