National

On Thursday, January 26, Axios hosted an Expert Voices roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. featuring local leaders in climate communications and environmental storytelling. Guests shared their perspectives on the role storytelling plays in creating and disseminating climate narratives and successful messaging on environmental issues. Axios senior climate reporter Andrew Freedman and energy reporter Ben Geman led the conversation. 

On highlighting personal and community experiences in climate storytelling

Several attendees noted how sharing examples of lived experiences has been a successful way to draw attention to climate issues in communities. 

Lisa Nurnberger speaking to the Axios roundtable group.

Lisa Nurnberger speaking to the Axios roundtable group. Credit: Ralph Alswang

Lisa Nurnberger, Media Director, Union of Concerned Scientists: “When we do roll those reports out, we try to get people on the ground so it’s not just numbers, but it’s actually ‘this is what I’m seeing, this is how I’ve been harmed.’ Because stories really resonate with people when they pull at the heartstrings I think, and you feel what the person is experiencing and you empathize and you want to take action because of that.”

Dr. Adrienne Hollis, Vice President, Environmental Justice, National Wildlife Federation: “I talk about my experiences…I’ll use my experience and then I’ll throw in statistics because communities really have three questions I find: what is it, how does it affect me and what can I do about it? And so we spend our time talking to communities and speaking with them, and then if necessary, communities can talk to other communities about similar issues. I’m a scientist also and an attorney, but we don’t talk about it from that perspective, we talk about it from the perspective of this has been my experience or this is what I’ve learned or this is what somebody just shared with me, and when you do that, people remember things.”

Gab Mejia, National Geographic Explorer, Conservation Photographer, Storyteller, Mountaineer & Engineer, National Geographic Society: “I think that’s kind of how stories can really matter in a way that show others, businesses or governments, that this is happening in their own community because that’s where the constituents are…there’s so much lack in education of climate change that’s localized and contextualized to the place.”

On the key tenets of successful climate messaging 

During the discussion, participants highlighted fundamental takeaways for creating environmental communication strategies.

Sweta Chakraborty engaging with the discussion.

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty engaging with the discussion. Credit: Ralph Alswang

Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, CEO, We Don’t Have Time: “It’s what’s in your backyard and it’s also what values you hold dear. Understanding what people’s mental models are, what perceptions they already have that they value, and connecting the risks that they face to their existing mental models, that’s the science of science communication.”

Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Communications Officer, Greenpeace: “You can tell the perfect story about the economics of climate change that you think will really resonate, and if you have the wrong messenger, that story will fall so flat. The importance of the messenger cannot be understated, it’s key.”

Lori Lodes, Executive Director, Climate Power: “I think what is critical is that we make the Inflation Reduction Act as successful as possible, that it is implemented well, that we are telling that story to connect to the benefits of people so they can understand what it means to take action on climate and how that’s going to actually benefit my life in a positive way. This is just the beginning.”

Thank you National Geographic Society for sponsoring this event.

Crafting the Climate Narrative: Washington, D.C.

Axios hosted an Expert Voices roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. featuring local leaders in climate communications and environmental storytelling.

Attendees enjoyed breakfast during the discussion.

