6.3F Climate change perspectives (HL) Notes

Stakeholders in Climate Change

1. Everyone is a stakeholder, but their roles, influence and vulnerability differ widely.
2. Stakeholders can shape how individuals understand and respond to climate change.
3. Influence depends on trust, access to information and personal relevance.
4. Key stakeholder groups include charismatic individuals, local community groups, NGOs, media organisations and educational institutions.

How Stakeholders Influence Public Perspectives

1. Charismatic Individuals

1. Public figures can bring emotional engagement and urgency to the climate debate.
2. They often encourage younger people to participate in environmental activism.
3. They help transform awareness into motivation for behaviour change.

2. Local Community Groups

1. They address climate change that affects everyday life, such as recycling, water conservation and flood preparedness.
2. People are more likely to act when changes are practical and visible in their own neighbourhood.
3. Community initiatives strengthen social responsibility and collective participation.

3. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

1. NGOs conduct research, deliver education campaigns and advocate for policy change.
2. They support vulnerable communities who are at high risk from climate impacts.
3. Their influence depends on funding, local support and scientific credibility.

4. Media and Communication

1. Media determines how climate information is presented and whether it is seen as a scientific consensus or a controversial debate.
2. Reliable journalism can improve climate literacy, while biased reporting can cause confusion or denial.
3. Social media spreads information quickly but can also amplify misinformation.

5. Educational Institutions

1. Schools and universities teach scientific knowledge and critical thinking about climate issues.