In this issue of the New Mexico Nurse, the communication toolkit series continues with part III. This is the last part of this series journey. To recap, in Part I, the focus was on developing an understanding of the audience when communicating and on the importance of developing tailored and effective communication strategies to address climate breakdown. By understanding the demographics, knowledge levels, concerns, and preferred communication channels of different target groups, such as youth, policymakers, and businesses, nurses can deliver messages that resonate and drive meaningful action. Part II of this series focused on the message itself, how to use evidence to support the outcome desired, how to frame it, and how to present it in a positive way that will not only be heard but will also be acted upon. Part III will now focus on taking what we know about our audiences and what we want our messages to be about and putting them into action by exploring different methods (e.g., different communication channels, different visual aids, and developing talking points) for getting the intended message to the targeted audience. The aim of ending the series with this is to help practitioners (bedside nurses, nurse managers, and nurse educators, to name a few) build a communication toolkit with different templates that can be used and tailored to different audiences, for different messages, and for different settings. In addition, for this article, as an experiment, it seemed fitting to use one of the tools available, specifically, AI (ChatGPT version 40). Other than what has been written to this point, the final paragraph, formatting changes have been made to the flow of this article and minor additions (things the author wanted in, that did not make it in), the rest of this has been written, researched, and compiled by ChatGPT.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, climate breakdown and public health communication must be clear, actionable, and adaptable to various platforms. Whether raising awareness about environmental issues, advocating for better public health policies, or encouraging community participation, the tools used to communicate play a vital role. This article outlines essential components for creating a public health communication toolkit as it relates to climate breakdown, including message templates, visual aids, talking points, additional resources, and maintaining open dialogue. By integrating these elements into your communication strategy, you can foster engagement and inspire action within your community.

Message Templates for Various Communication Channels

To effectively engage diverse audiences, it is important to tailor your messaging across different platforms while maintaining a consistent tone and clear call to action. Here are some message templates for common communication channels:

Social Media Posts (e.g., X (formerly Twitter)/Facebook/Instagram/TikTok):

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a broad audience. Keep your posts short, impactful, and visually appealing. Keep in mind, in an age of disinformation/misinformation, always include the sources where information is found, as this will add credibility to posts and to the information shared.

Example Template:

“🌍 Climate change is affecting us all. But YOU can make a difference! 💪 Together, we can push for sustainable policies and protect our planet for future generations. Act now: [insert link]. #ActOnClimate #Sustainability”

• Call to Action: Include links to petitions, volunteer opportunities, and environmental organizations. Encourage followers to contact their local representatives or participate in local clean-up events.
• Press Releases: Press releases are essential for communicating urgent public health issues to media outlets and the public. They should follow a structured format, including a strong headline, introduction, supporting data, and a CTA.

Example Template:

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

• Headline: “New Study Reveals the Impact of Air Pollution on Public Health: Community Action Needed Now”
• Introduction: “A recent study conducted by [Organization Name] highlights the alarming effects of air pollution on respiratory health. With air quality in urban areas declining, local communities must act. This report emphasizes the urgent need for cleaner energy policies and increased community involvement in reducing pollution.”
• Supporting Data: “According to the [Organization’s] findings, long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to a 20% increase in respiratory diseases. Areas with the highest pollution levels saw a 30% higher rate of hospitalization due to asthma-related complications.”
• Call to Action: “We urge the public to participate in local air quality monitoring projects, advocate for clean energy policies, and contact their representatives to support environmental health legislation.”
• Presentations: When giving presentations, storytelling combined with data is highly effective.

Example Template:

• Introduction Slide: “Public Health & Environmental Sustainability: How You Can Make a Difference”
• Problem Statement: “Environmental degradation, driven by pollution and climate change, directly impacts human health, contributing to respiratory issues, waterborne diseases, and heat-related illnesses.”
• Data-Driven Slide: Use bar graphs, pie charts, or line graphs to show the correlation between rising temperatures and increased hospitalizations due to heatstroke.
• Call to Action: “Join local advocacy groups, volunteer in clean-up initiatives, and use your voice to advocate for green energy policies. Together, we can create a healthier future for all.”
• Visual Aids: Visual aids are essential to convey complex data in a digestible way and to make an impression on your audience. Here is how to effectively use charts, graphs, and images:

Impactful Charts and Graphs:

Use graphs to show environmental data trends. For example, a line graph showing the rise in global temperatures over the past century or a pie chart illustrating the main sources of plastic pollution can make abstract concepts more concrete.

Recommended Tools for Creating Charts:

• Google Charts: Free and easy to embed in presentations and websites.
• Canva: Is a user-friendly design platform with customizable chart templates.
• Tableau: Powerful data visualization software for more complex data sets.
• Images: Images can convey emotional and visual narratives that data alone cannot. Use powerful, high-quality images that reflect the urgency of the issue.
• Example: A striking before-and-after image of a deforested area versus a thriving forest can immediately drive home the impact of unsustainable practices.