Attendees enjoyed breakfast during the discussion. Credit: Ralph Alswang

Axios event

On Thursday, January 26, Axios hosted an Expert Voices roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. featuring local leaders in climate communications and environmental storytelling. Guests shared their perspectives on the role storytelling plays in creating and disseminating climate narratives and successful messaging on environmental issues. Axios senior climate reporter Andrew Freedman and energy reporter Ben Geman led the conversation. On highlighting personal and community experiences in climate storytellingSeveral attendees noted how sharing examples of lived experiences has been a successful way to draw attention to climate issues in communities. <figure><img alt="Lisa Nurnberger speaking to the Axios roundtable group." height="1825" id="43aaf9e6-2c6e-497f-98ee-01a457cfb029" src="https://images.axios.com/F2ijSEMH5P7gUYe2OG9HskIGvps=/2023/01/30/1675112977059.jpg" width="2738"/><figcaption>Lisa Nurnberger speaking to the Axios roundtable group. Credit: Ralph Alswang</figcaption></figure><ul><li>Lisa Nurnberger, Media Director, Union of Concerned Scientists: “When we do roll those reports out, we try to get people on the ground so it’s not just numbers, but it’s actually ‘this is what I’m seeing, this is how I’ve been harmed.’ Because stories really resonate with people when they pull at the heartstrings I think, and you feel what the person is experiencing and you empathize and you want to take action because of that.”</li><li>Dr. Adrienne Hollis, Vice President, Environmental Justice, National Wildlife Federation: “I talk about my experiences…I’ll use my experience and then I’ll throw in statistics because communities really have three questions I find: what is it, how does it affect me and what can I do about it? And so we spend our time talking to communities and speaking with them, and then if necessary, communities can talk to other communities about similar issues. I’m a scientist also and an attorney, but we don’t talk about it from that perspective, we talk about it from the perspective of this has been my experience or this is what I’ve learned or this is what somebody just shared with me, and when you do that, people remember things.”</li><li>Gab Mejia, National Geographic Explorer, Conservation Photographer, Storyteller, Mountaineer &amp; Engineer, National Geographic Society: “I think that’s kind of how stories can really matter in a way that show others, businesses or governments, that this is happening in their own community because that’s where the constituents are…there’s so much lack in education of climate change that’s localized and contextualized to the place.”</li></ul>On the key tenets of successful climate messaging During the discussion, participants highlighted fundamental takeaways for creating environmental communication strategies.<figure><img alt="Sweta Chakraborty engaging with the discussion." height="1825" id="774456d4-8b0b-499f-934b-a7c2d166326c" src="https://images.axios.com/hjnOQcqC0TSz34Qk-RE_Zzt3CC0=/2023/01/30/1675113045466.jpg" width="2738"/><figcaption>Dr. Sweta Chakraborty engaging with the discussion. Credit: Ralph Alswang</figcaption></figure><ul><li>Dr. Sweta Chakraborty, CEO, We Don’t Have Time: “It’s what’s in your backyard and it’s also what values you hold dear. Understanding what people’s mental models are, what perceptions they already have that they value, and connecting the risks that they face to their existing mental models, that’s the science of science communication.”</li><li>Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Communications Officer, Greenpeace: “You can tell the perfect story about the economics of climate change that you think will really resonate, and if you have the wrong messenger, that story will fall so flat. The importance of the messenger cannot be understated, it’s key.”</li><li>Lori Lodes, Executive Director, Climate Power: “I think what is critical is that we make the Inflation Reduction Act as successful as possible, that it is implemented well, that we are telling that story to connect to the benefits of people so they can understand what it means to take action on climate and how that’s going to actually benefit my life in a positive way. This is just the beginning.”</li></ul>Thank you National Geographic Society for sponsoring this event.

Axios Events

On Wednesday, February 1st, Axios politics reporters Eugene Scott and Alexi McCammond heard from policymakers on the agenda for the newly minted 118th Congress, featuring: 

The Honorable Nanette Barragán                                                                                               Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Representative                                        California's 44th Congressional District

The Honorable James E. Clyburn                                                                                       Assistant Democratic Leader                                                                               Representative, South Carolina's 6th Congressional District

The Honorable Thom Tillis                                                                                                       Senator, North Carolina                                                                                                  Member, Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, Banking, and Judiciary Committees

The Honorable Nancy Mace                                                                                            Representative, South Carolina's 1st Congressional District

Axios News Shapers event with policymakers on the 118th Congress agenda

Join policymakers LIVE for a conversation on the state of the 118th Congress.

On Wednesday, February 1st, Axios politics reporters Eugene Scott and Alexi McCammond heard from policymakers on the agenda for the newly minted 118th Congress, featuring: <ul><li>The Honorable Nanette Barragán Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Representative California&#x27;s 44th Congressional District</li><li>The Honorable James E. Clyburn Assistant Democratic Leader Representative, South Carolina&#x27;s 6th Congressional District</li><li>The Honorable Thom Tillis Senator, North Carolina Member, Armed Services, Veterans&#x27; Affairs, Banking, and Judiciary Committees</li><li>The Honorable Nancy Mace Representative, South Carolina&#x27;s 1st Congressional District</li></ul>

Media Deals

On Thursday, February 2nd, join Axios Pro Media Deals Reporter Tim Baysinger and Axios Senior Media Reporter Sara Fischer in a conversation forecasting media trends in 2023.  

They'll analyze the biggest dealmaking stories right now — such as Vince McMahon’s return to WWE and Nelson Peltz’s proxy fight with Disney.

🎉 Take advantage of our 2023 Kickoff Sale! Use code PRO2023 to get $200 off your subscription. Subscribe today, offer ends soon.

📂 Download the latest Axios Pro industry report 

📝 Learn more about Axios Pro Corporate Subscriptions 

➡️ Start your 14-day free trial at axiospro.com

Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023

Axios' Sara Fischer and Tim Baysinger on media trends that matter in 2023.

Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023

On Thursday, February 2nd, join Axios Pro Media Deals Reporter Tim Baysinger and Axios Senior Media Reporter Sara Fischer in a conversation forecasting media trends in 2023. <ul><li>They&#x27;ll analyze the biggest dealmaking stories right now — such as Vince McMahon’s return to WWE and Nelson Peltz’s proxy fight with Disney.</li></ul>RSVP <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://pro.axios.com/event/02-02-2023" data-vars-content-id="41d1a724-127b-4b12-ad52-3ddecf120ed7" data-vars-headline="Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pro.axios.com/event/02-02-2023" target="_blank">here</a>.🎉 Take advantage of our 2023 Kickoff Sale! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Use code PRO2023 to get $200 off your subscription" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/offer?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" data-vars-content-id="41d1a724-127b-4b12-ad52-3ddecf120ed7" data-vars-headline="Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/offer?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" target="_self">Use code PRO2023 to get $200 off your subscription</a>. Subscribe today, offer ends soon.📂 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Download the latest Axios Pro industry report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/reports/deals-sentiment-report-vc-pe-manda?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" data-vars-content-id="41d1a724-127b-4b12-ad52-3ddecf120ed7" data-vars-headline="Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/reports/deals-sentiment-report-vc-pe-manda?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" target="_self">Download the latest Axios Pro industry report</a> 📝 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Learn more about Axios Pro Corporate Subscriptions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/corporate-subscriptions?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" data-vars-content-id="41d1a724-127b-4b12-ad52-3ddecf120ed7" data-vars-headline="Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/corporate-subscriptions?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" target="_self">Learn more about Axios Pro Corporate Subscriptions</a> ➡️ Start your 14-day free trial at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="axiospro.com" data-vars-click-url="http://axiospro.com/?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" data-vars-content-id="41d1a724-127b-4b12-ad52-3ddecf120ed7" data-vars-headline="Watch: Axios Pro Event: Media trends that matter in 2023" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axiospro.com/?utm_source=axios&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_campaign=pro_event_02-02-23&amp;utm_term=regwall" target="_blank">axiospro.com</a>

On Tuesday, January 17th at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Axios chief technology correspondent Ina Fried and European Parliament member Eva Maydell explored the myths surrounding AI and how responsible innovation could spearhead new discoveries and applications of AI in science, energy, biodiversity and more. The View from the Top sponsored segment featured DeepMind founder and CEO Demis Hassabis and DeepMind chief operating officer Lila Ibrahim.

Axios’ Ina Fried speaking with Eva Maydell.

Axios’ Ina Fried speaking with Eva Maydell. Credit: Dani Ammann

Eva Maydell described how the EU is working on creating an AI act, which would be the first legislation to govern artificial intelligence technology specifically.

Go deeper: It is still in its early stages as EU policymakers attempt to iron out the goals of the legislation and balance the desire to set guardrails around the technology without curbing European industry. 

Axios’ Nicholas Johnston speaking with Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim.

Axios’ Nicholas Johnston speaking with Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim. Credit: Dani Ammann

In the View from the Top segment, Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim emphasized the importance of understanding the power of AI and its potential consequences, and using that understanding to create an ethical framework to adhere to from the beginning stages of developing AI technologies. 

1 big thing: Being bold and responsible is the driving methodology behind their research and development models in contrast to Silicon Valley’s traditional mantra to ‘move fast and break things.’ 

Thank you DeepMind for sponsoring this event.

Axios Reception at Davos: The Promises and Perils of AI

Axios hosted a reception in Davos exploring the promises and perils of AI.

Axios House at Davos: The Promises and Perils of AI

On Tuesday, January 17th at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Axios chief technology correspondent Ina Fried and European Parliament member Eva Maydell explored the myths surrounding AI and how responsible innovation could spearhead new discoveries and applications of AI in science, energy, biodiversity and more. The View from the Top sponsored segment featured DeepMind founder and CEO Demis Hassabis and DeepMind chief operating officer Lila Ibrahim.<figure><img alt="Axios’ Ina Fried speaking with Eva Maydell." height="2333" id="71a666cd-5397-47ae-9435-8f71e9b79657" src="https://images.axios.com/vavYJNU80KnXhWEHb4zjrTiG7IY=/2023/01/23/1674500506525.jpg" width="3500"/><figcaption>Axios’ Ina Fried speaking with Eva Maydell. Credit: Dani Ammann</figcaption></figure>Eva Maydell described how the EU is working on creating an AI act, which would be the first legislation to govern artificial intelligence technology specifically.<ul><li>Go deeper: It is still in its early stages as EU policymakers attempt to iron out the goals of the legislation and balance the desire to set guardrails around the technology without curbing European industry. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Axios’ Nicholas Johnston speaking with Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim." height="2333" id="41d8a3a2-9a99-4637-90a7-4f150fb769f9" src="https://images.axios.com/EA-vb31dGhknEhtJBIIgIUB88as=/2023/01/23/1674500650061.jpg" width="3500"/><figcaption>Axios’ Nicholas Johnston speaking with Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim. Credit: Dani Ammann</figcaption></figure>In the View from the Top segment, Demis Hassabis and Lila Ibrahim emphasized the importance of understanding the power of AI and its potential consequences, and using that understanding to create an ethical framework to adhere to from the beginning stages of developing AI technologies. <ul><li>1 big thing: Being bold and responsible is the driving methodology behind their research and development models in contrast to Silicon Valley’s traditional mantra to ‘move fast and break things.’ </li></ul>Thank you DeepMind for sponsoring this event.

