How do you get stakeholders to care about climate change?

To effectively engage audiences in climate change discussions one really needs to - make it make sense! The challenge therefore is in translating the complex interdisciplinary issues into a language that engages the audience on both the macro and micro. This isn’t always the numbers v stories - but the underpinning drivers. For instance - Speaking numbers to FD’s sounds like the obvious path for success, however joining the dots on risk allows for a broader cause and effect discussion (than the inevitable comparing of data that can otherwise ensue). So: 1 - know the audience 2- know what you want the outcome to be (ie greater discussion) 3 - translate issues into a language that will achieve point 2 with audience 1

Understanding your stakeholders is like speaking their language. Tailoring your climate change message to resonate with their values and concerns can lead to more meaningful engagement and support. It's the bridge between addressing a global issue and making a local impact.

Applied knowledge is power. Knowing your audience and how to deliver to reach your target is vital. A key part of this is understanding what drives them. I have found previously, that demonstrating the connection between goals and outcome works well.

There are many articles about the 'Green growth', which unfortunately often ignore the constraints of Planetary Boundaries, and are therefore misleading. To engage Business Leaders for real transformative projects, it is very effective to run a scenario-based Risk assessment of all key aspects of their business models. This allows you to look at how climate-change-driven physical or transition risks will impact your supply, your costs of goods, your logistics, your workforce, your distribution channel, your products compliance, your exposure to carbon taxes, or simply the demand for your goods and services. Even short term. Assess environmental risks, mitigate and adapt. Resilience is already becoming a key competitive advantage.

If we consider that stakeholders are third parties that could be affected by companies' activities, then the best is to talk about IMPACTS to them. How my company 's activities, business model, services, supply chain are impacting - or could impact them, positively or negatively, today or in the future - be it climate change (environment), economically or in terms of human rights. Let us take the exemple of a fossil fuel company aiming to invest in new gaz/oil production. - Investing in new fossil fuel projects will (could ?) directly contribute to temperature raising and accelerate climate degradation. - Engaging with local/indigenous communities that need to move away because of the extraction, could be a way to appeal to emotions.

Storytelling is the heartbeat of engagement. It breathes life into climate change, turning data and facts into relatable experiences. By sharing stories of impact, adaptation, and resilience, you bridge the gap between the abstract and the personal, empowering stakeholders to become part of the climate solution.

Nothing beats a good story. Similar to social media engagement/marketing, it is important to focus on the process rather than the numbers. Just drumming the sustainability targets and achievements of the organisation is not enough. One should engage stakeholders both internal and external through a series of infographics and videos. This will allow them to be more interested in the sustainability mission.

Having diverse proof points; both data and case studies, brings sustainability to life. Being able to then pivot stories to stakeholders engagement style, using data or/and case studies depending on what they respond to. It also needs to be relatable, removing jargon and bringing it down to actionable change. Climate change feels huge so you need to bitesize the stories to "why me and why now".

Expand the story telling to include aspects of climate change as well as any other value proposition that the solution can offer. Ultimately you want the story to convey that your solution is the next way forward; both from the perspective of climate change and viability.

When thinking about topics as concrete as climate science, it can be hard to initially understand how empathy and interpersonal connections can play a part in the conversation. But as my fellow climate specialists note, these connections are effective ways in spreading messages and bringing the big picture of the climate crisis down to a human level.

Combining storytelling with robust evidence creates a compelling narrative that engages both the heart and the mind. Emotion and data can work hand in hand to drive home the urgency and importance of climate action. It's the perfect blend of passion and reason to inspire meaningful change.

Data always speaks volumes. Providing evidence with numerical facts can make the story hit home that much more. It can also serve as a stark reminder of where we find ourselves in the current climate change fight. An example is the fact that only 7.2% of the global economy is circular, and that number is worsening every year. These kinds of facts stand out to stakeholders as they're based on data-driven evidence. Concrete data drives home the reality of our progress—or lack thereof—in the transition towards a more sustainable, circular economy.

As W. Edwards Deming famously said, "In God we trust - everyone else must bring data" :) use the data that is easily understandable for their audience and/or can be quickly translated into their business unit KPIs!

• Present well-researched statistics and findings from credible sources like international environmental organizations, government agencies, or academic research. • Share real-world examples of businesses that have benefited from or were impacted by climate change. • Utilize visual aids to make complex data more understandable and impactful. • Invite experts in the field to share insights and evidence on climate change impacts and the necessity of urgent action. • Organize informational sessions like webinars and workshops with professionals to educate stakeholders. The key is to make the evidence comprehensive, and easy to digest, to effectively communicate the urgency of taking action against climate change to the stakeholders.

