Talking about climate change #12

Step down from the invisible pedestal of righteousness (4 minute read)

He tells her that the earth is flat –

He knows the facts, and that is that...

Wendy Cope

It’s that time of the year when we often find ourselves catching up with people we haven’t seen for a while. If climate change is on your mind, you might find yourself having conversations which don’t go the way you intended. Maybe your passion gets away from you, and you find yourself giving mini-lectures to people whose eyes are glazing over (this is me, 100%). Maybe you decide to have one more try at converting the relative who is convinced that it’s all some sort of conspiracy among scientists. Or maybe you really want to talk about something that is so important, but you fear you will put people off.

If this sounds like you, then this week’s newsletter is the one you want. I’ve put together a selection of resources to help you in the conversations you may have over the holiday period.

I’m not going to pretend this image has anything to do with climate change. It’s just an image that feels like an oasis of calm, and that’s something we need right now (image credit: Melanie Newfield)

Think about all the things you want to say about climate change, and don’t say them (4 minute video)

Here’s a great simple video explaining the basic principles for a meaningful conversation about climate change.

Some key points:

• Start with a question

• Listen

• It’s not your turn to speak until you’ve learned something about what the other person thinks and feels

The SECRET to talking about climate change - Our Climate Our Future

Tell a more human story (7 minute read)

This article shares different perspectives on talking about climate change with family and friends.

Some key points

• Be informed

• Be prepared

• Be a good listener

How to bring up climate change this summer holiday without causing an argument | Euronews

Let no assumptions go unresearched (6 minute read)

This article shares ideas on how to tackle some of the common misrepresentations of climate change that you may encounter.

Some key points

• Learn about some of the key arguments (the article includes a useful link)

• Get alongside and look up sources together

• Ask why?

How to Talk to Your Family About Climate Change - Common Reader (wustl.edu)

Step down from the invisible pedestal of righteousness (20 minute read)

Here, I’ve linked to an entire website aimed at helping you have better conversations about climate change. The first page you’ll come to has some fantastic quotes from leaders and activists, and it’s a great place to start looking for inspiration. But check out the rest of the website too.

Some key points

• The most important thing is to have the conversation

• Have courage

• Hold science in one hand and empathy in the other

Talk Climate Change

Practise loving and connecting (4 minute read)

The group Living Room Conversations provides resources to help people have better conversations across the divisions in society, and within families. Here I’ve linked to a tip sheet for having better conversations with those you are closest to, even if you don’t like what they believe.

Some key points

• Listening is powerful

• Assume good intentions

• Use first-person language

Friends and Family Guide - Living Room Conversations

And a special offer…

Living Room Conversations also provides a guide for having a conversation about climate change. This is not aimed at casual discussions, but provides a method for having a structured discussion with people who may hold very different views from you. It’s not a guide to change peoples’ views on climate change. It’s a guide to changing the climate of climate change conversations, a guide to understanding and learning from others.

Climate Change - Living Room Conversations

I’m feeling inspired by the resources at Living Room Conversations. So, in January I’m going to try out these resources myself. I am planning to hold two conversations based on the resources here. One will be via Zoom and one will be in-person, in Wellington.

Living Room Conversations involve a small group, just 4-6 people, so that everyone gets a chance to learn and contribute.

If you’d like to be one of those people, discussing climate change with people who have a different perspective from you, let me know. I would love to hear from you.

I’ll be giving preference to those who support The Turnstone, whether that is financial supporters (paid subscribers or those who donate via Buy Me A Coffee) or those who support me by liking and commenting on my articles (support doesn’t have to be financial).

Finally, this month’s climate change poem

I’ve found a couple of lovely poems about the difficult relationships we have with those who are closest to us but who hold very different opinions. The link will take you to the first poem. You can find the second poem by clicking on the arrow to the right of the poem.

Differences of Opinion by Wendy Cope | Poetry Magazine (poetryfoundation.org)