On Tuesday, January 17th at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Axios markets reporter Courtenay Brown and MIT Media Lab Digital Currency Initiative director Neha Narula considered the most pressing issues facing cryptocurrency today including how (and if) the industry should be regulated, how governments and financial institutions should interact with the sector, and how investments could be safeguarded. The View from the Top sponsored segment featured Ripple chief executive officer Brad Garlinghouse.

Neha Narula speaking to the audience alongside Axios’ Courtenay Brown.

Neha Narula speaking to the audience alongside Axios’ Courtenay Brown. Credit: Dani Ammann

Neha Narula described how perceptions of cryptocurrency have changed over the last couple of years, what recent bankruptcies of high-profile companies signal about the broader industry, her view on what financial regulation could look like for crypto and potential pathways for a central bank digital currency in the U.S. 

On what regulatory approaches for the crypto industry could look like: “Some countries are honestly thinking about banning it. Some are thinking about containing it, making sure that it can’t affect the financial stability of the broader financial system. And then others are thinking about regulating. And when you look at those three options, regulating is the most positive sort of outcome for the crypto industry. Regulating is saying ‘welcome to the fold, you are now in the same category as JPMorgan.’ And that’s not something very light to undertake and it is important to recognize that, so I think we need to make sure that we understand what regulation might signal to consumers and to businesses.” 

In the View from the Top segment, Brad Garlinghouse explained why he thinks the crypto industry can withstand its current challenges and how he’s working to educate the world about cryptocurrency and its uses.

“I think there’s no question that we’re at a unique juncture of the crypto landscape…it’s a crossroads where I think some companies are going away. I don’t view that as a necessarily bad thing, and I think that the industry over the long haul may end up being healthier for it.”

Thank you Ripple for sponsoring this event.

Axios Reception at Davos: Crypto’s Crossroads

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Axios hosted a reception discussing the crypto industry.

On Tuesday, January 17th at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Axios markets reporter Courtenay Brown and MIT Media Lab Digital Currency Initiative director Neha Narula considered the most pressing issues facing cryptocurrency today including how (and if) the industry should be regulated, how governments and financial institutions should interact with the sector, and how investments could be safeguarded. The View from the Top sponsored segment featured Ripple chief executive officer Brad Garlinghouse.<figure><img alt="Neha Narula speaking to the audience alongside Axios’ Courtenay Brown." height="2333" id="7ff253f8-bde7-47d4-9b91-552feb0adcfa" src="https://images.axios.com/1VMDvPlSo1pZfDDUL6oI8dPC7Rs=/2023/01/23/1674486119092.jpg" width="3500"/><figcaption>Neha Narula speaking to the audience alongside Axios’ Courtenay Brown. Credit: Dani Ammann</figcaption></figure>Neha Narula described how perceptions of cryptocurrency have changed over the last couple of years, what recent bankruptcies of high-profile companies signal about the broader industry, her view on what financial regulation could look like for crypto and potential pathways for a central bank digital currency in the U.S. <ul><li>On what regulatory approaches for the crypto industry could look like: “Some countries are honestly thinking about banning it. Some are thinking about containing it, making sure that it can’t affect the financial stability of the broader financial system. And then others are thinking about regulating. And when you look at those three options, regulating is the most positive sort of outcome for the crypto industry. Regulating is saying ‘welcome to the fold, you are now in the same category as JPMorgan.’ And that’s not something very light to undertake and it is important to recognize that, so I think we need to make sure that we understand what regulation might signal to consumers and to businesses.” </li></ul>In the View from the Top segment, Brad Garlinghouse explained why he thinks the crypto industry can withstand its current challenges and how he’s working to educate the world about cryptocurrency and its uses.<ul><li>“I think there’s no question that we’re at a unique juncture of the crypto landscape…it’s a crossroads where I think some companies are going away. I don’t view that as a necessarily bad thing, and I think that the industry over the long haul may end up being healthier for it.”</li></ul>Thank you Ripple for sponsoring this event.