To engage stakeholders in caring about climate change, businesses must prioritize the presentation of clear, high-quality evidence that showcases the tangible impacts and opportunities associated with climate change. This encompasses risks to operations and finances, policy implications, and emerging sustainable technologies. By demonstrating the business relevance and potential for both risk mitigation and growth, stakeholders are more likely to recognize climate change as a strategic imperative rather than a distant environmental concern, thus encouraging their commitment to effective climate action.

Make it Tangible. Add some magic. At Notpla, we replace plastic packaging with seaweed. It means our packaging is even edible, creating a radically different experience. Through the provocation, Notpla sparks conversations. Our model shows climate action is not about shaming and austerity. It's about thinking the way nature would. Her playbook is infinite. When sustainability is made tangible, everyone gets drawn in.

Time is not on our side. Since 2015, the world has seen unprecedented mobilization around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although significant progress has been made, we remain off-track. With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we have only a few years left to leave no one behind. And yet, we remain far from achieving our targets. In reality, we have only advanced 15% of our goals! To change this bleak scenario, businesses must focus on high-impact initiatives that are cross-cutting in nature. One example is food systems transformation. Transforming entire food systems around the world could mean a $12 trillion opportunity, according to the World Bank. This also means good news for climate leaders.

Offering practical solutions to climate change not only shows your commitment but also empowers stakeholders to take action. It transforms the challenge of climate change into an opportunity for positive change, making it more accessible and motivating for everyone involved.

The initial thought when stakeholders are mentioned is Who are they? When we get this right we will definitely get communication strategies for each right as well. Now, stakeholders are unique in their own way but mostly on the purpose. For instance, we recently conducted community sensitization townhalls in counties targeting the first level stakeholders of CC, the locals. These are people directly affected by effects of CC and policies formulated on CC. Listening to their local solutions will tell you how important their input is on climate policies. Another set of key stakeholders are the media. As commonly referred, they are indeed an estate, the 4th estate. Building their capacity to tell CC stories directly impact action across board.

Engaging stakeholders in climate change discussions becomes incredibly effective when storytelling is employed. Compelling narratives capture attention, foster empathy, and inspire action. By illustrating the tangible impacts and opportunities of climate change, and sharing our organisational successes and challenges, we make the topic more relatable. It's not just about presenting facts; it's about connecting with stakeholders on a human level, making them see the relevance of climate change in their lives and motivating them to act.

Inviting and acting on feedback is key to building constructive relationships with stakeholders. It shows that you value their perspectives, fosters collaboration, and ensures your climate change efforts align with their expectations, making your sustainability initiatives more effective and impactful.

Often the most misunderstood part of any communication, feedback provides opportunities to further understand and hone your skills, targets and outcomes.

Everyone wants to have their opinion heard and would be unhappy if they are not considered. Hence, feedback is an important part of 2 way communication. This will ensure that timely feedback from stakeholders are obtained so that the sustainability strategies can be optimised.

Inviting feedback from stakeholders is a powerful way to engage them in caring about climate change. By creating opportunities for dialogue and actively listening to their perspectives, concerns, and ideas, you demonstrate respect for their input and foster a sense of ownership in addressing the issue. Additionally, incorporating stakeholder feedback into climate change initiatives helps ensure that solutions are relevant, inclusive, and effective. This collaborative approach builds trust, strengthens relationships, and empowers stakeholders to take meaningful action toward mitigating climate change.

To really get people to care about climate change, it's important to: - show people how climate change is already affecting their lives, and how it will continue to do so in the future. Help make it real, relevant, and tangible by applying it to people's local contexts. - empower people to take action on climate change - focus on solutions and opportunities in climate action - link action on climate with shared values - build partnerships and work collaboratively.

Organisations can play a huge role in helping individuals take positive climate actions. At the core of what the world needs is humans to change behaviours. To do this you need be educated, supported, incentivised, connected to a community of others doing similar things etc... All the things that employers/organisations should be able to provide.

You can create reward programs as a means to encourage environmentally friendly practices. These programs can offer incentives for individuals, businesses, and communities that actively work to reduce their carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, promote recycling etc. Rewards serve as positive reinforcement, motivating people to embrace sustainable behaviors, and can play a crucial role in the battle against climate change.

Getting stakeholders to care about climate change involves a combination of education, persuasion, and showing the alignment between sustainable practices and business benefits. (a) Create a specific campaign to show stakeholders the steps taken to reduce the company's negative impact on the environment, the expected results and how they can get involved. (b) Use metrics and projections to illustrate the potential positive impacts. Make it visual, interactive, and engaging to keep stakeholders informed and motivated to participate. The above combined approach can effectively motivates stakeholders to address climate change through proactive mitigation and adaptation steps.