Massive wildfires engulfing the west coast and extreme hurricanes bludgeoning our neighbors in the east have left a lot us scared and wondering ‘Is this the future of our climate?’
Media doesn’t always help either. Alarming reports and frightening statistics can sometimes make you feel like all you can do is curl up in a corner and watch while Mother Earth gets her revenge for the abuse she’s endured.
We’re here to tell you that this is a completely normal way to feel.
Talking about climate change can be difficult. People have different opinions and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. It’s only natural– psychologically, we all tend to veer away from topics and situations that cause emotional distress (like talking politics or religion at a holiday dinner: BIG NO-NO).
This is why we need to flip the script on how we talk about climate change.
On one extreme, some media and organizations use tactics to drive the point home that the Earth is in danger and if we don’t act NOW we are doomed.
Then there are others telling us we need to live off the grid and dedicate our lives to protecting the Earth. While we are the first to admit we love that #yurtlife here at TreePeople, some of us don’t have that luxury!
These approaches leave people overwhelmed and paralyzed. But we can all change this by inviting our loved ones to see that it’s easy to act on climate.
Start Small.
Find ways to talk about climate in your everyday conversations in an accessible way. Bring up a cool (but accurate) scientific fact or innovation to spark people’s interest.
Walk the Talk.
Show how people can make small changes to their daily routine. For example, stop using disposable coffee cups, instead spend a few bucks on a cool, reusable cup. Friends will take notice and follow suit.
Get Involved.
Spend your weekend mornings volunteering with us. The sense of accomplishment and connectedness you feel when you care for and plant trees is sure to ease you out of any climate anxiety.
People can make a difference, even if they can’t leave their lives behind to be planet purists. Together, we can turn the tide on the climate conversation and make positive change. We need to speak openly and meet people where they are. As a climate champion, it’s key we reassure our friends, neighbors and family that even the smallest change does make a difference.
We get it. Climate change can be an elephant in the room but YOU have the power to flip the conversation.