We don't talk enough about climate change in social settings, which can lead to a "circle of silence" - with people assuming that nobody else is thinking about it because nobody is talking about it. We can break that silence with family and friends, sharing our concerns, asking others how they feel, and deeply listening to what they share in return.
Starting a conversation like this can feel intimidating! Whether you're reaching out to a family member, friend, neighbour, colleague or someone you've just met, it's hard to know how to begin.
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe has become an expert on how to talk with people about climate change - even those who could be seen as climate change deniers - and more importantly, why it's critical for us to do so. Here's her TED talk from 2019, and here's a more recent interview on the same topic.
You can also check out these helpful guides:
- Climate Outreach: #TalkingClimate Handbook
- Science Moms: How to talk about climate change with friends, family, strangers, literally anyone
We'd love to hear how your conversations go, your key learnings or what questions are coming up, email: [email protected].
