Screen time & Climate action - the link is closer than you think.

Information surrounding climate change is everywhere on socials with often terrifying statements dominating our screens:

📣“Our oceans are dying.”
📣“Climate change will be irreversible by 2030.”
📣“Growing a coffee bean will be impossible in 30 years.”

While this information can be enlightening, it's also often overwhelming. Pair that with the fact that, according to Statista, last year in the UK the average time spent looking at our phones each day reached 3 hours 50 minutes, and you get a lot of doom-scrolling

But businesses should use excessive screen time as an opportunity to drive sustainable practices amongst their audiences, reinforce their mission and influence impactful change.

So why is screen time any more influential to businesses vs. other types of media in the climate conversation?

Climate Policy’s article ‘Social Engagement with Climate Change’ made the distinction that, unlike other forms of traditional media, social media is driven by an inherent need for interaction. After seeing environmentally-oriented content on Instagram or Facebook, active users are more likely to connect with other individuals over their similar interests. Much more effectively so than after absorbing other, more passive forms of media.

Time spent scrolling through our network positions and reinforces climate change as a collective responsibility. This emotional response evoked by social media is uniquely powerful and organisations can use this to inspire positive action.

If you need pointers on how your business can get the balance right between doom and inspiration, use some of your 3 hours and 50 minutes to browse #TeamSeas, Sway & The Trussell Trust. These organisations are doing a great job of it.

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