Strategic Climate Communications to Effect Change

(VIRTUAL) October – December 2023

Instructor: Josh DeVincenzo, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia Climate School

Fall 2023 Professional Learning Workshop Info Session – Climate Communications

This online workshop is currently being offered at a rate of $1,599.99 per offering. Information Session Attendees will receive 10% Discount Code

Description: There is no question that better climate communications have become a priority across sectors as the impacts of climate change continue to shift daily lives for individuals, communities, and organizations. Whether it be exploring more effective ways to communicate science, navigating difficult conversations stemming from different viewpoints, or connecting better with individuals and groups in a changing world, at the center of climate communication is the convergence of science and the dynamics of human behavior. This workshop invites participants to explore ways to apply research across psychology, adult learning theory, cognitive science, and social neuroscience to improve climate change communications to drive change in their specific context.

This workshop is designed for professionals and interested individuals across sectors who are tasked with communicating climate change-related information in a range of settings, from workplace, activism, classrooms, to everyday encounters.  Every context and audience is unique, for that reason, this workshop will focus on working with participants to tailor climate communications and initiatives specific to their work, research, or teaching context. The workshop will be a combination of presentations, guest lectures from the field, and applied practice. Participants will also create a practicum project that will allow them to generate localized solutions and communication strategies for the community/setting of their choice with feedback from experts from Columbia Climate School.

Learning objectives / themes:

  • Investigate research across psychology, adult learning theory, cognitive science, and social neuroscience relevant to climate communications
  • Analyze and apply systems thinking for climate change
  • Identify and generate alternative climate communications to address cognitive barriers to climate-related information
  • Review methods of conducting an audience-based need analysis for climate change information
  • Explore quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating the effectiveness of climate communications
  • Conduct case study analysis on first-hand climate experiences
  • Discuss issues of accessibility and equity in climate communications
  • Investigate mental model theory for climate thinking to decode perspectives
  • Apply behavioral science principles to understanding individual and collective decision-making
  • Identify ways to apply social and emotional intelligence in climate communications
  • Evaluate and design data visualization techniques for climate communications
  • Create climate information campaigns using Story Maps

Who this workshop is intended for: The workshop is intended for communication and media specialists, other professionals, and students interested in applying climate communications in a variety of settings. The workshop provides the knowledge, skills, and tools for seasoned and new climate communicators to take a deep dive into their current work by applying behavioral science to their projects. The workshop is designed for learners from all different academic and professional backgrounds and interests, as we will take an interdisciplinary approach to develop solutions.

Learning modalities:

This workshop will be offered in a virtual format via Zoom. It will feature a mixture of lecture, discussion, and audio/visual materials. Guest speakers will share their practical knowledge and experience as well.

Please note that all courses are taught in English. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Schedule: VIRTUAL October – December 2023. Session 1 will be 2 hours in length. All other sessions will run for 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Session 1: Thursday, October 26, 5.30-7.30pm

Session 2: Thursday, November 2, 5.30-7.40pm

Session 3: Thursday, November 9, 5.30-7.40pm

Session 4: Thursday, November 16, 5.30-7.40pm

Session 5: Thursday, November 30, 5.30-7.40pm

Session 6: Thursday, December 7, 5.30-7.40pm

Session 7: Thursday, December 14, 5.30-7.40pm

Instructor Bio:

Josh DeVincenzo

Josh DeVincenzo is the Assistant Director of Training and Education and Adjunct Lecturer at Columbia Climate School's National Center for Disaster Preparedness. Josh's research interests examine the relationship between climate change and mental models. Josh's expertise lies in developing lifelong learning experiences on disaster preparedness, mitigation, recovery, and resilience. He has created national-scale curricula in the United States on disaster financial literacy, economic impact analysis, and community partnerships. Josh aims to provide accessible and quality educational programming on a large scale, focusing on climate change and equity. He has published his work on climate pedagogy and cognition in esteemed journals and outlets such as the Journal of International Affairs, Routledge, State of Planet, and the Hill. Josh holds a master's degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a doctoral candidate in Adult Learning at Teachers College, Columbia University.