Environmental Communication Research Articles

Dry Spells, Drought, and Environmental Crisis: The Drought Feature in Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine, 1939–2019

ABSTRACT Drought in Australia is expected but with climate change will worsen. Popular magazines can draw attention to and depict drought in distinctive as well as conventional ways, as shown by an analysis of content on drought in Australian Women’s Weekly from 1939 to 2019. That content, and in particular feature articles on drought, has established drought as a phenomenon experienced primarily by those who live and work on the land, promoted certain views of the experience of drought – and its significance for women – and advocated action of some kind. The features in later years also have placed drought in the context of climate change, including through prominent verbal and visual elements that draw attention to the plight of the environment. In these ways, the features illustrate the efforts made by the popular women’s magazine to contribute purposefully to environmental communication in the public sphere.

“Climate-Solutions Polarization”: A Value-based Approach to Understanding Polarization Dynamics around Biomass in Dutch Media Discourse

ABSTRACT Polarization dynamics around climate change are shifting from debates about the reality and severity of climate change to debates about climate solutions. We propose taking a value-based approach to understanding “climate-solutions polarization”. As a case study, we identified the discursive value expressions underlying the polarized biomass media discourse in the Netherlands, from 2019–2021. A discourse analysis showed how the value expressions (a) climate security, (b) environmental benevolence, and (c) local security produce an opposition discourse, whereas the value expressions (d) climate achievement, (e) technological security, and (f) economic security underpin advocacy discourse. We discuss how the strong presence of security values provides both communication opportunities and risks for transitioning to climate-resilient societies. Further, our research shows how both sides of the debate have scientific actors on their side using distinctive rhetorical strategies, providing insight into debates about the role of values in science. The value-based approach to understanding climate-solutions polarization is promising for both the science and practice of environmental communication.

The role of emotional appeal in water conservation communication: a framework for social media engagement

Amidst growing concerns about water shortages, harnessing the potential of social media emerges as a crucial strategy in attempts to conserve consumption While informative messaging in environmental communication has been widely acknowledged, the role of emotional appeal remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by proposing a comprehensive framework that integrates emotional appeal, evoked through video creativity and multimedia effects. Focusing on the UK context and informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), the study highlights the complex interplay between cognitive and affective factors in water conservation communication. By applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to a dataset containing 443 responses, the analysis reveals that emotional appeal, when evoked through creativity, not only positively influences individuals’ attitudes but also extends to shape perceived behavioural control. These findings further emphasise the ability of emotional appeal to serve as a complementary aspect that enriches individuals’ motivational framework and influences their inclination towards engaging in the intended behaviour. The study has important implications for improving current marketing efforts and encouraging behavioural shifts among water consumers. By including emotional appeal in social media communication strategies, environmental communicators can build empathy and promote sustainability more effectively. Additionally, this study offers a valuable understanding of the complex nature of water conservation communication, providing practical strategies for enhancing environmental messaging and encouraging positive behaviour changes.

Environmental Communication of the Kapuas River Clean Action by the Pontianak Young Generation

This article aims to increase the perception, experience, and communication of the young generation of Pontianak City in maintaining the cleanliness of the Kapuas River. The most considerable pollution of the river comes from household waste. River hygiene socialization often involves the people of riverside areas, as if they are the ones responsible for river cleanliness. The river cleanup action so far is also considered just ceremonial. This P.K.M. (community service) focuses on two activities: the digital campaign and the collective movement #AksiBersihSungaiKapuas. The digital campaign is carried out ten days ahead of World Environment Day. It contains education and recordings of the actual actions of Pontianak’s Young Generation. 134 digital campaigns are using the hashtag #AksiNyataBersihSungaiKapuas. Meanwhile, the Collective Movement is held on World Environment Day every June 5. A total of 2 tons of garbage was collected in the Kapuas River clean-up action. Plastic waste, water hyacinth, and household waste are the most common. The young generation of Pontianak City is not only a spectator but a subject in education and disseminating the habit of maintaining the cleanliness of the Kapuas River environment.

