Talk to others about climate change

One of the most powerful things you can do is talk about climate change. It’s an important topic and although often covered by news corporations, many people are still not aware that they can be part of the solution.

Why

It’s a proven fact that people trust their family members, friends and workmates more than they trust experts and environmental organisations. You can talk to people about climate change in ways bigger organisations can’t. 

According to a recent study, starting a conversation about climate change in your social environment can jumpstart a feedback loop leading to greater awareness and concern.

How

Learn about climate change from scientists:

• Check out the climate change information from CSIRO:  www.csiro.au/en/Research/OandA/Areas/Oceans-and-climate/Climate-change-information

• Climate Council has a very helpful website: www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/what-is-climate-change-what-can-we-do/

• Australian Academy of Science also has excellent information:: www.science.org.au/education/immunisation-climate-change-genetic-modification/science-climate-change

Talk about climate change:

Talking about climate change might still be new to you. It’s very important to not deter people when talking about climate change. Not everyone will share your views and people communicate better if they don't feel threatened.

Here are some great guides and infographics to look at which will support you when talking to others about climate change:

• Climate Council Conversation guide: This guide is great when you start a conversation about the weather and explains climate change.

• Climate for Change Conversation guide: This guide helps you to structure your conversation and also has some info about the different audiences in Australia. 

Ways to start the conversation:

• Spread the word - invite friends to join the CliMarch campaign. Simply share the website URL with your friends via Messenger or WhatsApp and ask them to join the movement. The more people involved, the greater the impact.

• Create change in your workplace - influence your workplace to adopt the five most impactful actions an individual can make to reduce the impact of climate change. 

• Companies should be committing to targeting zero carbon. If you are part of a working group within your organisation, or a staff committee, consider discussing your organization's goals such as switching to green energy, as a group, and take it to your board or CEO.

Vote for climate change action:

• As well as having a conversation, it’s important to know which political parties have climate change as a priority and vote for them.

Talk to your Member of Parliament (MP) and local council:

• Contact your local MP and emphasise that climate action is important to you and your community. Find your MP via this website, simply enter your postcode. Here is a great resource to help you let your local Member of Parliament and other relevant members of our government know you want more action on climate change. 

• Write an email and urge your local council to commit to net zero goals.

Talk about CliMarch:

• Talk to others about the CliMarch campaign, and encourage them to participate.

Sources:

Goldberg, M., van der Linden, S., Maibach, E., & Leiserowitz, A. (2019). Discussing global warming leads to greater acceptance of climate science. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, 116(30), 14804-14805. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1906589116