Communication & Youth Mobilization
Marquee Theater
10:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Breakout Session 1A
Youth activists, journalists, scientists, and other communicators are playing a major role in bringing the climate crisis to the forefront of policy discussions. This panel discussed climate communication strategies and their role in tackling the climate crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Government and policymakers can gate-keep information. Direct communication is necessary between decision-makers and impacted communities. These communities need to feel represented and their climate-related struggles addressed.
- Climate change is a complex and global problem that impacts communities in different ways — accessible information and storytelling are key for effective communication with all communities and with youth. This is especially important when addressing equity issues.
- While conferences can lead to large pledges and proposed action on climate change, oftentimes, there is no follow-up action or concrete policy and little tangible progress — effective communication and credible action must ensue.
- Grassroots activists, BIPOC, and impacted community members need an official seat at the table. Their experiences and ideas are needed for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive fight against climate change.
Panelists
Benji Backer
President & Founder, American Conservation Coalition
Nada Elmikashfi
Chief of Staff, Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong
Stephanie Salgado
Student, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Moderator
James Mills
Course Instructor, University of Wisconsin/Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies