This article is written by Joey Carley, Engineering Technician, City of Raytown, Missouri, USA.

  • The problem: Discussing climate change and how to address it can seem dull, depressing, or dry.
  • Why it matters: Discovering ways to communicate and motivate concerning climate change in a more positive manner can help ourselves and others.
  • The solution: We must accept that the climate is changing and begin to take manageable and approachable steps to reduce this. Approaching it with a new perspective and encouraging others to do the same can make the efforts more impactful and personal.

Each day, we hear news stories or read articles about how our climate is changing, often in an increasingly sobering way. Like many others, I find myself with a hunger to equip myself with solutions to an ever-worsening problem. However, this can seem daunting, the materials saddening, and the message stale. This is an entirely understandable sentiment and one that is common, perhaps more than one might realise. In an era of continuous media on screens all around us, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Don’t beat yourself up, reader, because while this is a valid mindset in which to find yourself, it does not have to be permanent. There are plenty of reasons to feel encouraged, and even better, there are ways to tackle the conversation and efforts of reducing climate change.

If you have made it through the difficulties of a global health crisis, and a surplus of “once in a lifetime” events, you are more equipped than most previous generations to handle anything.

While the last three years or so have been anything but ideal, those of you that are perusing through these words can feel inspired. Inspired because if you have made it through the difficulties of a global health crisis, and a surplus of “once in a lifetime” events, you are more equipped than most previous generations to handle anything. Viewing this motivation with a climate lens, leading scientists now say that our ozone layer is slowly but surely healing, which is stellar news! I’m just some person that you have never met but I honestly mean these words. They have instilled a great drive in me, especially as I approach the worldwide struggle that is climate change. With this notion in the back of your mind, I would like to offer some tips on how we can all engage with others in a conversation about climate change. Hopefully the following considerations will open eyes and ears, and you can feel that progress is being made!

  • Personal – Make the issue a personal one. It is clear why a problem affecting the entire planet might be challenging to make personal. Yet, if we take ownership, not necessarily blame, but the desire to make changes personally becomes empowering. Recycling more, reducing purchases with excess packaging, or composting are all personal efforts that are measurable and impactful. Talking the talk while walking the walk shows others you care and engages them in a desire to change as well.
  • Approachable – Read articles or watch the news when possible, and make sure you’re understanding the message in a way that you can share. Equipping yourself with information, especially concepts that are straightforward and accessible, allows others to discover more about the climate. Explain things truthfully but plainly so that others aren’t intimidated, and as you become more optimistic, share this optimism with them. This will take all of us to address, but starting with yourself and those you hold close is a great way to start.
  • Celebratory – It is good to celebrate small victories, and is necessary for any effort, but assuredly climate change is a prime example. Cleaning up a park, streetside, or stream is such an agreeable and measurable change. Organise something like this near you and celebrate the visible difference! Coordinate a recycling event or start compost collection at your workplace and make a performance indicator, then share the progress with those involved. It may surprise you just how encouraging these little wins can be.

We all can understand as public servants or community organisers that especially in our world, these things can move slowly. This is a continual effort, and it won’t all happen overnight. Yet none of these things I have suggested are groundbreaking or intensive. These are small actions that can add up quickly when they are made a habit. The world is a large place, trying to fix something of that magnitude can intimidate or discourage. It doesn’t need to be that way, as the efforts start with us and if we lead the way, this mentality will grow. I like to keep a mantra in my mind when it comes to the topic of climate change - “think global, act local”. Climate change cannot and will not be changed with the snap of a finger, it is okay to acknowledge this. If we all do our part and engage with our communities to do so, we will all be taking steps in the right direction.

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(Image Credit: Unsplash)