Exploring Climate Communication
Effective leadership begins with understanding. Solutions created without involving the communities they aim to serve often fail to deliver the desired results because they don't address those communities' specific needs and realities. This is particularly true when tackling complex challenges like climate change, where communication gaps can hinder meaningful action and resilience.
In the Tijuana-San Diego region, communities face unique climate-related issues such as flooding, extreme heat, and pollution, often compounded by cross-border dynamics. At the same time, designers and communicators have the skills to create visual and narrative tools that can make climate information more accessible, actionable, and inclusive. But before we can lead this effort, we need to listen. We need to understand:
• What do communities truly need from climate communication?
• How do designers see their role in addressing prevention, resilience, and adaptation?
• What barriers prevent more engagement, and where do opportunities lie for creative interventions?
This project begins with these questions, gathering foundational insights into how communities and designers in the region perceive climate change communication. It aims to identify barriers, preferences, and awareness levels while exploring how designers can contribute to impactful climate messaging.
Why This Matters
The role of creative professionals in addressing climate change is significant and underexplored. Visual communication can simplify complex information, inspire action, and foster community connections. Yet, without a clear understanding of the barriers and opportunities in this space, even the most well-intentioned efforts risk falling short.
Your perspective is invaluable, whether you're actively working on climate-related projects or curious about how your skills could make a difference. This research seeks to uncover the unique ways creatives can influence climate communication strategies—strategies that are relevant, inclusive, and tailored to the needs of the Tijuana-San Diego region.
About the Survey
This survey is part of a broader creative leadership initiative that begins by listening. As a creative leader, the first step is understanding the needs of your community to address problems thoughtfully and offer conscious, well-informed solutions. Your input will help:
• Map the role of creatives in climate change communication.
• Identify barriers to participation and potential pathways for greater impact.
• Highlight opportunities to improve how climate information is shared, focusing on prevention, resilience, and adaptation.
How to Participate
The survey, embedded below, will take about 10 minutes to complete. We need your contact information to better understand the results and follow up with participants for the next stages of the project. Your voice is critical to shaping what happens next.