Tantangan Dalam Mengembangkan Komunikasi Lingkungan Pada Isu Sampah Plastik

In SIPSN KLHK data, plastic waste in Indonesia has significantly increased over the last three years, indicating a growing level of public awareness about the issue. The objective of this article is to achieve optimal environmental communication by describing the challenges in developing environmental communication on the issue of plastic waste, both conventionally and digitally. This aims to serve as a comprehensive review regarding challenges that have not been discussed by previous researchers who did not specify environmental communication challenges related to plastic waste. The research method used is qualitative, utilizing data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and literature reviews. The interviews and observations were conducted at Bank Sampah Teratai, a waste bank in South Tangerang City. The findings reveal that the challenges in developing environmental communication on plastic waste can be categorized by media (digital and conventional), demographic age groups (teenagers, adults, and seniors), and administrative challenges, all analyzed using Lasswell's theory of communication elements. In conclusion, the primary factors contributing to these challenges are inconsistency and public skepticism. The urgency of this research is the increasing volume of plastic waste annually, which has significant environmental impacts. Therefore, enhancing public awareness about plastic waste through effective environmental communication is crucial. The researcher recommends that environmental communicators focus on addressing solutions to inconsistency and skepticism to mitigate these challenges.

Media Narratives Beyond the Headlines: A Review on Global Media Coverage of the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit

Global media narratives refer to how international news outlets frame and present stories, shaping public perception and discourse on significant events like the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit. This includes the themes, tones, and emphases used by different media sources to convey the importance, implications, and outcomes of such global events. This study explores global media coverage and narratives during the COP15 summit in December 2022, aiming to analyze dominant themes presented by international media, identify differences in reporting approaches among major outlets, and evaluate the influence of these narratives on public awareness and policy discourse regarding biodiversity. Using content analysis, the research studies news from various outlets to identify and quantify key themes such as ecological urgency, economic implications, policy negotiations, and scientific discoveries. Comparative analysis highlights variations in coverage focus, tone, and depth, revealing how regional contexts and media ownership influence reporting styles. Findings indicate that while some media outlets prioritize policy negotiations and economic implications, others emphasize ecological urgency and scientific findings, leading to varied public and policy responses. This research underscores the critical role of media in shaping public understanding and influencing policy debates on biodiversity. By providing insights into effective reporting practices, the study aims to enhance the quality of environmental journalism and foster informed public and policy engagement with biodiversity issues, contributing to the broader discourse on environmental communication and the power of media narratives in addressing global environmental challenges.

Corporate social responsibility communication after COVID-19: what values for practical implementation of the SDGs?

PurposeIn line with the growing trend of companies focusing on achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), this research paper aims to propose a classification of values of socially responsible companies aligned with the SDGs that these companies could fulfill.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ carried out a qualitative semiotic analysis of four companies as part of the corporate environmental communication initiative to focus on the corporate values conveyed in the messages. Using thematic analysis, the authors’ identified the SDGs achieved by their actions. By coding the values and the SDGs, the authors’ performed a top-down hierarchical classification, linking the value system to the SDGs.FindingsThis research unveils various relationships between corporate communication values and the practical implementation of specific SDGs. This paper sheds light on the central role of utilitarian values in achieving SDGs 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 and highlights the importance of existential values in reaching SDGs 8, 9, 10, 12, 11 and 17. Conversely, no utilitarian values contribute to the realization of SDGs 7, 8, 11, 13 and 17, while no existential values enable the achievement of SDGs 7, 12, 13 and 17.Originality/valueThis research makes a valuable contribution to the achievement of the SDGs by adopting a streamlined approach that aligns with specific company values. The classification of values by SDG provides an in-depth understanding of commitments toward these goals and promotes more coherent integration into corporate culture and business practices. This approach ensures that sustainable progress is aligned with the values communicated in their long-term strategy, enabling businesses to effectively address crises.

