Climate Change Advocacy and Communication

Climate change advocacy and communication addresses the imperative of translating scientific insight into public understanding and policy action. It encompasses activities by researchers, institutions and civil society to frame messages, engage stakeholders and influence decision-making. Core dimensions include narrative framing, emotional and cultural resonance, media selection and audience segmentation. Strategies range from formal policy briefs and expert testimonies to grassroots campaigns and digital outreach. Effective communication balances urgency with credibility, presenting evidence while managing perceptions of impartiality. Interdisciplinary work explores how messenger identity, message framing and emotional appeals shape attitudes and behaviour. Understanding these dynamics is vital to galvanising societal commitment to equitable and sustainable climate solutions on a global scale.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have examined the relationship between scientists’ professional identity and climate activism. Data from over 300 researchers in more than forty countries indicate that those who view advocacy as compatible with scientific objectivity are more likely to participate in environmental movements and maintain high levels of public trust. Emphasis on environmental stewardship as a core scientific duty and confidence that activism does not compromise impartiality emerged as strong predictors of engagement. This work highlights how identity content within the scientific community can influence both the willingness of researchers to advocate and the public’s reception of their involvement.

Climate Change Advocacy and Communication publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in climate change advocacy and communication across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Advocacy: Deliberate actions designed to influence public policy or opinion on climate issues.

Framing: Presentation of information to emphasise particular values or interpretations.

Credibility: Perceived trustworthiness, expertise and integrity of a communicator.

Emotional valence: Positive or negative emotional tone conveyed in a message.

Scientist-activist compatibilism: The principle that scientific objectivity can coexist with active engagement in advocacy.

References

1. Scientists’ identities shape engagement with environmental activism. Communications Earth & Environment (2024).
2. Emotional researchers or emotional audiences? The effect of emotions in climate change communication. Journal of Environmental Psychology (2023).
3. How scientists’ collective climate advocacy affects public trust in scientists and voting behavior. Environmental Research Letters (2024).
4. Majority of German citizens, US citizens and climate scientists support policy advocacy by climate researchers and expect greater political engagement. Environmental Research Letters (2021).