THANK YOU FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE SPECIAL MATCH. PLEASE TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO #GIVEHEIFER TODAY!
In a post–COVID-19 world, we have all had reason to sharpen our conversation skills, especially with family. Spending time with people that you don't agree with but are legally forced to love is inevitable in this life, and there is no shortage of controversial and disturbing opinions that could potentially rocket out of the mouth of your loved one as they pass you the potatoes.
One of the many hot (no pun intended) topics that could pop up is that of climate change. But, never fear! It doesn’t have to get nasty. Here are a few tips on engaging in a conversation with the family climate change skeptic without screaming "YOU'RE KILLING THE SEA TURTLES" across the dining table. The Nature Conservancy's article Can We Talk Climate? outlines a magnificent plan that is sure to help you navigate the upcoming pitfalls.
Climate change is an important thing to talk about yet research shows that many of us don't. In fact, according to a recent survey by the Yale Project for Climate Communication, 65 percent of Americans say they never or rarely discuss climate change with their friends or family. Why is that? According to The Nature Conservancy, the answer is "we don't feel like we can."
But ... we should and you can! You don't have to be a climate scientist to talk about the effects of climate change or to know that they are harmful. Having a firm grasp on your own opinions on the subject can do wonders to ease the tension of a conversation and prevent you from becoming unnecessarily defensive.
Here are a few resources that answer many of the most frequently asked questions about and most frequent arguments against climate change:
If you find yourself in a heated debate about climate change remember: it's important to listen. Don't make it your goal to be heard, or to force your Aunt Mildred to see where you're coming from, go out of your way to understand her point of view. Instead of meeting her snide "Is that snow? So much for that 'global warming' everyone's talking about" with frustration or sarcasm, ask her why she feels the way she does and listen to her answer. As the Nature Conservancy points out, your goal should be connection and conversation, not verbal conquest.
As the Nature Conservancy puts it, "there's never a need to be rude or unpleasant when discussing climate change" and, as the internet's own Wil Wheaton puts it "don't be a d*ck." Both statements are true and apply here. Instead of attempting to bully your mom's second cousin Dale into believing the same thing that you do or attacking them for their contrary views, find out what they think regarding climate change and start there.
It's also important to not assume that you know the motives of the person you're talking to. Any anger or hostility they are showing regarding climate change may not be coming from confidence. In fact, research shows that only 15 percent of Americans know that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that climate change is real. Don't assume that the person you're talking to is ignoring facts, but rather take a minute to gently point out the things that they may not have heard. Ask them why they believe the things that they do - you might be surprised by their answers.
More research shows that people naturally avoid subjects that they find overwhelming (and climate change is extremely overwhelming). The Washington Post's article How to Persuade People That Climate Change Is Real points out that "many people incorrectly believe that their social circles are unconcerned about climate change -- which leads them to feel like there is nothing they can do as individuals."
Tell people that there are things that they can do to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Have a few easy suggestions ready to go.
Here are a few resources to get you started:
Sometimes talking about the environment doesn't seem like enough. You can take action by donating bees through Heifer. Addressing climate change is a major part of our work. Your donation will allow small-scale farmers to become beekeepers, which helps the environment and helps farmers suffering from hunger and poverty by increasing their crop yields and providing additional income from honey sales.
It's no secret that our planet is getting hotter, but a recent study shows that global temperatures are rising more quickly than expected. The...
