"If I can't even convince my friends to act on climate change, how can I hope to influence anyone else?"
Ever thought that? I know I have. It sucks.
If you're someone who cares a lot about the climate crisis in a group of friends who don't seem to get it like you do, you'll know that talking to them about it isn't as easy as you'd think. But if we do it well, we have the potential to influence them more than anyone else.
Admittedly I don't feel like an expert in this.
But based on my personal experience of more and less successful conversations, plus a bit of theory from my professional climate comms experience, here's my suggestions.
Tips for talking to friends about climate change:
Avoid judgement and blame. Trying to shame them into making more sustainable choices will probably do more harm than good, and make them resent you.
Avoid doom-mongering. It's valid to talk about your climate anxiety. But don't try to scare your friends into action —it will just make them shut down and avoid the topic.
Use current events connected to climate change to spark conversations. Recently one of my friends mentioned he still didn't understand what was causing the energy price chaos. I was like 'ooh I know about this from my work, let me tell you...'
Talk about how the transition is unfolding in interesting ways. I found my friends were interested in how the growing demand for EVs is making countries compete for critical minerals. Spark curiosity by framing it not as good/bad but just interesting.
Discuss nuance in climate solutions. This is a weird one. But I've found that people are suspicious and dismissive of anything that seems 'too good to be true'. I had a great conversation about energy storage options the other day and my friends were engaged in weighing up the pros and cons of each one. Previously when I've framed a certain solution as purely good, I've been met with 'hmm I just don't see it'.
Share how getting involved with climate movements makes you feel. Talk about how you were feeling (maybe if they're cynical or hopeless, they'll relate) and how being involved makes you feel now —hopeful, inspired, relieved, powerful.