Communication is an important pathway to climate action, says Harini Nagendra

Nature magazine has published an article by Branco Weiss Alumna Harini Nagendra titled “Celebrate nature and promote hope to drive climate action”. “Science is necessary, but clearly not sufficient, for conveying the climate crisis,” Dr. Nagendra writes. A decade ago, scientists focused mainly on publishing policy-relevant research, but growing climate inaction has led many to embrace activism and communication. Dr. Nagendra emphasizes the power of storytelling, multilingual outreach, and engaging young people through festivals, art, and personal narratives. These approaches make climate science relatable and emotionally resonant, especially in diverse and low-income communities, she found. Traditional knowledge and indigenous voices are vital, alongside scientific facts. While communication alone won’t solve the crisis, it is a crucial first step toward broader climate engagement and justice. “We might not have the capacity to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, but we must share the stage with others affected by climate change, to help us understand how it feels.

Read the article in Nature