Rewriting the Climate Story: Communication, Journalism, and Hope
The stories we tell about climate change shape how the world responds to it. For too long, the narrative has been dominated by fear, fatigue, and fragmentation — emphasizing crisis over connection. But as planetary challenges intensify, a new generation of communicators, journalists, and creators is reshaping the narrative: connecting climate to justice, health, and economy, and telling stories of hope, possibility, and systemic change.
This session will explore how effective climate communication can move us beyond awareness to action — bridging science and storytelling, data and emotion, urgency and optimism. Together, we’ll ask: what stories can help people see themselves as part of the solution, not just witnesses to the crisis?
Speakers
Heeta Lakhani — Founder of The ClimAct Initiative and longtime climate educator empowering youth participation in global climate governance and UNFCCC processes.
Saskia Daggett — Human rights and advocacy leader co-founding The Collective to drive radical, collaborative action for a fairer and more sustainable world.
What to Expect
Redefine the message – Explore how media and communication strategies can move beyond crisis framing to catalyze collective action.
Connect the dots – Examine how storytelling can link environmental destruction, inequality, and other systemic challenges into one shared narrative.
Empower journalism – Highlight the vital role of independent media in explaining climate impacts and elevating frontline solutions.
Center hope and possibility – Discuss how narratives of innovation, resilience, and justice can inspire progress without denying urgency.
Shape public will – Learn how communicators, scientists, and advocates can collaborate to drive political and social momentum for just transitions.
Why Join?
Understand how communication strategy shapes the success of climate action.
Gain tools to tell compelling, actionable stories that drive engagement and policy.
Learn from journalists and media innovators connecting global issues through new narratives.
Walk away ready to use storytelling as infrastructure for hope and change.
Who Should Attend?
Journalists, media professionals, and climate communicators.
Advocates, scientists, and policy experts shaping public narratives.
Funders and organizations investing in climate and media innovation.
Anyone committed to transforming how we talk — and think — about the planet’s future.