Strategies for Effective Environmental Communication

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Part I

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 1. Introduction

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter serves as an introduction to environmental communication for writers and content creators by discussing the definition, characteristics, and brief history of environmental communication. Humans’ relationships with nature are analyzed through a discussion on environmental ideologies, and we conclude by briefly describing the content and organization of the book and offering suggestions for how to use it depending on your own goals and experience.

   3. Chapter 2. Genres of Environmental Communication

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter examines characteristics of different genres in relation to environmental communication. Each genre offers specific affordances and constraints that should be considered by environmental communicators and the goals they are trying to achieve. The genres that are explored include the following: online spaces, journalism, reports, essays, and books. An existing example of each genre is provided and then examined to illustrate what makes each one unique. The content in this chapter should help environmental communicators consider what type of genre to use for their writing.

   4. Chapter 3. Audiences for Environmental Communication

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      The ideas in this chapter investigate the role of audience(s) in environmental communication. While audience, as a concept, can be complex, we provide strategies for scaling the idea of audience and considerations to make when writing for general types of them. The different scales of audiences that are addressed include local, national, and global. For types of audiences, we organize them into the following categories: public, governmental, commercial, and academic and research. The chapter also includes content for writing for resistant and digital audiences. Ultimately, the goal is to provide environmental communicators with a framework to consider audiences when creating content to affect change.

   5. Chapter 4. Ethical Environmental Communication

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      In this chapter, we discuss characteristics of ethical environmental communication, variations of unethical environmental communication, and the effects of circulating misleading and false information about the environment. We also provide an overview of the unique challenges of writing about the environment and how to overcome those challenges and ethically encourage action and change.

3. Part II

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 5. Narratives and Environmental Communication

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      In this chapter, we discuss and describe how to use narratives in environmental communication. Narratives are a genre and a type of writing that engage public readers to a greater extent than technical reports or other formal genres. Since environmental communicators often use scientific information, especially when reporting news, they must find ways to engage public readers and help them understand the science. Part of the solution is to explain scientific concepts in plain language, but another strategy is to use narratives.

   3. Chapter 6. Sensory Writing

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      In this chapter, we explain what sensory writing is and how to tap into your five senses to include sensory details in your writing. We provide writing strategies to choose exact words that accurately and descriptively represent each of the five senses, as well as what to avoid when engaging in sensory writing.

   4. Chapter 7. Writing About Place

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter is devoted to discussing various strategies for developing stories about place. We first introduce the idea of insider and outsider perspectives, and then discuss the many attributes about a place that can be part of or be the main purpose for a story. These include introducing a place and exploring its name, meaning, symbolism, history, and politics.

   5. Chapter 8. Writing About People

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter is about ethics and strategies for writing about people in relation to environmental communication. We first introduce types of people who might be relevant or interesting to interview and the importance of representing multiple viewpoints, especially about an environmental situation or issue. Next, strategies for introducing and writing about people in respectful ways are also included. The chapter ends with a special sidebar devoted to planning, preparing, and conducting interviews.

   6. Chapter 9. Research in Environmental Communication

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      In this chapter, we discuss how environmental communicators can use a variety of research methods to obtain reliable, accurate, and credible research to support their writing. Due to the prevalence of mis- and disinformation, we cover the characteristics of credible research. Strategies to obtain the most recent and reliable information are also covered.

   7. Chapter 10. Style

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter includes information on how to consider style in relation to environmental communication. Style is a tool that environmental communicators can employ to meet the needs of a given audience(s). Specifically, the chapter includes information on how to write to make content easier for an audience to follow, what situations dictate when and how to use active or passive voice, how to think about diction or word choice, and how to make writing more accessible for broader audiences.

   8. Chapter 11. Visuals and Multimedia

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      This chapter is about the use of visuals and multimedia in environmental communication. Visuals and multimedia are an effective way to communicate ideas and concepts related to the environment, including the use of still images, video or animation, audio, tables, graphs or charts, figures or diagrams, and infographics. We provide an overview on each of these forms of visuals and multimedia and offer strategies for how to use them in environmental communication. Specifically, we examine how visuals and multimedia can be used in relation to text, how they impact memory and retention, how they can function as enthymemes, and how they help frame content. We conclude by discussing how to use visuals and multimedia ethically.

   9. Chapter 12. Conclusion

      Diane Martinez, Drew Virtue

      Abstract

      In this concluding chapter, we identify some overall challenges and limitations for environmental communicators today, but mostly we focus on how to get your work published. To that end, we provide a framework for using this book, a sample outline to get you started, and guidance on where to find publishers and publications for your work.

4. Backmatter