How to have conversations about climate change

|In Ask the Expert
|By Ann Hawkins

Climate change conversations can be a bit challenging

Overview: These techniques are useful for any conversation that might feel difficult or awkward: 

  • Have a conversation about having the conversation, don’t just launch straight in.
  • Figure out what’s getting in the way: anxiety, guilt, shame all stop people from talking.
  • Think of everything you know about the topic and don’t mention any of them.
  • Listen more than you talk.
  • Evangelising doesn’t work.
  • Ask how people would like to take it forward to keep talking.

Jo Twiselton is an organisational change consultant and coach.
She is a certified Carbon Literacy coach and has had many conversations about climate change and how it affects our personal wellbeing as well as how it is handled in organisations.

Many people avoid talking about climate change or get into heated discussions  because the subject is so emotive.  Jo gave us some great tips about how to have these important conversations with colleagues, friends, family, employees, employers and more.

Is anybody bothered?

Because many people avoid getting into these conversations it would be easy to believe that they’re not bothered so its worth noting that in October 2021, 75% of adults in Great Britain said they were either very or somewhat worried about the impact of climate change. Survey by the Office of National Statistics

Jo started by exploring what stops people from having these conversations.

What comes to mind when you’re having a conversation about climate change?

Responses to this included:

Anxiety, frustration, where to start, apathy, innovation, defensiveness, fear, anger, its hard to see the impact of what we do, money, fear of change and fear of not changing.

Conversations don’t have to be about the science

Weighing straight in with information on the methane emissions of cows and the carbon footprint of a banana won’t stop people from eating either. Jo says that  Charly Cox, Climate Change Coach changed the way she approaches these conversation by explaining “Climate change is a human behaviour problem.” If the conversation is about what moves things forward it’s more likely to bring about change. Helping people to understand that they don’t have to be perfect and give up everything they like but that its enough to do something is the best way to start.

Avoid preaching and trying to persuade people

Confronting a group of friends about their plans to take a short haul flight will only damage the friendship and make them avoid you. You can’t change people who aren’t ready so start with the people who are willing to meet you half-way and with things that are close to their hearts until you get more confident about having these conversations. Discussing a local project, something that feels closer to them, is more likely to get people’s attention than talking about melting glaciers and depleting rain forests.

What are we trying to avoid when we don’t have these conversations?

This is how people responded:

Defensiveness, conflict, switching people off, upsetting people, shutting off the opportunity before it gets going, worried about how we’re perceived by others (not being seen as a geeky weirdo), withdrawal, virtue signalling, committing to something we can’t deliver.

How to have different types of informal conversations

  1. Dive straight in:  People who have a common interest in the topic and are comfortable chatting about it. Share information and ideas.
  2. Go easy:  People who are slightly engaged, who may be exploring, looking for ideas and answers but don’t want to to be preached to. Climate Scientist Katherine Hayhoe says, “If I’m going to have a conversation with someone, I first find out what we have in common.”
  3. Move gently:  People you’re not sure about, you don’t know where they stand. Ask questions, listen, meet them where they’re at. Don’t judge. Some people are just getting by and don’t need anything else to worry about.
  4. Don’t wade in:  When a family member of colleague installs a plastic lawn or otherwise signals that they’re not up to thinking about the effects of their actions on the planet and you need to maintain a relationship with them, wait until they give a signal or the opportunity arises, indicating that they may be open to a discussion. Offer information only if you’re asked or it feels right. Find out what’s important to them or what could be a conversation-starter – how to save money on energy and how that can help this wider topic is a great place to start.

Conversations in groups or training situations

Prepare: People need to know what they’re being asked to take part in and given enough information to help them avoid feeling uncomfortable, guilty, ashamed etc.

Space: Physical and emotional space are equally important and will help people move to new perspectives.

Don’t lecture or grandstand: You may be the expert in the room but think of everything you know about the topic and don’t say it. Offer information only if you’re asked.

Ask Questions: Be genuinely interested in other people’s perceptions and positions. Find our where they’re at without creating comparisons, league tables etc. Avoid making anyone feel awkward or left out.

Share stories: Stories connect us, tell people how you got interested or tell stories about other people who are taking action they can relate to.

Allow people time to get on board: Creating change, especially changing hearts and minds takes time. Let people come at it at their own pace and give them opportunities to learn more as they need it.

Audience contributions

  • Talking on social media is generally much more difficult than having a conversation face to face or even on Zoom so its best not to get involved but invite anyone who is interested to a different way to take things forward.
  • As a consumer be really nosey about the products, institutions and processes you use. Many try to disguise their true credentials – or lack of. The Ethical Consumer is a good place to start.
  • If people are already defensive and talking about what they’re “not allowed” to do, it can be disarming to say of course they’re allowed to do whatever they choose, but they do have a choice so what would the consequences be of doing something different?
  • Share positive achievable and relatable examples of what has been and can be achieved.
  • Know your audience. Language is really important. Climate change can be seen as a middle class issue so combating stereotypes is a good idea.
  • If you suspect someone is just out for an argument try calling them out on it, “Are you genuinely interested in my views on this?” can save a lot of grief.

Finally – the three Ps

Before you leave and get on with your day take a pen and paper and write down three things you’ll do as a result of reading this post. Consider actions in these three areas:

  • Your Personal Life
  • Your Professional Life
  • Your Political Life

How would you like to take this conversation forward?

If you’d like to keep talking about this topic, find out more about Jo’s work at Twist Consultants  and follow Jo on LinkedIn to let her know you’re interested!

 

 

 

Useful resources:

A free climate impact calculator that lets you and/or your business as a whole calculate the carbon footprint of your vehicles, properties and any form of travel: https://miabazo.com/climate-impact-tool

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