The Challenge
"How might we transform the way we communicate issues of climate change to diverse audiences in order to create positive action towards the regeneration of systems on individual, local and global scales?"
The Sixth Assessment Report from the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in August of 2021, has reiterated the pace and extent of climate change and it’s unequivocal connection to the actions of humans. To address this in time to reverse some of the damage that humans have caused, the need to inspire positive steps towards climate action intensifies. As the need for collective action has never been greater, clear communication regarding the actions that individuals, communities, institutions, and populations can make is necessary to create change.
Communicating climate science and paths for positive action faces unique challenges, including the ubiquity of fake news, and climate news fatigue.[1] Researchers from Monash University and the University of Melbourne responded to the report by highlighting how important it is not to despair, but to find new ways to ‘offer tangible action, use clear language that avoids despair, connect locally, and tell a story.’[2]
The UNSW Circular Economy Hackathon: Positive Communication for Climate Change asks participants to reimagine the existing approaches and channels for communicating climate change and in doing so bring new life and hope to the delivery of the climate action narrative. Proposed solutions should be underpinned by circular economy principles and should also consider opportunities to reduce waste, activate space, and promote positive social and economic change.