Communicating extreme weather event attribution – Research from India and Kenya

This report presents the results of a research study examining the most effective methods, phrases and tools for communicating climate change attribution information considering comprehension, ease of understanding, and willingness to take action across a range of different actors in Kenya and India. Information was gathered through the CDKN Raising Risk Awareness project. It provides guidance on communicating with high-level decision-makers, the media, and the general public subsequent to an extreme weather event, including the immediate aftermath.

The research explores three key issues: effective phrasing of attirbution information; appropriate visual communication of attribution information; and trusted sources and channels to communicate information. Data was collected from national, highlevel decision makers, national and local media, and public stakeholders in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India and Kwale and Turkana, Kenya.

The report recommends guideline phrases and approaches for each stakeholder group, focusing on keywords to use and statement format, communicating statistics, types of visuals, and the use of trusted sources.