THE EDIT
Issue #16, Climate Communication, August 2024
Environmental strategist Mira Norrsell, second from left, has founded a successful concept in Lund, Sweden, for people to meet and work together onclimate change. Photo: André De Loisted
Casual climate chats are turning talk into tangible action
What to know: An after-work initiative to discuss climate solutions has become a success in Lund, southern Sweden. In a casual setting with lectures and panel discussions, the event encourages participants from various sectors to share ideas on sustainable living, and form partnerships that lead to real climate action. “Being active and informed makes you more aware and less anxious – and that’s more constructive,” says organiser Mira Norrsell.
Why it matters: By bringing people together in a shared space, grassroots conversations transform climate concern into collective action. And it’s not just feelgood – a Yale study found that discussing climate issues even once a month can seriously boost your belief in your power to influence politics.
How to engage for the needed energy transition
“Use humour, visual storytelling, and examples from daily life” – these are just a few of the top tips from researcher and journalist Alexandra Borchardt, for empowering audiences. Public engagement is vital to make the needed energy transition a reality, she notes, as she introduces her six-step guide to readers of THE EDIT.
Mark Lee Hunter, award winning journalist, and co-moderator of the upcoming Vattenfall conference on climate communication. Photo: Jack Hollingsworth
Why a new climate reality calls for new media strategies
The climate crisis is changing how we do journalism, and for whom, according to investigative journalist and author Mark Lee Hunter, also co-moderator of the Vattenfall conference on climate communication on September 24. In a column for THE EDIT he describes the dynamics that are leading journalists to take active responsibility for the future.
Renewables rule the EU
A new report from the energy think tank Ember shows that, for the first time ever, the EU is generating more energy from wind and solar than from fossil fuels. In the first six months of this year, fossil fuel generation decreased by 17 per cent to 27 per cent, while wind and solar now account for 30 per cent.
“We need to shift the focus to the possibilities”
Photo: Johan Gunséus Vikdahl
On 24 September, Vattenfall is hosting an open seminar on how bad news fatigue can be avoided when communicating around climate change. Why? THE EDIT asked Anna Borg, CEO and President of Vattenfall, to explain.
News flash
3 x quick updates from the energy world
Efficient cooling
Around 10 per cent of the world's energy consumption comes from cooling – a number that isn’t likely to decrease. But don’t sweat it. A new innovation, that reduces humidity in the air, can make air conditioning more energy-efficient (wired.com)
Securing the raw essentials
The EU is turning to new solutions to source key minerals like graphite and lithium locally. These efforts aim to secure a more resilient future for Europe’s renewable energy transition. (theconversation.com)
Green your stream
Streaming has a bigger impact on the climate than you might think. But it all comes down to how you do it. Here are five useful tips to help you stream with consciousness. (technologyreview.com)
And finally …
A heavenly tool to tackle the changing climate
An advanced satellite called EarthCare, has successfully entered it’s orbit, reports The European Space Agency. Equipped with revolutionary instruments it will provide a first-of-its-kind holistic view of the complex interplay between clouds, aerosols, and radiation. By offering these insights, EarthCare will improve understanding of the climate, helping preparations for extreme weather and adaption in public safety, agriculture, energy management, and transport.