Beyond the Climate Bubble: Communicating for Real-World Action

​Climate change is one of the most widely discussed issues of our time, yet communicating it effectively remains one of the sector's greatest challenges. Public awareness has grown, but attention is fragmented, trust is contested, and many climate messages struggle to reach audiences beyond those already engaged.

​This discussion will explore how climate communication can evolve to drive broader understanding, accountability, and action. Participants will examine the role of journalists, campaigners, businesses, NGOs, athletes, entertainers, and other trusted voices in shaping public conversations about climate risks and solutions. The conversation will consider how different messengers can engage audiences that traditional climate communications often fail to reach, and how storytelling, culture, sport, and entertainment can make climate issues more relevant to people's everyday lives.

​The session will also address a rapidly changing communications landscape. As organizations face increasing scrutiny over sustainability claims, political polarization, and concerns about greenwashing, how should they communicate about climate issues with credibility and confidence? What responsibilities do the media, private sector, and civil society have in informing the public while maintaining trust?

​At a moment when climate action depends on public understanding as much as technological innovation, effective communication is becoming a strategic challenge rather than a supporting function. This conversation will explore what it takes to engage new audiences, build trust, and turn climate communication into a catalyst for meaningful action.

​Discussion Group Leaders

• ​Ben Jenkins is Director of Private Development at Internews, advancing philanthropic support for people and planet-focused initiatives.

• ​Mengnan Jiang is Communication Strategist at Dialogue Earth, advancing sustainable finance and climate investment through strategic communications.

• ​Namrata Sharma is COO at Civic Studios, advancing climate action through entertainment, education, and advocacy-driven media.

​Discussion Questions

• ​How can climate communicators reach audiences beyond those already engaged in climate and sustainability conversations?

• ​What roles can journalism, sport, entertainment, and popular culture play in building public understanding and motivating action on climate issues?

• ​How should businesses, NGOs, and other organizations communicate about sustainability in an environment of increasing scrutiny and skepticism?

• ​What makes a climate message credible, trusted, and effective in driving action rather than awareness alone?