From Data to Action: Leveraging Narrative Technologies for Climate Communication

In an era marked by the urgency of climate action, effective communication of complex scientific data is paramount. This presentation will delve into innovative strategies for communicating complex climate science, specifically looking at the use of interactive narrative technologies known as StoryMaps. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has employed StoryMaps to unpack climate indicators as reported on by the State of the Climate reports since 2020. These reports, vital to understanding global climatic shifts, are made more accessible and engaging through interactive data visualization and mapping techniques, with overwhelmingly positive feedback garnered from stakeholders and the public alike. Of more than 1700 survey respondents, approximately 95% reported improved understanding of climate change processes or impacts after engaging with the StoryMaps. This demonstrates the effectiveness of StoryMaps in bridging the gap between complex scientific information and improved public awareness. Furthermore, more than 90% of respondents reported heightened inspiration to take climate action. By empowering users to better understand the various components of the climate system, their changes and impacts, narrative tools such as StoryMaps can therefore be a powerful tool for translating knowledge into action. In addition to presenting on the utility of the StoryMaps themselves, lessons learnt for more general communication strategies will also be addressed—specifically utilizing supporting visual material, contextualizing results with their related development impacts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering interactivity. By incorporating these elements, we uncover broader insights into effective communication strategies, demonstrating how they can be applied across various platforms to engage audiences and enhance understanding of complex climate data. Overall, through this presentation, we aim to offer insights on enhanced communication techniques for complex scientific concepts, thereby inspiring greater collective action towards a more sustainable future.