20 Jan 2025

Climate comms: a glass half-full take on 2025

Recently, Charlie Morrow, the head of sustainability communications at Cognito Media (a UK-based firm), wrote an article for PR Week on the climate transition and communications in 2024 and his predictions for 2025.

Here are some insights from the article we found interesting:

Navigating Climate Communication in ‘The Year of Democracy’

The year 2024,  dubbed by some as the ‘year of democracy,’ marked a pivotal moment in global climate action and communication. Political shifts worldwide had a profound impact on how climate issues were addressed and communicated.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Pessimism and Progress

The general mood in 2024 was one of pessimism regarding the climate transition. Despite the challenges, the year was not without its successes. While COP29 fell short of expectations, it achieved significant milestones, including the agreement on a framework for carbon markets.

Financial Institutions and Climate Alliances: A Reassessment

A notable trend in 2024 was the withdrawal of major investors from climate alliances. Prominent firms like BlackRock (an American investment company) either exited or restructured their involvement with the Climate Action 100+ initiative, a trend that has continued into 2025.

Adapting to a Complex Communication Landscape

The developments of 2024 present both challenges and opportunities for communicators. The renewables industry, for instance, has begun to adapt its messaging to meet the growing power and electricity demands driven by the rapid scaling of AI. By focusing on addressing the electricity deficit rather than solely on ending fossil fuels, the industry is evolving its message in a strategic manner.

The Role of Communicators: Crafting Narratives for Change

As communicators, our task is to portray the world as it is while envisioning the future we aspire to create. This dual perspective, though bittersweet, is a source of inspiration. By highlighting both the challenges and the progress, we can craft compelling narratives that resonate and drive positive change, Morrow writes

Click here to read the full article.

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