Effective Communication for Climate Solutions

Significant resources are being invested in researching and developing new climate solutions. But scientific and technological progress alone does not determine whether those solutions are understood, trusted, adopted, or able to inform better decisions. This conversation will explore an often overlooked part of climate innovation: investing in the communication, engagement, and relationship-building capacity that needs to develop alongside the science itself. When emerging technologies involve uncertainty, trade-offs, or unfamiliar risks and benefits, how those complexities are communicated can shape both public participation and decision-making. The challenge goes beyond explaining science more clearly. Effective engagement requires listening, building relationships, understanding what different communities and stakeholders value, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to participate in decisions that may affect them. What does it take to build those capabilities into climate work from the beginning rather than adding communications at the end? The conversation will consider what funders, research institutions, innovators, and practitioners can do to strengthen this part of the climate ecosystem. Where is greater investment needed? What does effective science communication look like when evidence is still emerging? And how can engagement help people navigate uncertainty without oversimplifying either the potential or the risks of new solutions? Ultimately, the session will ask what it takes to ensure that progress on climate science and technology is accompanied by the transparency, trust, and informed participation needed to put it into practice responsibly.Speakers: Angela Betancourt (Betancourt Group) Dr. Jennifer Brandon (Wild Beacon Consulting) Anna-Marie Laura (ESP Advisors) Dr. Mallory Ringham (Ebb Carbon) Aparna Shrivastava (Climate Reserve at AGCI) John Upton (Independent climate and science journalist) Moderated by: Heather Mannix (COMPASS Science Communication) What to expect A participatory conversation bringing together perspectives on science communication, climate innovation, engagement, and decision-making. Participants will explore practical experiences and tensions around communicating emerging climate solutions, with space to question assumptions and learn from one another. The conversation will focus not only on messaging, but on the broader relationships and engagement practices that allow people to assess evidence, understand trade-offs, and participate meaningfully in decisions. Who this is for This session is for climate scientists and innovators, funders, science communicators, researchers, policymakers, engagement practitioners, and others interested in how stronger communication and relationship-building can support informed decisions about emerging climate solutions. What you will get out of it A deeper understanding of communication and engagement as essential components of climate innovation Perspectives on communicating uncertainty, risks, benefits, and trade-offs without oversimplifying them Practical insights into building trust and meaningful participation around emerging climate solutions A clearer picture of where investment in science communication and engagement capacity is needed Connections across science, philanthropy, communication, policy, and climate innovation Hosted by COMPASS Science Communication