Graduate Student Chenchen Wang Shares Global South Research at UN Biodiversity COP17

Ph.D. Candidate Wang has been sharing her incredible research abroad!

Chenchen Wang, a PhD candidate in the Department of Communication, participated in the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, as a youth delegate selected and fully funded by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN).

Alongside her engagement in international discussions on biodiversity conservation and youth participation, Wang shared findings from two of her recent publications, bringing a communication research perspective to global conversations about environmental governance and community action.

At the COP17 Youth Pavilion, Wang presented her research, "What Influences Climate Risk Communication? Evidence From 25 Climate Leaders in 18 Global South Countries," published in the Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. The study examines the challenges local advocates face when communicating climate risks. It identifies three major factors shaping their work: gaps between scientific knowledge and local experiences, inequalities in whose voices are heard in climate discussions, and limited financial and institutional resources. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing local communicators and their knowledge in developing more inclusive approaches to climate risk communication.

At the COP17 press conference, "From Observation to Action: Youth and Community Engagement in Biodiversity Conservation," Wang shared findings from another study, "Communicating Energy Transition in the Global South: Local Meanings, Barriers, and Strategies from Local Climate Advocates," published in Energy Research & Social Science. This research explores how communities understand and engage with clean energy technologies. The study identifies communication challenges involving language barriers, trust in new technologies, cultural practices, and unequal opportunities for participation. It also documents how local advocates respond through storytelling, community dialogue, accessible communication materials, and the involvement of trusted local messengers. During the press conference, Wang discussed how these experiences can inform biodiversity conservation and environmental technology cooperation. While clean energy transitions can help address climate-related threats to biodiversity, environmental technologies must also consider local ecosystems, community needs, and meaningful participation.

The two studies reflect a broader theme in Wang's research: understanding how global environmental goals are communicated, interpreted, and translated into action in local communities, particularly across the Global South.

Her participation in COP17 provided an opportunity to connect academic research with international environmental discussions and youth-led advocacy. It also illustrated how communication research can contribute to understanding the role of local knowledge, public engagement, and community participation in addressing environmental challenges.

Related Publications:

• Wang, C. (2026). What influences climate risk communication? Evidence from 25 climate leaders in 18 Global South countries. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.70160
• Wang, C. (2026). Communicating energy transition in the Global South: Local meanings, barriers, and strategies from local climate advocates. Energy Research & Social Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2026.104753