“Signals from the climate in FVG”: a magazine enhancing climate awareness and bridging the gap between science and society at the regional level

The informative publication “Segnali dal Clima in FVG” (Signals from the climate in FVG) provides a local and regional perspective on climate change, specifically tailored for the citizens of Friuli Venezia Giulia region (northeastern Italy). Structured around three core themes - Changes, Impacts and Actions - the publication serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public.VISION AND COLLABORATIONThis initiative stems from the Clima FVG Working Group*, a collaborative network of the region’s leading scientific and research institutions. The group operates on the principle that technological and scientific progress must be accompanied by public awareness and education to effectively tackle climate challenges. By translating complex data and information into an engaging, accessible format, the publication bridges the gap between expert research and citizen understanding.CONTENT AND EDITORIAL APPROACHDesigned as an annual popular science magazine, the publication explores a wide array of climate-related themes, including the cryosphere, marine and lagoon ecosystems, forestry, wildlife and terrestrial ecosystems, agriculture, human health and urban settlements, as well as the psychological and social dimensions of climate change. Each issue explores a diverse range of topics, while remaining anchored to some core principles and maintaining key defining features:Local-to-Global Connection: by recalling recent local weather events and by linking regional climate trends to the global climate change, the publication makes a far-reaching issue feel immediate and relevant to the local community;Accessible Storytelling: by providing mini-glossaries, clear explanations, infographics and practical examples, the editorial project enables non-expert readers to understand complex topics without oversimplifying them;Empowerment over Anxiety: by highlighting actionable mitigation and adaptation strategies at both individual and collective levels, the magazine frames climate issues through a constructive lens, aiming to reduce climate-related anxiety and to inspire climate action.PRODUCTION AND STRATEGIC VALUECoordinated by ARPA FVG, the magazine is produced entirely "in-house" through the voluntary contributions of the experts, without dedicated external funding. While the publication is freely available online, limited print editions are produced for policymakers and institutional use.Beyond its educational role, “Segnali dal Clima in FVG” serves as a vital networking tool. The collaborative drafting process fosters interdisciplinary relationships among experts and generates a localized knowledge base that is instrumental in shaping regional climate policy and resilience strategies.AVAILABILITYSegnali dal clima in FVG is available at https://www.arpa.fvg.it/temi/temi/meteo-e-clima/sezioni-principali/cambiamenti-climatici/segnali-dal-clima-in-fvg/The complete PDF version can be browsed online or downloaded. Additionally, individual thematic sections from each edition and summary materials are available for download. The magazine is also being distributed to schools across Friuli Venezia Giulia through the regional environmental education network. *THE CLIMA FVG WORKING GROUPThe Clima FVG Working Group brings together the premier scientific and research institutions working on climate change in Friuli Venezia Giulia region: the Universities of Trieste and Udine, CNR-ISMAR, CNR-ISP, ICTP, OGS. The group was formally established in 2022 by the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and is coordinated by the Regional Environmental Protection Agency – ARPA FVG.