Encore EP#153: Communication that drives climate action
GovComms: The Future of Government CommunicationShow Notes
Today, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful episodes of GovComms! Stephanie Speck, Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, shares how authentic storytelling can transform the climate conversation.
Explore the power of "Story Sovereignty," a revolutionary approach that empowers climate-impacted communities to tell their own stories—humanising the issue and making it deeply relatable. Stephanie also takes us inside the Green Climate Fund’s evolution, shifting from output-focused tactics to strategies that prioritise reputation, relationships, and global impact.
She doesn’t stop there. Tackling the challenge of misinformation, Stephanie reveals practical ways to counter false narratives, build trust, and foster consensus in the fight against climate change. Whether it’s your first listen or a revisit, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire meaningful climate communication.
Discussed in this episode: Co-designing climate strategies Leveraging AI for efficiency Addressing misinformation challenges Building trust through transparency Empowering authentic storytelling Strengthening stakeholder collaboration
Show notes: Stephanie Speck | LinkedIn GovComms Podcast | Blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from GovComms: The Future of Government Communication
In a world of constant urgency, better work can start with doing less – more deliberately.
Modern leadership is being redefined in real time.
Creating a strong future STEM workforce starts with helping young people see what is possible. Host David Pembroke is joined by Dr Melanie Bagg, CEO of the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), to talk about how NYSF connects students with real STEM people, workplaces and pathways they cannot always access at school. They discuss what changed through Covid, how a small team works with a large volunteer network, and how NYSF tailors communications across channels while keeping the “human” experience at the centre. Melanie also shares what their long-term evaluation reveals about confidence, belonging and career direction, plus practical lessons for government communicators on testing, listening and staying audience-led.
Measurement should make our work clearer, not harder. Host David Pembroke is joined by Stacey Barr, a specialist in organisational performance, measurement and evidence-based leadership, to unpack why evaluation still feels elusive in government, even when toolkits and frameworks are readily available. They discuss the hidden “missing pieces” that undermine many measurement approaches, how to strip out vague “weasel words” from strategy, and how Stacey’s PuMP methodology helps teams define results, identify credible evidence, and report performance in a way that supports better decisions. The conversation also explores the role of leadership, the reality of public accountability pressures, and where AI can (and cannot) help.
When technology speeds up, trust and truth are put under pressure. Host David Pembroke is joined by Sree Srinivasan, who reflects on what he learnt broadcasting daily from New York during the early days of Covid, and how those lessons apply to today’s AI-driven information environment. They discuss what consistent, two-way communication can achieve in a crisis, why misinformation spreads so easily, and the risks of leaving AI decisions to a handful of powerful companies. Sree also shares practical guidance on building AI strategy and policy inside organisations, with an emphasis on transparency, staff input and regular review.