Narrative has the power to reshape the way we behave. When it comes to the climate crisis and environmental degradation, we need emotional connection to help us relate to the extreme events that others around the world are facing. That’s where storytelling comes in – playing a crucial role in capturing our attention and teaching us what we need to know.

But storytelling is more than just telling stories. In this GLF Live with Ann-Kathrin Neureuther, Álvaro Álvarez, Cecilia Mena and Olivia del Giorgio, discover the research and creative processes behind crafting stories that are not just narratives but a driving force pushing the needle toward urgent environmental action. 

Join us on Tuesday, 15 October at 15:00 UTC to learn more about storytelling, filmmaking and how to create positive impact by simplifying complex topics to make them accessible and engaging for wider audiences.

Ann-Kathrin Neureuther is the communication manager for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Working at the intersection of environment and communications, she leads communication and advocacy for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). Prior to joining UNEP, Ann-Kathrin led environmental behavior change campaigns in eight countries for the international NGO Rare. For the Center of International Forestry Research (CIFOR), she coordinated the Global Landscapes Forum from its inception in Warsaw in 2013 until the 2016 edition in Marrakesh. 

Álvaro Álvarez is a Spanish-Argentinian journalist and documentary filmmaker with over 15 years of experience creating a wide range of content, from short digital videos to international documentaries. Born in Argentina and raised in Spain, Álvaro joined the BBC World Service in London in 2011 after working for the Spanish newspaper El País in Spain. Throughout his career, he has covered a variety of issues, travelling to countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Peru, China and Egypt. 

Cecilia Mena is a nature photographer and documentary filmmaker from Argentina. Since 2018, she has been involved in producing and creating content for ecological restoration and conservation projects, sharing stories about sustainability and the environment around the world. She has documented nature expeditions, later showcasing her work in photography exhibits to show life in the mountains. 

Olivia del Giorgio is a human geographer and land use scientist with a background in ecology. Olivia’s work examines the dynamics of land control, dispossession, displacement, and land-use change in regions experiencing the expansion of large-scale, commodity agriculture. Olivia uses documentary film to humanize research insights, transforming data back into someone’s story through this medium.