Have you ever talked about climate change with someone and felt like the conversation didn’t go as well as you planned? Or have you avoided having these conversations because you don’t feel well equipped?
| DOWNLOAD THE CLIMATE CONVERSATION GUIDE |
We have recently developed the Climate Conversation Guide to help overcome these barriers. It will help in all kinds of situations, from a backyard barbeque over the summer break, through to more structured and intentional conversations and official engagements.
In 2020, Climate Compass conducted research that identified seven segments in the Australian community according to attitudes and behaviours toward climate change. Though the research found 82% of Australians understand climate change is real and are worried about it - their response to messages, and willingness to take action is varied.
Climate for Change was engaged to use this research and create a guide that would help everyone have more targeted and effective conversations about climate change with others.
Our Assistant Program Manager - Lisa Whiston - worked on the project throughout September and October, and we are excited to have recently released this important resource for the climate movement.
It helps people identify what segment the person they are talking with belongs to, what the general values and attitudes are of that segment, and provides guidance on what messages would be appropriate and effective to get them to take more action.
It includes 5 general conversation tips that help to frame the right approach to a conversation about climate change. There are mini-profiles of the 5 most important segments of Australians to engage, and a sample flow of a conversation with suggestions of how to respond to common barriers to taking action.
You can download our Climate Conversations Guide here.
And if you’re interested to extend your skills in this area, Climate for Change’s facilitator training is free and builds on these basic tips to enable volunteers to guide group discussions about climate change that have a real impact.