Environmental communication and disaster mitigation by mobile application and website

Background: Indonesia is a disaster-prone area, situated in the equatorial zone where several tectonic plates converge, and the Ring of Fire runs through. Indonesia requires an effective disaster mitigation system to minimize risks and losses during disasters. Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) is a non-departmental government institution. Through its mobile application and official website, BMKG actively provides various information accessible to all Indonesians. Purpose: The research aimed to understand how BMKG conducts environmental communication and disaster mitigation through a mobile application and website. Methods: This research is descriptive qualitative using a constructive paradigm. The data was collected using documentation and observation studies. The authors carried out content analysis using Philipp Mayring’s methods on the “Info BMKG” application and the website http://www.bmkg.go.id/. Results: The BMKG application and website cover some aspects of environmental communication, including rhetoric, media, public participation, and education campaigns, delivering a range of environmental messages. They facilitate disaster mitigation by providing information and vulnerability maps for different types of disasters but lack details on regulatory measures and planning for disaster-prone areas. Conclusion: The BMKG application and website effectively communicate environmental and disaster-related information but need to improve coverage, speed of notifications, and include more details on regulation and planning for disaster-prone areas. Implications: This study suggests the need to enhance the platforms’ content and user education. Besides, it emphasizes theoretical implications for communication, public participation, and media theories in the context of disaster risk reduction.

Environmental and scientific communications: correlation of concepts

A person perceives the surrounding world through communicative and cognitive processes, where knowledge, emotions, and social norms influence the perception of information about environmental problems. In our opinion, a skillful combination of scientific and environmental communication allows not only to improve the quality of communication, but also to change attitudes towards the environment. We tested this hypothesis by correlating the concepts of environmental and scientific communication presented in Russian and foreign scientific literature, comparing their main characteristics, and identifying the features of interaction. Based on the results of the study, the author comes to the conclusion about the importance of partnership between scientific and environmental communication, which has a positive effect on the effectiveness of management and the preservation of environmental sustainability, and the behavioral intentions of citizens. The scientific component strengthens environmental communication due to the competence of knowledge and balanced decisions, which is reflected in the legitimization of the changes being carried out. Finally, we also propose different action strategies and communication models, the choice of which depends on the goals of the subjects and the current situation.

“NGOBROL JELANTAH” KOMUNIKASI LINGKUNGAN PENDEKATAN SOSIAL-BUDAYA OLEH BANK JELANTAH SEKAR SEJAGAD 88 SEMARANG

The amount of waste cooking oil in Indonesia is large due to dominance of food processing by frying has given rise to new environmental issues. Non-B3 waste originating from these households can be negative for both health and the environment. This is because used cooking oil cannot be disposed of directly in water or land withour processing, and also cannot be combined with other piles of waste. However, not many people understand the proper way to dispose and process waste cooking oil. Bank Jelantah Sekar Sejagad 88 practices environmental communication to convey the message of how to process waste cooking oil is converted into economic value. This research uses qualitative methods with interviews with managers and members of Bank Jelantah Sekar Sejagad 88. The delivery of environmental communication messages with socio-cultural approach, based on character of the target community, namely women who are married. Based on research, there are two main socio-cultural charactistics of the audience, namely togetherness and socialicing which in togethernees is the means of disseminating daily information. The second character is that trust is built through valid information with the support of the local government. Based on these characteristic, there are strategies for delivering messages namely “Ngobrol Jelantah”, Gethok Tular, dan top-down concept. With this message delivery strategy, it can increase awareness of targets as shown by the increase in the number of members of Bank Jelantah Sekar Sejagad 88. Based on discussion, it appears that including targets through community empowerment is the right step in building mutual understanding in delivering environmental communication message.

