Better Climate Conversations, or maybe just in general...a guide!
'It's not what we say', it's 'how we say it'...
Numerous studies across university always portrayed the idea that there are a variety of elements taken into consideration when communicating with others.
For example; our tone of voice, our facial expressions, our chosen words, our body language all play a part in deciphering if our our communications are either positively or negatively interpreted.
This is why I find talking about & listening to discussions about sustainability and climate change so interesting - It's a touchy subject for many...
If someone is 'optimistic' & 'hopeful', are we more likely to feel encouraged to make change?
Or, if someone is taking the 'doomsday' approach, which is all too common in my opinion, are we instantly made feel 'redundant' & more likely to 'give up'?
Well, according one study in particular from Ojala, M. (2012) - teenagers & young adults who possessed a high degree of 'constructive hope' were significantly more likely to engage in household energy conservation & other sustainable behaviours against those with higher levels of despair.
This shows that how we have these conversations with others, is of vital importance.
So who do you think is best to lead change?
Having spent six years in the corporate world, and another few trying to build my own company in the sustainability/change realm, I have seen first hand the importance of introducing new ideas & strategies in a positive manner to foster & encourage change from some of the best in the business.
Here's four types of people you may have come across over the years..
1) 'The Preacher'
Have you ever met someone who incessantly tells you how great they are? or how right something is - without compromise or even the emotional intelligence to take a breath or consider your perspective or experience with the topic?
Annoying right...? Would you relate to the above image?
I don't believe this is a good tactic anyway & I would find it very unlikely that when one assumes that they're right, focuses solely on their own perspective and doesn't engage with the other party, that change or agreement would be likely.
2) The Politician
With the way Ireland is at the moment, I doubt this will come as a shock...
When someone is consistently trying to win approval, or perhaps even sell something, they will say anything - which can ultimately mean there will be a lot of broken promises and trust lost in the short-term.
This is why I often think politics is destined to fail with short-termed '4 year outlooks' but then again, I far from politically engaged/aware so I won't say much here.
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However....
Joke of the Day: How do you know someone is a politician? They're always around when they need you - not when you need them...
3) The Prosecutor
No one like's being told they're wrong, or what to do for that matter...
(I'm sure all my friends and family will attest to that when it comes to myself anyway)
But maybe that's what makes me 'alright' at discussing sustainability and climate change... I know I don't like being told what to do so why would I expect others to like it?
None of us are perfect, or can be and we are all motivated by different things at the end of the day.
So by prosecuting and condemning others, you're only putting people down, at a time when we need to lift people up and help them feel positive about change!
4) The Scientific Empath
The world is a complicated place - and I am sure my Junior cert/Leaving cert teacher would be shocked to hear of me discussing anything in the realm of science but anyway...
Often, what appears to be good, can be simply clever marketing or greenwashing...from dodgy carbon offsets to good intentioned solutions that cause more harm than good.
We need to think like a scientist, question everything, be curious, try and do better but also - go easy on yourself.
No scientist ever succeeded the first time, yet they keep going in pursuit of better! Therefore, Be curious, help others, dig deeper in an empathetic & understanding manner...
Ultimately, changing your mind is not a sign of weakness, but intelligence - especially when it comes to being able to see the world in a different way or perspective which is vital when it comes to climate & sustainability - highlighted to me by one local in Zanzibar on a recent trip telling me 'I am too poor to worry about climate change'.
Be intellectually curious about sustainability. Be humble about sustainability & lastly, be sound about it!
Sources & Inspo