Recommended Tools for Sourcing Images:

• Unsplash: Free, high-resolution images available for use.
• Pexels: Another free image resource that provides quality photos of environmental issues.
• Pixabay: Offers a wide range of images and videos related to nature and the environment.
• Storytelling through Videos and Case Studies: Videos can humanize data and bring personal stories to life. Consider creating short documentaries or case studies to illustrate how environmental changes affect communities. Storytelling can also make public health issues more relatable. For example, a short video following a family affected by poor air quality can highlight the personal impact of environmental issues. Case studies and testimonials can humanize data and make the consequences of public health challenges more tangible.

Example

A short video highlighting the life of a farmer affected by droughts due to climate change, followed by a call to action for audience members to donate or join local advocacy groups.

Recommended Tools for Video Creation

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional video editing software.
• iMovie: User-friendly video editing tool for Mac users.
• Animoto: A simple online tool to create videos using templates.

Talking Points

Frequent questions and concerns will likely be encountered while engaging with your audience. Pre-written responses can ensure consistency and confidence in your messaging.

Example Anticipated Questions and Pre-Written Responses (these can be adapted to health care):

Q: “How much impact can one person make on environmental issues?”

A: “While one person alone cannot solve these problems, collective action is incredibly powerful. By making sustainable choices and advocating for policy changes, every individual contributes to a larger, global movement.”

Q: “Isn’t climate change just a natural occurrence?”

A: “While the Earth experiences natural climate fluctuations, the rapid rate of current climate change is largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This has been confirmed by over 97% of climate scientists.”

Q: “What can I do if I do not have the resources to donate money?”

A: “There are many ways to contribute without financial support!” You can volunteer with local environmental organizations, participate in clean-up efforts, and use your voice to spread awareness by contacting your representatives.”

Q: “Why should I care about environmental health when I don’t see immediate effects?”
A: “While the effects of environmental degradation might not always be visible, they accumulate over time. Poor air quality, for example, leads to increased respiratory diseases and hospitalizations. Addressing these issues now will prevent long-term damage to both the planet and public health.”

Q: “What can individuals do to make a difference?”
A: “Every small action adds up. Reducing plastic use, conserving water, supporting clean energy, and getting involved in local environmental initiatives can contribute to larger systemic changes.”

Q: “Isn’t this a government responsibility?”
A: “While governments play a key role in enacting policies, grassroots movements are often the catalyst for change. By participating in local efforts and holding representatives accountable, individuals can make a real impact.”

Additional Resources(not an exhaustive list)

A well-rounded toolkit includes references to credible sources and organizations that individuals can consult for more information or ways to take action. It also includes toolkits that have already been built and are available for use (there is no reason to waste time for no reason).

List of Credible Scientific Sources:

• NASA Climate Change: A trusted source for climate data and research. Link to NASA Climate Change
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Authoritative reports on global climate science. Link to the IPCC
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Offers resources on various environmental issues. Link to EPA
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Link to NIH
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Link to CDC

Environmental Organizations and Advocacy Groups:

• Sierra Club (Website: https://www.sierraclub.org) The Sierra Club is one of the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organizations in the United States, focusing on promoting clean energy and protecting wilderness areas.
• Greenpeace (Website: https://www.greenpeace.org) Greenpeace is an international environmental organization that uses direct action and lobbying to fight climate change, protect oceans, forests, and endangered species, and promote environmental justice.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) (Website: https://www.worldwildlife.org) WWF works globally to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth, including wildlife protection and addressing climate change.
• The Nature Conservancy (Website: https://www.nature.org) The Nature Conservancy works to conserve lands and waters worldwide, using science and partnerships to tackle climate change, protect biodiversity, and restore ecosystems.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) (Website: https://www.edf.org) EDF is a leading environmental nonprofit organization that focuses on solutions to climate change, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture through science-based advocacy.
• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (Website: https://www.nrdc.org) NRDC works to safeguard the Earth—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends—by advocating for environmental laws and policies.
• Friends of the Earth (Website: https://foe.org) Friends of the Earth is a global network of environmental organizations that fight for a healthy and just world by addressing climate change, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable development.
• Earthjustice (Website: https://earthjustice.org) Earthjustice is a nonprofit public interest environmental law organization representing environmental organizations in legal proceedings to defend the Earth’s natural systems.

