A Global Review of Research on Effective Advocacy and Communication Strategies at the Intersection of Climate Change and Health

Abstract

Climate change's intensifying impact on human health necessitates effective advocacy and communication strategies. In this review that spans research in multiple languages published from 2000 to 2023, we summarize evidence on effective advocacy and communication strategies at the intersection of climate change and health for public audiences, health professionals, and public officials. First, we synthesize research on public audiences, including their perceptions of climate change and health, public responses to health-framed climate information, climate and health risks and solutions, information about vulnerable populations and equity considerations, climate- and health-related visual communication and imagery, and their perceptions of health professionals. Then, we provide an overview of research on health professional audiences, including their role in climate and health communication and advocacy, knowledge of the connections between climate and health, willingness to engage with the topic and in climate-relevant actions, and ways to encourage this engagement. Next, we delve into public officials’ perspectives and comprehension of the relationship between climate change and health. Lastly, we end with recommendations for a research agenda to fill the gaps illuminated in this review and foster a growing field on climate and health insight and engagement.

Accelerating the end of the fossil fuel era: a human and planetary health imperative and opportunity

“…The health community's opportunity to hasten the end of the fossil fuel era Social science research conducted over the past decade strongly suggests that the health community-health professionals, health organizations, and health systems-could play a unique and essential role in building public and political will for necessary climate solutions including clean energy, low-carbon and active transportation systems, improved food and food systems, energyefficient buildings, and climate-smart community designs (10). Many health professionals understand that climate change is harming the health of the people they care for, although most feel they lack expertise in the topic; most also feel that health professionals and organizations should play a role in educating the public and policymakers about the health relevance of climate change and in advocating for climate solutions, and many express a willingness to get involved in such efforts.…”

“…Most members of the public currently know little about the health relevance of climate change and the health harms of burning fossil fuels, yet they trust health professionals as a source of such information (10). When presented with information about these health harms and the health benefits associated with climate solutions, people tend to become more personally engaged in the issue and more likely to take action to support public policies that address climate change.…”