Climate crisis: time to respond
Climate crisis: time to respond
20 July 2021
Climate crisis: time to respond
The scenes of flooding and devastation across Europe have been shocking. At the same time as the rainfall led to the terrible events in Germany, Belgium and other countries, the UK was sweltering in 30 degree heat. There seems to be little debate now about whether or not this is linked to climate change. So what does it mean?
Because of the way this climate crisis has developed it is not being recognised as a crisis rather than a range of events that are taking place. This makes taking action difficult because you have to recognise there is a crisis before you can start to move forward. As communicators, it is important to start to look at the impact that these changes in the environment may have.
Scenarios to consider will range from flooding, to extreme heat, wildfires, health issues, and others specific to the business and to employees. With Governments slowly starting to look at the measures to be put in place this is the only way to deal with the situation. The three key steps in considering the climate situation are:
Review your business continuity plans to ensure they are robust and take account of the Covid-19 learning points
Consider scenarios that may impact on your business and staff, and assess the actions required and the communication that will be associated.
Develop a crisis communication plan that will take account of these possible scenarios.
This all needs to sit alongside the business understanding its role in tackling climate change through its work and processes. All this is new and different for many in PR and in crisis communication but as we have seen in recent weeks it is work that we need to put in place now.
Who does crisis communication?
There was an interesting article in the National Law Review trying to give some questions businesses could ask of PR agencies and individuals when looking for crisis communication support. It is important to do some background searching and to ask about experience. Living through a crisis is not the same as managing communication during a crisis. It is a bit like saying you could write stories because you have read a newspaper. Anyone working in crisis communication will be happy to explain the work they have done you just need to ask. Read the article here.
The road to recovery part 1
The UK has released the remaining Covid-19 restrictions this week but are we really moving towards recovery? The challenge is that different businesses are at different stages. Even within the same sector you could find one business able to move on and one continuing to struggle. There are many variable factors and it is possible that even when you are in recovery you could be plunged back into the crisis.
Recovery is more challenging than the initial stages of a crisis and it is an aspect that we rarely speak about, plan for or exercise. If you are considering the next steps as a business you may find some assistance in my ‘What Next? Recovery Communication Readiness Assessment’ which is available free by emailing amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk
In Brief:
I took a look at the Covid-19 experience in the Netherlands thanks to Suzy Giles who is based in The Hague. It came as the Dutch Premier apologised for releasing restrictions too soon and reimposed them. Read details here.
The UK Government has issued a call for evidence to support the development of the National Resilience Strategy. There is a section looking at communication, public information and community connection. If you have some useful feedback you have until 27 September 2021 to contribute. Find out more here.
Europol’s latest EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report has found that more attacks are being completed than thwarted during the pandemic. Policing Insight shared the information find out more here.
Diary Dates:
The Emergency Services Show will take place on 7 and 8 September. Amanda Coleman will be running a seminar on 7 September at 13.45 - A light in the dark: Communicating well through a crisis. Find out more here.
Watch out for some new PRCA courses Amanda will be running in 2022. Dates are being finalised and details should be out soon.