Analysis of Environmental Communication in Waste Management Efforts in Palu

Analysis of Environmental Communication in Waste Management Efforts in Palu

A Textual Analysis of Media Frames Toward Environmental Issues in India

Environmental sustainability and climate change are major geopolitical challenges today. Environmental protection is a global and local issue with few solutions. As governments around the world struggle with environmental politics, mass media organizations inform, advocate, and persuade for positive environmental change. Media reports, facts, and opinions on environmental issues shape public perceptions, so it’s important to evaluate their contexts. This paper examines how Indian news, documentaries, and social media frame environmental issues and how framing affects public perception. Study methods include qualitative comparative and thematic analysis. The environmental topics chosen for study are megacity air quality and pollution and, coastal city natural disasters and climate change. Language, image, and visual selection are evaluated in media frame construction. The study shows that cultural, political, and ideological biases shape these stories. The effectiveness and reach of different media, especially new media, can be compared. The report recommends several media strategies to improve environmental communication and eliminate fallacies like biased frames.

Digitalization of CDC Environmental Communication in Handling Ciliwung River Ecosystem Sustainability through Instagram

Digitalization of CDC Environmental Communication in Handling Ciliwung River Ecosystem Sustainability through Instagram

Virtual Environment, Real Impacts: A Self-determination Perspective on the use of Virtual Reality for Pro-environmental Behavior Interventions

ABSTRACT Plastic waste is a serious environmental problem worldwide. Effective environmental communication is key to mobilizing the public to adopt pro-environmental behaviors for reducing plastic waste. While virtual reality (VR) is proposed as a viable tool that could overcome several challenges facing environmental communication, certain limitations exist in the extant literature, making it unclear whether it is the modality of VR itself, rather than some extraneous factor, that accounts for pro-environmental outcomes. Hence, adopting a between-subjects experimental design, this study improves on past research by comparing the efficacy of a VR game with an equivalent computerized quiz in increasing participants’ pro-environmental behavioral intention. Our results indicate that VR (vs. computerized quiz) has a comparative advantage for increasing participants’ behavioral intention to learn about plastic waste (BIL). Furthermore, guided by the self-determination theory, we find that perceived autonomy and autonomous motivation serve as serial mediators in the relationship between modality and BIL. Key Policy Highlights Policymakers could adopt VR technologies to increase public members’ interest in learning about environmental issues. In designing pro-environmental behavioral interventions, policymakers should focus on facilitating individuals’ autonomous motivation by giving them a sense of control.

Dynamic Fear in Fear Appeals: Applying Fear Appeals to Environmental Communication in China

This study investigates the role of dynamic fear in the effectiveness of communicating health threats (i.e. fear appeals) of ground-level ozone among Chinese citizens. An online survey revealed that fear appeal messages effectively enhance the audience’s risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs, and acceptance of the message. Crucially, dynamic fear reduction process positively predicts engagement in protective behaviors (i.e. danger control process) and negatively predicts engagement in fear control processes, such as message denial. Presenting severity before susceptibility resulted in a more positive attitude toward the message recommendation. These findings highlight that communicating health-threats about climate pollution is effective in raising awareness and motivating protective behaviors. Furthermore, our study underscores the importance of dynamic fear, specifically fear reduction, in increasing fear appeals’ effectiveness in communicating climate issues from a health perspective.

Inclusive innovation stems from environmental communication scholarship

Inclusive innovation stems from environmental communication scholarship

The Impact of Public Deliberation and Identity-Based Storytelling on Civic Empowerment among Latinx Communities on Environmental Issues

ABSTRACT Environmental issues already disproportionately impact communities of color in the U.S., where there is a long and well-established history of environmental racism. Despite efforts to diversify voices in deliberation, engaging marginalized populations remains a key challenge. Drawing from environmental communication, civic empowerment, and social identity literatures, this study conducted a field experiment within an environmental deliberative event among Latinx communities. We examined (1) to what extent deliberation affects process – and outcome-based empowerment, and (2) the impact of factual vs. storytelling deliberative material on empowerment. Our findings show that deliberation increased process-based, but not outcome-based, empowerment on environmental issues. We also found that participants exposed to storytelling had a larger increase in empowerment compared to those exposed to factual materials during the deliberation day. Implications for designing culturally responsive deliberations for environmental communication are discussed.