Resources on Effective Communication Techniques:

• Americares Climate Resilience for Frontline Clinics Toolkit: Americares is known for their Emergency Programs to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. They create and support sustainable programs that strengthen local health centers. Access the toolkit here: Climate Resilience for Frontline Clinics Toolkit
• The Center for Climate Change Communication: Provides tools for communicating science-based climate information. Access the toolkit here: Link to Center for Climate Change Communication
• The Planetary Health Education Framework: Developed by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, this framework helps guide education on planetary health challenges, addressing how we can shape environmental sustainability through a transdisciplinary approach.
  Access the toolkit here: CUGH
• Nursing Toolkit for Planetary Health: This toolkit is designed to equip nurses with information and resources to support climate action and promote a low-carbon, sustainable healthcare system. It is particularly useful for health care professionals who wish to integrate planetary health concepts into practice. Access the toolkit here: Nursing Toolkit for Planetary Health
• Communicating About Climate Change & Health Toolkit: This toolkit from the National Academy of Medicine offers guidance on framing the health impacts of climate change and provides evidence-based communication strategies to effectively engage various audiences. Access the toolkit here: USAID BiodiversityLinks
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Communication Materials: This toolkit provides communication resources, including templates and strategies, for raising awareness about the SDGs, with a focus on sustainability and environmental protection. Explore the toolkit here
• Risk Communication Toolkit for Environmental Issues: This toolkit focuses on risk communication strategies for addressing environmental concerns and provides resources to explain risks and develop communication plans for environmental hazards. Access the toolkit here: Risk Communication Toolkit
• WHO Climate Change and Health Toolkit: Aimed at health professionals, this toolkit provides communication strategies to discuss the health impacts of climate change and promote the benefits of climate solutions. World Health Organization (WHO)
• Environmental Health Social Media Toolkit: Developed by the CDC, this toolkit offers guidance for environmental health professionals in crafting effective social media campaigns, including strategies for clear messaging and health equity. Access the toolkit here: CDC
• FrameWorks Institute Environmental Health Toolkit: This toolkit is designed to help frame environmental health issues in ways that build public understanding and support for policies that address environmental risks. Access the toolkit here, FrameWorks Institute
• APHA Climate Change Communication Guide: This guide by the American Public Health Association provides a communication framework for discussing climate change as a public health issue, targeting both general audiences and policymakers.
  Access the toolkit here. Climate Storytelling Guide^A
• Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) Toolkit: Although this toolkit focuses on crisis communication, it is invaluable for addressing environmental emergencies and building public trust during events like natural disasters intensified by climate change. Access the toolkit here^B.

Maintaining open dialogs

Effective advocacy is not a one-time effort; ongoing engagement with the audience is required. Encourage open dialog, foster feedback, and build a sense of community around the topic.

• Encourage Feedback and Questions:
  Set up easy-to-use feedback forms on your website or social media platforms. This allows the audience to ask questions, share their concerns, or provide suggestions.
• Recommended Tools for Feedback Collection:
• Google Forms: Simple and free tool to create surveys or feedback forms.
• SurveyMonkey: A more advanced platform for collecting feedback and analyzing data.
• Kahoot!: A real time platform that allows participants to use their phone or other device to participate in surveys, or questions in a fun way.
• Mentimeter: Like Kahoot! is an interactive presentation software that allows participants to be engaged anonymously.

Opportunities for Ongoing Engagement and Community Building

Host regular events such as webinars, community meetings, or environmental workshops. Use social media to announce these events and engage with participants afterward.
Example Engagement Events:

• Monthly virtual Q&A sessions about environmental topics.
• Local clean-up days are organized through community groups.
• Webinars on sustainable practices that individuals can adopt.

Communicating with Hope and Honesty

When addressing urgent environmental issues, it is crucial to be transparent about the challenges while maintaining a tone of hope. Collective action by individuals and communities can make a significant difference. By creating a toolkit that includes clear messaging, visual aids, talking points, and resources, you can empower your audience to take meaningful steps toward sustainability. Remember to use respectful and inclusive language and regularly update your toolkit with new data and trends to keep your message relevant. With these tools, your advocacy efforts will not only raise awareness but also inspire action for the environment.

As stated in the introduction, the focus of this final part was to provide readers with a wide variety of tools to help them build toolkits that fit any setting and audience. With these, nurses will be able to reach patients, legislators, and other stakeholders at all levels with confidence and a clear message. As the human author reflects on this experiment using ChatGPT version 40 to take an outline and create what you read (other than the introduction, the minor formatting changes to the flow, additions the author wanted in that didn’t make it, and this reflection), the AI tool did an adequate job describing each of the different tools (though not as verbosely, which may be a good thing), with examples. When it came to the list of resources, other toolkits that have already been created, and other resources, a lot of time was spent double checking links to ensure that they worked (which they did much of the time), were not duplicates, and made sense for this purpose. Ultimately, even using AI to augment the development of toolkits is acceptable; although it may not make the overall process faster, it will make the research and compiling part quicker.