Talking Is Important

The majority of Americans, 63%, are aware of climate change and are concerned about it. But most of us aren’t aware of that, and tend to underestimate the awareness and support for climate change, estimating that number to be 43%! That may be because only about 1/3 say they talk with friends or family about the topic even occasionally, let alone having discussions with people even less close to them (not always easy or appropriate, of course). In part, as reported in the journal Lancet, that may be because it is shamefully so under-reported in news media.

 In fact, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication reports their findings that in Fall 2025 about 2/3 of voters think “global warming” is affecting the cost of living, half think policies to go from fossil fuels to clean energy is good economics (only 27% think it would result in reduced economic growth and less job creation).

Climate Central on December 17, 2025 put out guidelines about communicating about climate change. Their recommendations are similar to what we have on our website page on communication

 Climate Central suggests (and they have good resources at the end):

-Start a conversation, big or small.

-Meet people where they are.

-Keep it simple.

That is, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Help “normalize” talking about it.

-Make it personal.. tell a story when you can.

There are many ways to approach the topic, generally personal stories resonate best according to the experts. But even not so personal stories can work. We like and remember stories more than data.

-Be curious, not judgmental…the goal is connection not correction.

Don’t shame people or be holier than thou. It doesn’t help. This overlaps with meet people where they are!

 -Be prepared with information.

            While giving a lecture and overwhelming people with data isn’t the way to go in most conversations, it is good to know a bit about the subject!

If you post on Tik Tok or Instagram, a recent manuscript on Oxford Open Climate Change suggests that role model narratives are not used enough! These are stories about people who are taking action, who lead by example. I would add though, as noted above, be careful about guilting people for not doing enough. As we have on our home page of this website, do what you can when you can!

While most of the attention has been given to studying climate change, particularly through excellent groups like the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, this approach, talking to people with respect and trying to find common ground and supporting each other, applies to other environmental issues as well.

            Talk, vote, contact your elected officials. All free! Something we can all do.

Happy Holidays!