We’re still bad at talking about sustainability—and how to change that

Having built a career around communicating sustainability issues in a visual and accessible way, Woo Qiyun discusses why her work is both an art and science—and why we should double down on support for science communications

The realm of sustainability is expansive, and there is a role for everyone to get involved. However, it often appears inscrutable, cloaked in a complex web of technical jargon and acronyms. This complexity can alienate those eager to engage but are intimidated by the seemingly high barrier to entry.

The Cop experience

A few months ago, I participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of Parties (Cop28), and I can attest to the challenge of navigating this technical terrain. Even as a repeat participant at the conference, articulating the significance of Cop28 to fellow Singaporeans back home remains challenging.

This was the second year Singapore had a pavilion at the event, which is a space for Singapore to not just showcase local initiatives on climate but also facilitate conversation, collaboration and cooperation on-location outside of formal negotiations. I participated as a partner of the pavilion, providing on-ground communications support for Cop28 happenings.

Photo 1 of 5 One of the plenary stages at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

Photo 2 of 5 Data visualisation board found at the Monash Pavilion at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

Photo 3 of 5 Peaceful protesters at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

Photo 4 of 5 A daily round-up newsletter by Climate Action Network at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

Photo 5 of 5 Cop28 Singapore Pavilion pin designed by The Weird and Wild (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

I have been following the conferences from as early as 2018, and using my platform on The Weird and Wild, I’ve experimented with Instagram Lives, podcasts, videos, newsletters and comics in a bid to translate the deluge of information coming from the conference. This effort is inspired by the work of fellow environmentalist, Melissa Low, who has been a veteran observing the Cops and works tirelessly at making these conferences accessible to the public over the last few years.

Why? Because the decisions made at Cop28 hold global ramifications. Yet bridging the gap between the technical intricacies discussed at such conferences and public understanding is no easy feat. But it remains absolutely crucial that people understand what goes on at such major conferences. Which is why climate storytelling is key.

Above An artist illustrating a mural at the Nuclear for Climate Pavilion at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

Above A comic strip at the Entertainment and Culture Pavilion at Cop28 (Photo: Woo Qiyun)

The art and science behind climate storytelling

Effective climate communication demands both climate science knowledge and the skill to translate technical concepts into digestible terms, all while maintaining engagement—a niche with limited funding, media appetite and expertise.

Climate communication, which straddles art and science, thrives on the collaboration between the creative and scientific communities. Cop28 witnessed its first entertainment and culture pavilion, which united media, entertainment and climate action. Situating culture and media at such major conferences helps to underlie the importance of climate communications.

But effective climate storytelling also means taking responsibility for the messages being spread. Initiatives like the UN Environment Programme’s Sustainable Fashion Communications guidebook and Clean Creatives signal the growing connection between the creative and scientific realms, and that creatives are important actors in preventing greenwashing and pushing meaningful action.

View this post on Instagram

Climate storytelling serves as an educational, inspirational and entertaining force, crucial for societal and cultural shifts. Crafting impactful narratives requires an adept communication strategy to drive pro-environmental behaviour, convey policy impacts and raise awareness of innovative solutions. Arts and media inject imagination into the movement, offering the vision and roadmap to a better future that we cannot see today.

People tend to remember stories more than they remember statistics, making climate storytelling a potent tool. As the world grapples with rising temperatures, communicators strive to transform daunting numbers into compelling narratives.

Investing in climate communication is integral to addressing the climate crisis. To build a better future, we must recognise climate communication as a key tool in our arsenal.

Woo Qiyun is a climate activist who specialises in communicating and showcasing complex issues in an engaging, digestible and non-intimidating way. Best known for her Instagram account The Weird and Wild, she uses quirky doodles and infographics to communicate compelling climate narratives.

This opinion piece is part of a two-part series on effective climate storytelling by Woo Qiyun (@TheWeirdandWild) and Kong Man Jing (@JustKeepThinkingSG), young advocates using social media to communicate complex issues around the environment, sustainability and climate change. Read Kong’s thoughts on becoming a science communicator here.

NOW READ

‘You can lead from the back in many ways’: Christine Amour-Levar on what expeditions to the world’s most remote places has taught her

Everything you need to know about Antarctica’s shrinking ice in the time of rapid climate change

Plant-based sisig? This Filipino food entrepreneur shares why plant-based alternatives are important

Topics

Sustainability Climate change Communication Storytelling Activist Science Art

Tatler Asia

‘Stories resonate more than statistics’: Woo Qiyun on why we need to find better ways to talk about climate change

The Cop experience

The art and science behind climate storytelling