Our Sustainable City – A crisis of climate communication
Our Sustainable City – A crisis of climate communication Press Herald
sdgtalks
Discussing Climate Change: A Report on Effective Communication
Oftentimes, discussing climate change can be complex and unapproachable due to confusing terminology, mixed messages in the media, and personal experiences. Terms like global warming and sustainability have unclear definitions. Unusual weather conditions, such as this year’s unseasonably wet summer, may not directly imply climate change, but they highlight the unpredictability of a changing climate.
As a sustainability writer for South Portland’s Sustainability Department, my goal is to effectively convey the meaning of climate change, the expected impact on our community, and promote education and introspection at the community level.
Not Just a Climate Crisis, but a Crisis of Communication
Climate change is already affecting lives in our community and has the potential to significantly alter our way of life along Maine’s coastline. Beyond the physical impacts, there are emotional burdens associated with a changing planet. Healing ourselves and the planet collectively requires effective and accessible communication.
Coffee & Climate: How to Talk About Sustainability
Join us for this month’s Coffee & Climate session on Friday, Oct. 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. The session, titled “How to Talk About Sustainability,” will feature John Hagan from Our Climate Common. He will teach strategies for effective communication when discussing climate change and sustainability with neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Participants will learn tips to navigate meaningful conversations and engage more people in climate action.
Grab a cup of coffee and join us online for this informative session. Sign up for the Zoom meeting here.
Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry, providing residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram @soposustainability.
Steve Genovese is an AmeriCorps/Greater Portland Council of Governments Resilience Corps fellow serving in the South Portland Sustainability Office through September 2023. He can be reached at sgenovese@southportland.org.
Comments
Comments are not available on this story.
Related Stories
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses climate change and the need for effective communication to address its impacts. This aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of education and communication at the community level, which relates to SDG 4 on quality education. Lastly, the article highlights the role of sustainability initiatives in South Portland, connecting to SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
- SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
The article emphasizes the need for effective communication and education about climate change and sustainability. This aligns with SDG 13.3, which aims to improve education and awareness on climate change. Furthermore, the article mentions the importance of engaging more people in climate action, which relates to SDG 4.7 on promoting sustainable development through education. Lastly, the article highlights the sustainability initiatives in South Portland, which contributes to SDG 11.6 on reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of community members participating in climate change communication workshops or events
- Level of knowledge and understanding of climate change among community members
- Number of sustainable development initiatives implemented in South Portland
The article mentions a Coffee & Climate event that aims to teach effective communication strategies for discussing climate change. The number of community members participating in such events can serve as an indicator of progress towards SDG 13.3. Additionally, the level of knowledge and understanding of climate change among community members can be measured through surveys or assessments. Lastly, the implementation of sustainable development initiatives in South Portland can be tracked to measure progress towards SDG 11.6.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | – Number of community members participating in climate change communication workshops or events – Level of knowledge and understanding of climate change among community members |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development | – Number of community members participating in climate change communication workshops or events – Level of knowledge and understanding of climate change among community members |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | – Number of sustainable development initiatives implemented in South Portland |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: pressherald.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
