How can environmental communication and policy contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

2 How can environmental communication help?

Environmental communication is the process of creating, sharing, and using information and messages about the environment and human-environment interactions. It can help raise awareness, inform decision-making, inspire action, and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders. Environmental communication can also support the implementation and monitoring of the SDGs by providing evidence, feedback, and accountability. For example, environmental communication can help communicate the benefits of the SDGs, showcase best practices and success stories, identify gaps and challenges, and mobilize resources and partnerships.

3 How can environmental policy help?

Environmental policy is the set of rules, regulations, incentives, and instruments that govern the behavior of actors towards the environment and natural resources. It can help shape the conditions and incentives for achieving the SDGs by providing direction, coordination, and enforcement. Environmental policy can also address the trade-offs and synergies among the different goals and targets, and ensure that they are aligned with the principles of environmental justice and human rights. For example, environmental policy can help integrate the SDGs into national and local plans and budgets, establish standards and norms for environmental performance, and create mechanisms for compliance and dispute resolution.

4 What are the challenges and opportunities?

Environmental communication and policy face several challenges and opportunities in the context of public affairs, from the complexity and uncertainty of environmental issues to the influence of power dynamics, ideologies, and media on environmental discourse. On the other hand, there is growing public awareness for environmental action and accountability, as well as the availability of data, information, and communication technologies for environmental monitoring and reporting. Additionally, multi-stakeholder platforms, networks, and coalitions have emerged for environmental governance and advocacy. There is also potential for synergies and co-benefits among the SDGs and other global agendas.

5 How can you get involved?

As a public affairs professional, student, or citizen, you can play an important role in advancing environmental communication and policy for the SDGs. It is essential to educate yourself and others about the SDGs and their relevance to your field and context. Additionally, it is beneficial to engage in dialogue and collaboration with different actors and sectors on environmental issues and solutions. Furthermore, you can advocate for environmental justice and human rights in your policies and practices. Moreover, it is important to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the SDGs, as well as communicate your actions and achievements and share your stories and lessons learned in order to hold yourself and others accountable.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?