Simple Tips for Effective Climate Communication in 2022
When it comes to the climate emergency, it can sometimes feel like we are either shouting into the void or shouting into an echo chamber. As we face a closing window of opportunity to make meaningful change, we must be using our time, energy, and resources productively. Let’s get right to it - we have a lot of supporters for the planet, including you reading this. But we need everyone else on board. That’s why why one of our goals with this platform is to equip you all with the tools and resources to be effective climate ambassadors in your own corner, and get others involved in this movement. Changing people’s minds is hard work, changing systems is harder work, and in all scenarios, it’s simply not possible without thoughtful communication.
These are our strongest recommendations for effective climate communication:
Start in your close circles
Your closest relationships are the best place to begin trying to shift mindsets and make progress in getting others to understand and care. The degree to which someone will take your message seriously is directly linked to their level of trust and respect for you, and their level of open-mindedness. Those that care about you will hear your perspective, why it’s important to you, and are likely more willing to dive deeper in the discussion. As another strategy, I’ve found that the most effective persuasion is simply living by example in front of your loved ones, answering questions when they ask, and showing them first-hand a lifestyle they may not know existed.
2. Listen more than you speak
The ultimate goal of these conversations is to find common ground. The way that we find common ground is through listening, understanding, and empathy. These conversations start with open-ended questions, and they require the skill of being able to view issues from other’s perspectives. In the United States, division and the inability to compromise plagues our potential to do good work at scale. As environmentalists we may feel passionate, angry, and want to shake others and ask, “why don’t you care the way I care?!” As communicators, we must find the answer to that question before we even attempt to sway them. Listen to them, hear them, find common ground, and go from there.
3. Meet people where they are
Once you understand the other person’s perspective and have established a respectful dynamic, they may have opened their mind more and could be willing to learn. This is where the next step comes in, to meet people where they are. Every step in the right direction is progress. From Meatless Mondays, to an environmental documentary movie night as a family, to registering to vote. It is human nature to be self-interested, so I always try to teach others about how this ultimately benefits them, their livelihoods, or their families. For example, speaking with a farmer may look like communicating how regenerative farming practices can ultimately lead to larger crop yields, and direct them to watch the film Kiss the Ground to learn more. If I’m speaking to a school teacher who may think this doesn’t affect her work, I may highlight the way it will, and already is, impacting her students. I may also emphasize that as a fellow educator, it is up to us to best prepare young people for the future, then offer free resources I know of like our ocean and climate literacy curriculum Ocean Connections.
4. Play the long game
This type of progress doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t expect it to. People have to hear a message on average 14 times before they take action based on that message. But recognize that every discussion and question you have with them about these topics is a step in the right direction, and may cause them to reflect later on. And as we’ve mentioned before, the best way to inspire others is to lead by example. Next time they have an option to choose plastic or a sustainable option, they may hear your voice in their ear reminding them of the importance. Building other environmentalists is a long-term investment, and we are building it up together, brick by brick.
