Enhancing Strategies and Actions to Elevate Public Awareness and Optimize Decision-Making
Authors: Molina Tomas , Abadal Ernest 
Published: July 2024

Our comprehensive international research, drawing opinions and data from weather presenters, National meteorological Services, IPCC scientist and policymakers,&#160; across 100 countries, advocates for an expansive view of communication that includes traditional media and institutional communication strategies, as well as broader political and social action reflective of varied social, cultural, and economic viewpoints.We propose a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing societal understanding of climate change and facilitating the decision-making process necessary for adapting to and mitigating the impacts of this global challenge.Enhancing Public Engagement with IPCC Reports Through Key Summary Texts and Visual AidsFuture IPCC cycles could include, alongside each synthesis report, a document highlighting key scientific points crafted by scientific editors and communication experts. This initiative could standardize the dissemination of information, fostering a more informed and engaged global society regarding climate change issues.Avoid negative or fear-inducing campaignsAdvocate for a communication approach that steers clear of fear-inducing messages, proposing instead that framing climate change communication in an optimistic and responsible tone could foster a more constructive public engagement and action.The battle against conspiracy theories and conspiratorial thinkingA professional and effective communication strategy on climate change serves as an antidote to such misinformation, but combating the spread of conspiratorial thinking in society requires more directed action and further research.Incorporating climate change education at all levels, including university educationThe integration of subjects that enable an understanding of climate change into the existing curricula of elementary, primary, and secondary education. Furthermore, higher education is advised to incorporate transversal competencies in environmental knowledge and sustainability.Grassroots sustainability action groups within professional and workplace communitiesTo foster the formation and action of grassroots groups within businesses and organizations to implement specific sustainability measures at their workplaces. While external regulations may encounter resistance, active participation by employees can create a sustainable movement that aligns with the company's mission and goals, offering a durable and integrated approach to combating climate change.Informed Complex Governance by Climate Change CommunicationThe integration of complexity into policy creation and decision-making processes, advocating for direct and mutual communication among stakeholders with transparent information sharing, aiming to ensure inclusive interaction and contributions in climate negotiation spheres.Adaptation as a Catalyst for MitigationPrioritizing adaptation as a primary strategy in the fight against climate change fosters a protective societal perception and awareness of risks, stimulating personal emission reductions and increasing policy demand for climate change mitigation measures. This bottom-up approach in societal and economic activities underscores adaptation as a crucial stimulus in combating the unwanted changes affecting our environment, advocating for adaptation-first strategies as an effective means to catalyze broader mitigation efforts.