Community of Practice Issue Brief #1
As climate-related health risks—from heatwaves to air pollution and flooding—intensify, cities are struggling to keep communities engaged and informed. Climate “fatigue,” information overload, and declining public trust are making it harder for officials to communicate risk effectively.
This first Issue Brief, developed through the Climate, Health & Equity Community of Practice (CoP) within the Resilient Cities, Reimagining Health Initiative, explores how cities can reframe communication strategies to cut through fatigue, resonate with local experience, and foster preparedness.
Featuring examples from Cali, Lagos, Medellín, Mexico City, and Greater Manchester, the brief highlights five proven actions cities can take to better connect with residents and foster preparedness.
The most effective communication strategies treat residents as partners, not targets. When people shape the messages, trust the messenger, and understand the risk in their own terms, communication becomes action.
