Climate Fresco: A visual method to mobilize employees around climate issues
"The alarming figures regarding the state of the planet have led some to sadness, others to anger. Some were disheartened to realize that humanity could create such problems. On the other hand, we were all filled with hope. This exercise made us realize that we are capable of both the best and the worst, that we all have the ability to act and commit to making a positive change," says Meliza Munbodh, Welfare Officer at Panagora. This is the prevailing sentiment among the first Eclosia employees, including her, who enrolled in a training program on leading Climate Fresco workshops. The workshop took place at the Charles Telfair Campus. These 12 participants and future facilitators are supported by Diane Salmon, an accredited facilitator of La Fresque du Climat.
Why train Eclosia colleagues to lead Climate Fresco workshops? Energy transition groups like Eclosia aim to quickly develop a common understanding within their organizations of the major challenge posed by global warming. The goal is to unite all employees around this transition objective and foster collective awareness of the need for action. "It’s the key and the best way to raise awareness and adopt more sustainable behaviors, especially in anticipation of the damage caused by our daily actions," adds Meliza Munbodh. Thus, "Fresque du Climat" workshops are an effective and engaging way to reach all levels of the organization.
So, what exactly is this famous Climate Fresco? It’s a visual pedagogical method to understand the stakes of climate change and their interconnections. It was created in France in 2018 by Cédric Ringenbach, with the aim of raising public awareness about climate change and its consequences on our planet. The Climate Fresco is presented in the form of 42 cards representing various components of the climate, such as biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, oceans, and more. The method involves placing the cards on a wall or floor to create a fresco, and then discussing their meaning and their relationships with each other as a group.
This training program allows employees of the group to become independent in leading Fresco workshops and no longer rely on external consultants. They will become "Frescoers" and join the Climate Fresco Association’s network. After completing the training, the new facilitator will be able to offer workshops in the company, in schools, within non-governmental organizations, or even in their private circle. Indeed, the Frescoer training will allow participants to better understand the stakes of climate change, develop communication and facilitation skills, and join a community of change-makers committed to combating climate change.
Moreover, this fully aligns with the goal of the Climate Fresco Association, which seeks to reach as many people as possible: "The project's ambition is to create a rapidly growing chain of actors to quickly spread this high-quality climate education and reach the social tipping point that will lead to a low-carbon world."
In May and June of next year, two more groups of employees will attend the Climate Fresco workshop to become facilitators and further expand the community of Climate Frescoers within Eclosia.