It's climate change. Like the controversy over monarchy or world leaders, this is one of those issues that inevitably comes up at the Christmas dinner table or after a few cheerful drinks, one way or another.
Uncle Jim can make a sudden, uninformed comment about Greta Thunberg. Cousin Mary might start to say something about how unreliable renewable energy is. And that was before Grandpa John’ started saying poetic words about climate change being just the weather, and loudly proclaiming that ‘we've always had storms.
Biting your tongue or getting into a fiery monologue? Should you advocate for climate action? Or do you sit quietly in a corner and feel dark clouds rising over your paper party hat?
We have helped you with important tips from an expert in creating change.
You don't have to participate in climate debates unless you want to.
Solitaire Townsend has long been involved in the green business world as ‘ and co-founder of Futerra’, a ’ chief solution specialist for Futerra‘, an exchange agency that pursues the ’ mission of making sustainable development desirable enough to become normal.
In addition, the award-winning The Solutionists: He is the author of How Businesses Can Fix the Future.
So Townsend knows a thing or two about when to get involved in a conversation about climate change this Christmas ’ and when to stay away.
And if you decide to continue your family's climate lesson 101’e, she has great ways to overcome all kinds of difficult questions and reactions.
Townsend, “It's been a long day. A few ‘comments from your family member/ex-friend’ already raised your blood pressure, says ”.
“Children, food and Weather Forecast… and [enter the contact] reject, discredit, or reject the subject you passionately care about.”
“It's time to stand up for what you believe in. Because it's the right thing to do, isn't it?
What are you doin'? Is it your job to educate your loved ones and win them over? Or is it better to shut up?
Townsend advises you to trust your instincts and how you are feeling at the moment.
“Certainly you don't need to talk, says ”. “If your mental health, If physical or financial security or basic support relationships are damaged, leave the area. Play with children or the Pets. Stay away from ”
He says it's important to keep your peace, and when the holidays are over, “ says we need your passion, energy, and commitment, and if we're honest, you're the only one that a big family argument will make a difference to.
When you speak, put yourself in the other's place.
The festive period is only one time of year when you can have climate conversations, so you may prefer to wait for another time when you can have easier one-on-one conversations.
In some families, discussions about the festive period are encouraged, and therefore, expressing your point of view clearly can feel safe and be worth talking about openly.
Townsend says it's worth talking to “ at this time of year so that the children of the ” family and others can hear your point of view.
And when you do, he has a pearl of wisdom to offer you: “Family discussions about climate change are NEVER about climate change; It's all about family dynamics. - ”
He advises you not to focus on persuading the person who challenges you. Instead, “ advises you to think of arguments and stories that will convince everyone.
We all know that climate deniers are unlikely to change their minds even when happily eating brussels sprouts with the sauce.
Climate change is personal for everyone
Think about who you're interacting with so you can adjust your conversation to their level. Save the graphs and diagrams for the office and instead fill your arguments with the heart, not the numbers.
When you try to change a point of view, you first need to overcome a wall of fear; So, no matter how tempting, don't jump straight into your counter-arguments. Aim to accurately listen to the concerns raised so that you can find common ground.
Townsend, “Keep an eye on facts and statistics and address family concerns instead, ” says. Moreover, you can personalize it by connecting the dots. “Frame the climate change in nephew K’'s asthma, Uncle B ’'s employment problems, Sister J’'s interest in science, ” adds.
Similarly, avoid jargon that can alienate your audience.
Keep your cool when climate debates escalate
If your discussions escalate and begin to move from a friendly discussion to a full-scale discussion space, do your best to lighten the mood by focusing on easily accessible topics.
Repeat your concerns to show that you hear and understand. way of lifechanges, costs or inconveniences.
Avoid appearing defensive or offensive; Any speaker will tell you that humor is a much stronger way to win the crowd.
And what's the best sentence to use when faced with a situation? Rejection of climate?
Townsend’'s favorite is: “Wow, I can't tell you much right now. I wish that was true. I wish there was no climate change. I hate that this is happening, but I agree that we have to do something about it. - ”
If the elders are challenging you, Townsend recommends a compliment: “, I've actually learned from you that it's better to face things like this. "You've faced some hard truths that other people will ignore." - ”
“Research shows that when people are reminded that they have overcome great personal challenges, they are more likely to accept climate change!” Townsend adds.
Don't play to the argument of perfection
You'll know for yourself global climate changeIt can feel overwhelming, so it might be better to chat about regional issues.
Avoid getting into the rabbit hole of great social change and instead always direct your conversation to the small individual or person. at community levelThe steps that make up the big picture.
Focus on solutions, not problems. If you have a few inspiring examples of local action on hand, even better, but keep it human-centered and relevant to your family. Perhaps it is the solar panels that have enough free vegetables for everyone in the summer months, keep the lights of the community garden or allocation or town hall down the road, and already make money from the national grid.
“Return the conversation to the topic of saving money, Smarter at home, To be healthier, to help children heal. the Job Opportunities”, Townsend suggested.
You can also share your own experience of how you better understand climate issues, where and why you do your research, and how you do your part. Just be careful not to look like you're preaching.
And, Townsend warns, don't promise perfection with “as”. A good phrase he recommends saying from time to time is: ‘, I'm far from perfect at all of these things. But rather than a few perfect greens, we need millions of people to do something, ’.
Townsend’ has one last wise word: “Remember, the world needs a lot more love, respect, and laughter right now, ”, rather than more violent family breakdowns.
Now that you've started these climate conversations, you can continue to share positive initiatives and hopeful stories throughout the New Year. After all, what else does a family WhatsApp group do?
