Why it’s important to talk about climate change
Talking about climate change can be hard. Believe me, as someone who spends their life doing it, I know.
What we’re doing to our planet is so huge and overwhelming, a lot of people find it easier to avoid thinking or talking about it.
It’s entirely understandable, but not very helpful.
The thing is, we all do have the power to help turn this situation around – just by talking about it.
After all, we can’t solve a problem if we don’t admit to each other it’s there.
For example, sea level rise, caused by fast-melting ice, will transform the UK’s coastal communities but we rarely hear this issue discussed.
The way to build an unstoppable movement for change is by raising the alarm, getting everyone on board and demanding action.
And it all starts with a chat between friends.
It’s how to raise awareness and help turn concern into action.
Which will mean a greater chance of the widespread reduction in pollution that our kids and grandchildren’s futures depend on.
Here are four tips ...
Start climate conversations
Reaching out to those who are not yet engaged is vital, but tricky.
One good strategy is to channel our British obsession with the weather and link it to the rise in global extreme weather events.
As well as the international increase in cyclones, tornadoes and hurricanes, even here in the UK, we are experiencing heavier rainfalls and more flooding.
Anyone who gardens or walks their dog can attest to that.
Voice your concerns
It can be as simple as expressing how worried you are and then empathising when your friend or loved one tells you they’re concerned too.
Knowing they’re not alone will legitamise their feelings.
Once we understand others are with us, it can embolden group action.
Focus on solutions
From electric cars to veggie meals, you can talk about all the actions you are taking to lower your carbon footprint. Concentrate on the benefits they bring to you and your family.
Don’t be a doom-monger
If people think there isn’t any hope, they give up.
That’s the last thing we want! The truth is we have pretty much all the technology we need to turn this situation around.
There is time.
We just need to act fast.
And that starts with sharing our worries and being evangelical about going green.