#158: Let’s talk about climate, baby
On painting the beautiful tomorrow
Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!
If you’re passionate about climate action, like so many of you reading this, your first instinct when talking about climate might be, “Look at what’s happening! Look at how terrible things are,” in your urgency to get people on board. But what people have found is that this actually creates burnout, reinforces the idea that the problems are too difficult, and ultimately turns people away from action.
Talking to friends, whānau, and colleagues is essential for a strong climate movement. The good news is, the most effective way to create change is to inspire rather than worry. What we’ve learned is to:
Be specific about the better world we are trying to create, and the shared values that make this the desired future.
Then explain the problem, naming the specific human actions that are causing climate change. We often talk about 'climate change' as being the problem, but it's specific policies and the people implementing them that are the root problem. We can push these people to make choices that help our climate.
End with the solution you want – a safer, healthier, more affordable, cleaner future for all.
So for example, you could say: “How good would it be if people had plenty of options on how they get around, so that we had less traffic! It’s unfortunate there is so often pushback against building and prioritising cycleways - no matter whether you drive or cycle or bus, there’s one thing we can agree on and that’s wanting less traffic.” 🚴 And if you’re like me, and there’s still that little gremlin in your head telling you that you don’t know all the exact facts and numbers, or the ‘right’ solution, remember that’s not actually the part that changes peoples’ minds – it’s the strong vision for a better future that motivates people to fight for it.
P.S. If you want to learn more about climate communication we’ve learned a lot from experts like The Workshop, and recently Anand Girdharadas’ book The Persuaders, but one of my favorite tips is “painting the beautiful tomorrow” from Anat Shenker-Osario.
What can we do today?
The most clicked link last week was the email template against a climate bill which would ban suing any company (via tort law) on the grounds of climate change. Nice work!
🐝 5 minutes: Keep it in the ground
It's pretty straight forward at this point, no more coal mines.
Action: Sign the petition to oppose the proposed Denniston’s coal mine
Manawatū-Whanganui: Submit on the Horizons Annual Plan this month to bring frequent, reliable public transport to Whanganui and Horowhenua within the next year. This would mean rapid transport emissions reduction, less traffic, and better access between neighbourhoods. Support Option 1 in the consultation with this guide, written by Climate Club reader and transport advocate Anthonie Tonnon.
Action: Use this submission guide to encourage better public transport in the Horizons Long-term PlanLast week you all did an incredible job at emailing Joseph Mooney about the climate bill which would ban suing any company on the grounds of climate change - this week, let’s take it to the next level by emailing Judith Collins about the human rights issues associated with the Restriction on Civil Proceedings bill.
Action: Email Judith Collins about the threat to human rights this bill poses
🐇 15 minutes: Power to the people
In the same week that household power bills are going up without any mitigation from the government, they’re also doubling pollution subsidies for one of our largest contributors to climate change. Let’s hold decision-makers to account and call for an end to free carbon credits.
Action: Email an MP about to stop subsidising pollution (learn more about the Don’t Subsidise Pollution campaign by Common Grace Aotearoa)
💃🏽 30+ minutes: All aboard the magic (free) school bus
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland events:
Tomorrow, 9am: 350 Tāmaki have organised free bus rides for students tomorrow morning, to highlight the need for more affordable public transport. If you’re a student living near Newmarket, get amongst it! Sign up here for a free bus ride from Newmarket to uni
Thursday, 7:30am-9am: Climate Crew’s April breakfast meetup is happening this week! Come down to Britomart for a casual get-to-know-each-other. It’s for both people already working in climate, and people who are interested in getting involved! Register here.
Thursday, 12pm-1:30pm: Looking for an informal climate get-together over lunch? Collaborate for Climate is a free gathering for sharing climate projects, connecting groups and individuals – meal provided! Book yourself in for this lunchtime kōrero.
There are a couple of climate roles open! Share this with a friend or take a look at applying yourself if you’re interested.
Save the Date
New Plymouth, May 8th - 10th: Climate Club’s workshops are coming to Taranaki! Take part in these free, in-person interactive workshops that give you an overview of climate change (based on the IPCC reports) and empower you to take high-impact climate action in your own communities. Register here and bring your friends!
Wins!
A few months ago, the NZ climate movement got behind the campaign to oppose the Treaty Principles Bill, which threatens to remove years of progress on indigenous rights and environmental protection, including climate action both locally and globally. A huge ngā mihi nui to everyone who submitted, because the Parliament's Justice Committee has concluded that the bill should be scrapped. Here’s the level of solidarity that we achieved: “...more than 300,000 written submissions and requests for 16,000 oral submissions [..] 90% of the written submissions opposed the legislation, with 8% in support and 2% not clearly stating their position.” As Dr. Bex points out, this is a huge proportion of the country:
That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this free collection of high-quality photography and videography resources for climate solutions, for powerful education & storytelling.
See you next week,
Dhanya & the Climate Club team
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