Climate change is a complex issue of growing importance, requiring action and synergy of the entire society. Clear, regular, quality, and open communication is a prerequisite for successfully fighting the effects of climate change, according to the Climate Communications and Local Governance-Africa (CCLG-Africa) network.
The strategy represents a framework for a national climate change communication, and is aimed at raising the awareness of climate change and its impact among Ghanaian citizens and numerous other stakeholders.
The importance of the availability of quality information and knowledge about climate change, noting that this will motivate citizens, institutions, and society as a whole to be more involved in solving the problem.
The vision of this communication strategy, aims through shared understanding and engagement, related organizations, partners, visitors and other key stakeholders are informed, empowered, and inspired to take personal and collective action to help reduce their carbon footprint (mitigation) and to address the impacts of climate change and related stressors on fish, wildlife and plants and within local landscapes (adaptation).
Goal 1 – Identify at least one Focal person from Selected district/region/national/international that has shown exemplary innovation and progress toward developing and implementing climate change communication and engagement strategies with multiple audiences
Goal 2 -Cultivate a front line of focal staff, related organizations, and long-term volunteers to serve as “Climate Change Communicators” to effectively engage and inspire visitors, local communities and school systems, and other Service staff to take personal and collective mitigation and adaptation actions.
Goal 3 – Continuously link climate change communication and engagement activities recommended in this document to all other relevant stakeholders, conserving the future communications efforts.
TARGET AUDIENCES
CCLG-Africa is liaising with focal persons in the various selected; Locally, Nationally and International to design climate related communication messages which will be transmitted in various media from social media, print, information vans, community radio, role play.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY AUDIENCES
The group expects that from these engagements, we will be able to turn information into action, sharing information on climate change, yet struggle with telling audiences what to do about it, with such medium, it will inspire action.
Further, the communication tools we will use will help to generate feedback, and present an opportunity for the locals to ask questions and receive insightful answers.
KEY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES
The work of CCLG-Africa’s communication strategy revolves around businesses, institutions, and partners (MMDAs). Nonetheless, in developing tailored messages for the business class, constituencies and climate oriented institution in Africa.
The network intends to develop and execute these sustainable communication plans below:
Use targeted communications: While one-size-fits-all messages work for broader concepts, increasingly sophisticated stakeholders expect targeted information with the opportunity to ask difficult questions and receive insightful answers. Further, one of the strategies the CCLG-Africa is considering is to inculcate climate change and environmental matters into all stages of our human life.
Be forward-looking: While change starts today, businesses, institutions, and MMDAs should be prepared to share their vision, supported by a detailed roadmap, covering the next 10 to 20 years, framing their customers’ choices in a way that motivates them to make climate-conscious decisions.
Turn information into action: Brands often excel at sharing information on climate change, yet struggle with telling their audiences what to do about it. A broad idea is not enough to inspire action.
Time to Move from the margin to mainstream: Where once it was a fringe issue for activists, climate change has become a mainstream corporate and consumer issue. So, companies need to ask: “Where is climate change in our corporate narrative?”
Make it permanent: Communications teams should get ready now for a decade-long journey on climate change. It cannot be this month’s trendy topic for a news release. Plan for it to be a permanent, core pillar of communications activities.
RECOMMENDED DIRECTION
The moment to act and communicate on climate change is now. Organizations have a mandate to take action and an opportunity to help mold the future in the face of a changing climate.