Event
Driving climate awareness and literacy on social media
More and more individuals, especially youths, are diverting from mass media to rely on social media as their main source of information notably on environmental issues. Social media have become a major space for the everyday discussion and debate on climate change. They have also given a platform to scientists and activists so that they can reach a wider audience. But on the downside, social media have also become an echo chamber for mis- and disinformation related to environmental issues.
Independent journalists as well as scientists are crucial actors in helping our societies to separate facts from lies and manipulation in order to take informed decisions, including about environmental policies. Yet, an increasing number of activists are using social media and becoming thereby content creators to ring the bell and share information about the urgency to act.
The panel will particularly address the following questions: How can digital content creators harness the power of creativity to increase climate literacy among their communities? How can digital content creators/climate activists cooperate with traditional media? How to ensure there is a clear distinction for social media users between information coming from activists vs media? What policies and strategies can social media platforms implement to counter the spread of climate mis- and disinformation? How can we build synergies between scientific experts, digital content creators and social media platforms to elevate authoritative information on the climate crisis?
Panelists
Francisco Vera (Colombia): Human rights and children's rights advocate. He founded Guardianes por la Vida in 2019 to encourage new leadership and children’s citizenship. He is the first UNICEF Climate Action Advocate for Latin America and the Caribbean. On his social media, Francisco amplifies his fight for climate action, children’s and human rights.
Paulo Galvão (Brazil): indigenous, climate and socio-environmental activist from Brazil. He works in the area of children and nature at Alana Institute and is the coordinator of the working group on climate change at the youth organization Engajamundo.
Selinä Nera (Finland): environmental, equality and disability activist from Finland. She is the Chairperson of the Youth Organization of the Finnish Green Party and a social media influencer advocating for a planet where everyone can live.
Kassy Cho (UK): award-winning journalist and audience strategist pioneering a social-media first approach to growing young audiences. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Almost, an independent media outlet delivering global news stories for young people worldwide.
Charlotte Brum Bezié (Mexico): publicist who combines zero waste living and behavioral economics to create fun and effective communication campaigns. Since 2019 she is curating a blog and social media accounts under the name “No Seas Waste” to promote a sustainable lifestyle.
