Climate Change Communication in Mexico

Mexico has always been a committed participant in international efforts to address climate change. It was one of the first countries to comply with the mandates of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and has presented six national communications on the subject, with a seventh in the works. While there has been increasing interest in climate change in political, economic, and environmental spheres in recent years, academic and social studies have mainly focused on knowledge, beliefs, perception, and social representation of climate change. Communication has been a relatively under-researched area, with most studies focusing on literature reviews or descriptive studies of specific samples. The National Strategy on Climate Change and the Special Program on Climate Change has introduced risk perception research, divulgation, risk communication, and environmental education initiatives. Mexico signed the Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1994, but it was not until 2006 that government began investing in climate change campaigns. These initiatives included a website, chats and workshops, stories for kids, and guides for the efficient use of household energy. By 2007 and 2008, climate change had transitioned from a scientific concern to a societal issue, largely due to media coverage and targeted publications. From 2008 to 2014, climate change topics were introduced in educational and cultural programs for students, especially at elementary and high school levels, and several publications and videos were released to the public. In 2010, Mexico hosted the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) in Cancun. In 2016, the first dialogue between journalists was held to emphasize their essential role in broadcasting scientific information. In 2018, scientific production and the integration of climate change in educational programs at all levels increased, in addition to implementing awareness campaigns among the population. Since the turn of the 21st century, the responsibility of communicating climate change in Mexico has been shared among politicians, stakeholders, journalists, and broadcasters. However, the media often focuses on threats and disasters, neglecting mitigation and adaptation strategies. In 2022, Mexico made a significant stride by presenting the first Communication of Adaptation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, highlighting its international commitment under the Paris Agreement. Workshops have also been conducted to exchange experiences on indicators and Monitoring and Evaluation systems of adaptation to climate change, fostering the sharing of current knowledge and the identification of good practices, challenges, and opportunities. Various educational materials are available to help individuals understand climate change better. These include reading materials such as books, infographics, manuals and audiovisual materials such as videos, documentaries, and podcasts. Understanding and addressing climate change is crucial, and effective communication plays a vital role in achieving this. Therefore, disseminating information about climate change in an easy-to-understand manner is essential to tackle this urgent issue. Mexico has the necessary material and technological infrastructure to address ecological subjects, such as mass media, libraries, museums, and communication technologies. The creation of the Climate Change Research Program at the National University of Mexico, the incorporation of climate change into educational curricula, the dissemination of environmental agendas through mass media, and the academic pursuit of understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change can serve as the building blocks for inspiring individuals to adopt more sustainable practices and increasing public participation in addressing climate change.