Discourse on Urban Biodiversity in Climate Change Transitions: Insights from Five Italian Cities

As urban areas confront the pressing challenges of climate change, effective communication of biodiversity is crucial in shaping resilient socio-ecological systems. The research, conducted as part of the Italian National Biodiversity Future Center, examines how five major Italian cities (Milan, Genoa, Florence, Naples, Palermo) are integrating biodiversity into their climate change transitions through public discourse and citizen engagement.

Using advanced web and social media analytics provided by a strategic communication agency (Words), the researchers have analysed over 77,000 media clips from various digital platforms over a three-month period in 2024. The focus is on key themes derived from five conceptual frameworks – Planet, Prosperity, People Engagement, Biodiversity Governance, and Climate Justice – which together operationalize the concept of urban biodiversity by addressing environmental health, sustainable economic practices, citizen involvement, regulatory frameworks, and social equity. Semi-structured interviews with municipal officials and thematic experts complement the data, providing insights into the general strengths and weaknesses of cities communication efforts. Findings indicate that cities successfully framing biodiversity within broader narratives of climate resilience achieve higher public engagement. For example, Milan and Florence emphasize green infrastructure and community-driven initiatives, while Naples and Palermo struggle with limited biodiversity discourse amidst pressing local issues like waste management.

By exploring how various discourses on climate change transitions shape public perceptions and actions, initial insights for policymakers emerge regarding the integration of biodiversity into urban climate action plans, promotion of environmental stewardship, and enhancement of citizen involvement. This approach enhances understanding of how effective communication can drive socio-ecological change, ensuring that biodiversity remains a central focus of urban sustainability efforts. The insights from this research also contribute to the development of an Urban Biodiversity Communication Compass, a kind of framework that guides cities in refining their communication strategies, engaging citizens more effectively, and supporting urban biodiversity conservation.