An Introduction to Talking Climate – resources for climate communicators

Disclaimer: This content is based on information from ADEPT and has been summarised for the MACC Hub website. It is shared for informational purposes only. All rights remain with ADEPT. For the original source, visit their website page.

Introduction

ADEPT and the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission have developed An Introduction to Talking Climate, a resource designed to support more effective conversations about climate change across local government, organisations and communities.

Effective communication is a critical part of climate action. While technical solutions and policy frameworks are essential, engaging people in meaningful conversations helps build understanding, support behaviour change and enable collective action.

Why it matters

Local authorities play a central role in delivering climate action, shaping places, services, and communities. As such, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently about climate change is increasingly important.

An Introduction to Talking Climate recognises that conversations about climate change can be challenging — whether due to complexity, uncertainty or differing perspectives. The resource aims to help practitioners navigate these challenges and communicate in ways that resonate with different audiences.

What the resource offers

An Introduction to Talking Climate provides practical guidance to help users:

• Build confidence in discussing climate change with a range of audiences
• Frame messages in ways that are clear, relevant, and engaging
• Navigate difficult or sensitive conversations
• Encourage constructive dialogue and shared understanding

The resource supports a shift from one-way communication towards more open, inclusive and participatory conversations about climate action.

Supporting climate action at the local level

By improving how climate change is communicated, Talking Climate contributes to wider efforts to accelerate adaptation and mitigation. Strong communication helps translate policy into action, supports community engagement, and enables more effective collaboration across sectors.

This aligns with broader work across local government to deliver place-based climate solutions and build resilience to future impacts.

Transformational theme(s) the toolkit helps with…

Active engagement

Lasting change depends on genuine collaboration with communities. This pillar is about working together over time, recognising that emotions and values shape how people see risk, and building a shared vision for the future of each place.

Long-term change and monitoring transformation

Because the future is uncertain, adaptation must be flexible and able to evolve. This pillar is about designing actions that can adjust to changing conditions, acting quickly where risks are greatest, and learning continuously through open and transparent monitoring.

Download the resource

To find out more visit the Adept Net page.