Environmental communication strategy against deep-sea tailings disposal in Morowali

Environmental communication movement against Deep-Sea Tailings Placement (DSTP) permit for nickel mine waste of Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) skyrockets in response of DSTP issue. One example of the Non-Government Organization that pushed this movement is Jaringan Advokasi Tambang (JATAM), especially JATAM Sulteng. This movement is crucial considering the increase of nickel mining operations due of ellectronics demand, either for transportation or telecommunication purposes. From our initial observations, we concluded that this movement stands on discourse management of nickel mining, waste mangement and its effects to the environment. Thus, this study was done to discern what environmental communication strategy JATAM Sulteng choose to disseminate informations on the effects of nickel mining and processing of IMIP which also included on how they pushed the movement against DSTP on Morowali sea. This study was done through qualitative descriptive – case study approach. Data were collected through observation on publications, in-depth interview with three informants from JATAM Sulteng and document study. The results shows that the main stratagem choosen was to push the discourse of environmental degradation due to DSTP. The environmental degradation was then connected to the livelihood of the communities surrounding the mine and coastal communities adjacent to the DSTP sites. Supporting strategies for information dissemination also included focus group discussion (FGD), various critical essays, fact sheets and organizational press releases through official websites, mass media and social media, natural resources discussion forums, demonstrations and submission of petitions to the government and nickel extractive industry investors.

Becoming octopus: Indigenous ways of knowing and green leadership

On 30 June 2014 we (a small group of academic women) opened our first Green Leadership School, an experiment in decolonising the classroom, exploring indigenous environmental knowledge, and creating a space of healing and love. This paper documents the process of healing and rejuvenating the lives of activists, government officials, trade unionists, and university students. Similar to the concept of Deleuze and Guattari’s (2004) “becoming animal” and “becoming wolf”, we represented the school as “becoming octopus” – a creature with green blood (becoming green), the highest brain-to-body ratio of any invertebrate, many slithering arms to twist and escape oppression and slide away from toxic spaces, and three hearts for the three-hearted practices of love, bodily integration, and mind-spirit awareness. Therefore, the pedagogical experiment focused on transmutation – connecting with the environment through merging human with animal, ritual and magic, gardening, yoga, storytelling, music, and art alongside more conventional lectures such as understanding climate change through South African vernaculars, ‘land grabs’ in Africa, pollution in South Durban, and environmental communication. Damaged by apartheid and post-apartheid wounds and worldwide ruptures in the socius – the participants experienced psychic healing. This paper discusses the role of joyful pedagogies in decolonising education.

Towards a spectrum of dissent: A content analysis of Hawai‘i’s invasive species media

Invasive species denialism (ISD) has emerged as a concern in invasion science. While some scholars argue ISD is increasing, others contend science denialism is being confused with broader forms of dissent including disagreement and skepticism. Despite attempts to clearly define ISD, most definitions remain subjective and overly reliant on rhetorical markers, creating uncertainty over how to distinguish science denialism from these other, more valuable, forms of dissent. We propose a conceptual framework which utilizes knowledge and porosity as variables to identify science denialism. In doing so, we highlight science denialism’s relationship to broader dissent (i.e., skepticism, disagreement, and unfamiliarity). To validate this framework, we conduct a thematic content analysis of media articles discussing the common coquí (Eleutherodactylus coquí) in Hawai‘i from 1980–2022. We find that while invasive species denialism builds from and amplifies other forms of dissent, it is nevertheless distinguishable within our framework. Moreover, our findings suggest that early and appropriate engagement with dissent can inhibit ISD. Beyond countering ISD, engagement with dissent is important to help mitigate challenges related to distrust of invasion science, issue-framing within public perception, and injustices generated from dismissal. Ultimately, we suggest that the Spectrum of Dissent framework can help scientists, managers, and environmental communication specialists build a healthy dialogue with the public, obtain productive feedback, and facilitate the success of invasive species initiatives.