Talk to Your Friends and Family
"Talking" is where cultural change begins. Without it, it’s impossible for a group of people to solve a problem. But talking about climate change can be uncomfortable - especially with friends and family who don't always agree.
However, it's one of the most important things you can do. You have a special relationship with everyone in your life. Because of this, you are the only person who can effectively talk with them about the climate crisis. Nobody will have the impact you will.
Tip: Climate denial tends to be rooted in a person's identity or ideology - all the facts in the world won't change their mind. To avoid frustrating arguments, start with shared values. These could be things like economic security or a faith-based sense of stewardship. Discuss how a changing climate puts that common ground at risk. Then explore solutions to protect what you both care about.
Take Action
Practice makes perfect they say. So why not have a practice climate conversation?
Try this chatbot for finding common ground on climate change. It was developed by Smart Politics, a U.S. non-profit organization. It’s based on extensive experience with online dialogues and expertise in psychiatry and political psychology.
Do you have another idea about how to talk to your friends and family? Submit it! Especially if it's a local product or service that can help others in your community.
Why It Matters
People listen to people they know much more than people they don't. While celebrities, environmental groups, and politicians may be able to reach a lot of people, it's not always the most effective.
One-on-one conversations with neighbors, colleagues, friends and family can have a much bigger impact than you'd think. The key: be respectful and patient. Not everyone is ready to talk about it or accept the nature of the problem.
Resources
Title | Description | Creator |
|---|---|---|
| How to talk about climate change: Ask questions | This simple strategy will help you start low-conflict conversations about the planet’s gnarliest problem. | Yale Climate Connections |
| What’s the Best Way To Talk About Climate Change? | Columbia University Climate School | |
| How and why to have climate change conversations | 9 resources for talking about climate change, including graphics, a chatbot, and videos. | David Suzuki Foundation |
| 5 Tips For Talking About Climate Change | This will help you navigate the climate talk and (gently) bust five common myths, so you can have more meaningful discussions that help spur understanding and action. | Conservation International |
| Tips for talking about climate change | Hennepin County Climate Action |
Related Climate Change Solutions
Take the climate quiz and discover how to talk to your friends and family.
Plus, get your personal climate action plan!