Erika speaks at the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit: Showcasing the Power of Climate Storytelling

Panelists discuss the power of stories to inspire climate action. (Image credit: Caitlin Sparks / used with permission)

In June, Erika joined sustainability leaders, communicators, and changemakers at the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit in Cincinnati. She served as a panelist on the “The Power of Sustainable Stories: Inspiring Change Through Climate Narratives” plenary. The session explored how storytelling can motivate action on climate and sustainability — turning complex science and data into messages that connect with people’s values, experiences, and everyday lives.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience producing the Yale Climate Connections radio program, Erika shared insights about reaching broad audiences through short, engaging content that informs and inspires.

The session was moderated by award-winning journalist Dani McClain, and in addition to Erika, included musician and storyteller Dr. Lyla June Johnston, Tory Stephens from Grist, and Becca Costello from WVXU.

Kelly Morton, Green Umbrella's Communications Manager, was struck by Erika's comment that "Connecting people’s daily worries to climate change – energy bills, food costs, health concerns – reaches people where they are. ... One story might not make a huge difference, but as more perspectives, more stories, more people are connected through environmental issues, that makes a change." You can read Kelly's full report on the day's sessions here.

The Summit brought together hundreds of professionals committed to building a more resilient and equitable future — and we were proud to be part of the conversation about how sustainable stories can lead the way.