Find and share a real-world example of risk communication or behavior change communication. This can be in the form of a video, podcast, article, infographic, or social media post. Your example should be related to a science/environmental topic.
Choose a piece of content that aims to inform people about a potential risk or encourages them to adopt a new behavior, and explain why it fits the category.
Instructions:
Provide a link to the video, audio, or text example you’re analyzing.
Write a short post (approx. 200 words) that includes:
(a) Background or context to help others understand the example
(b) Why it qualifies as either risk communication or behavior change communication
(c) The target audience
(d) Your evaluation of whether it's effective or not, and any suggestions for improvement
Full Answer Section
b) Why it qualifies as either risk communication or behavior change communication: This campaign primarily qualifies as behavior change communication. While it did communicate the risk of plastic pollution (to the environment, wildlife, and human health), its core aim was to encourage the adoption of a new behavior: supporting and eventually adhering to a ban on single-use plastic bags. It sought to shift public opinion and build a social norm against plastic bag use, ultimately influencing policy change that mandated the behavioral shift.
(c) The target audience: The primary target audience was the general Kenyan public, especially urban dwellers who were major users and disposers of plastic bags. A secondary, but crucial, audience was policymakers and government officials, particularly within the Ministry of Environment, as the ultimate goal was to influence legislation.
(d) Your evaluation of whether it's effective or not, and any suggestions for improvement: The #BanPlasticsKE campaign was highly effective. It successfully galvanized public support and, crucially, gained the attention and backing of key government officials, directly leading to Kenya's nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags in August 2017 – one of the toughest in the world. Its effectiveness stemmed from:
- Clear, simple message: #BanPlasticsKE was concise and actionable.
- Visual impact: Wakibia's photos vividly showed the problem, making it tangible.
- Social media leverage: It utilized accessible platforms (Twitter, Facebook) for widespread reach and direct engagement.
- Grassroots origin: It felt authentic and driven by citizen concern.
Suggestions for improvement (retrospectively, for similar future campaigns): While the ban was implemented, challenges with enforcement and uptake of alternatives persist. Future campaigns could:
- Focus more explicitly on sustainable alternatives: Beyond banning, provide clear, practical guidance and visual examples of reusable bags and other solutions.
- Involve local influencers and community leaders: To address potential cultural barriers or enforcement challenges at a grassroots level, especially in diverse regions like Kisumu County.
- Integrate economic incentives/disincentives: Beyond the ban, explore how economic nudges could further reinforce the desired behavior (e.g., affordable reusable bags, penalties for non-compliance)
Sample Answer
Example: #BanPlasticsKE Social Media Campaign in Kenya
(a) Background or context to help others understand the example: Before 2017, plastic bag pollution was a severe environmental problem in Kenya, particularly visible in urban areas like Nairobi and Kisumu, and impacting landfills, drainage systems, and natural ecosystems. The sheer volume of single-use plastic bags littered across the landscape was alarming. James Wakibia, a photojournalist, started a social media campaign in 2015 using the hashtag #BanPlasticsKE to raise awareness and pressure the Kenyan government for a ban. He regularly posted photos of plastic pollution and engaged with citizens and policymakers