Support for all through disaster

Under Pressure 20 November 2020

The World Disasters Report 2020 was published by the International Red Cross this week. Titled ‘Come Heat or High Water’ it has a focus on tackling the humanitarian impacts of climate change. The report highlights the need to act now and to help those who are most at risk from the affects of climate change. It states: “The most at-risk people in these communities are in danger of being left behind if their needs and capacities are not understood, and their voices not heard.”

There is a stark map of the world with each climate related disaster that occurred in 2019 highlighted on it. It also includes a number of recommendations for a range of groups including governments, climate change experts but also for each one of us. These are:

• Ensure that the most vulnerable people are addressed as a matter of priority in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

• Listen more closely to the voice of communities, to understand local knowledge, coping mechanisms, practices and needs related to climate risk, and to design culturally appropriate programmes.

• Support and empower the leadership of local civil society and communities in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management efforts.

• Work together across silos to address climate-driven disaster risks.

The report can be accessed here:

https://redcross.eu/uploads/files/Latest%20News/World%20Disasters%20Report%202020/World%20Disasters%20Report%202020.pdf

Festive Brew Break

This past year has been a real challenge for communicators no matter who they work for or what they are doing. I have launched a Festive Think Through Brew for anyone who just needs a moment to reflect and recharge. It is free and there will be time between 23 November and 21 December.

Just email amanda@amandacolemancomms.co.uk if you want to get involved.

Creating a connection in a crisis

Finding ways to connect with young people about what is required to stop the spread of Covid-19 is a challenge across the world. As I near a big half a decade birthday, I can still remember being young and feeling invincible. If you haven’t seen this advert by the German Government it is well worth watching for its gentle humour that helps share a very serious message. It has had positive feedback and it will be interesting to see if it impacts in any way on behaviour. Watch the advert here.

In Brief

• Crisis7 event is postponed until 2023. The event is organised by the European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA). Find out more here.

• The Nursing Times highlighted a study looking at crisis leadership and one of three strands highlighted was the importance of communication at a time of crisis. Find out more here.

• Reputation, risk and crisis consultant Sheena Thomson has launched an innovative climate information platform with Geollect Limited. Find out about it here.