Public Relations and Communication for Climate Cities
How can municipalities effectively communicate with their residents and inform them about the climate action measures of local government? How can municipalities interest and engage with citizens through their communication channels? How can municipalities encourage their citizens to change their behaviour and get involved in the city’s local climate action activities?
Answers to these questions were explored by representatives of five Polish cities actively involved in the BEACON project during workshops on 27 January in Krakow. As a result of exchanging experiences on public relations activities and communication with the local community, the municipalities developed and discussed a list of the most used communication channels and tools. Difficulties in communication processes were identified, as well as methods that contribute to more active involvement of citizens and behavioural changes. The participants learned about examples of inspiring communication campaigns on climate action, the most important dos and don’ts as well as tools used in participation processes and examples of their application. One inspiring example was that of the city of Bielsko-Biała, which has successfully organised the Festival of Good Energy for ten years.