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Talk with others about climate change

In the UK, a staggering 40% of us would donate 1% of our personal income to tackle climate change (Support for Climate Action – Nature). And only 5% of Surrey residents reported to view climate action as insignificant (In-house survey conducted for SCC by Temple Group 2022).

A Climate Shadow is the term used to describe the impact of not just your own personal actions to directly reduce carbon, but the entire impact that can be drawn from your life choices including your job, family plans, and conversations (Climate Shadow – National Geographic).

How you talk about climate change and environmental issues affects the size of your climate shadow – the bigger the shadow, the more positive your impact. You can be an example to your family, friends, and neighbours, by sharing your passions, progress, and what motivates you means that people who identify with what you’re saying will follow your lead.

It can be tricky to talk about issues that seem polarising – however, climate change and nature loss don’t have to be. We underestimate the number of people who want urgent action on climate and nature because of the disproportionate amount of media coverage we see about those opinions.

As social creatures, we are often worried about being 'shunned by the pack'. But you have more influence on your peers’ behaviour than you realise. Get out and talk positively to friends, family, colleagues, and wider members of the community about why taking action on climate change and the environment is important to you, and you will almost certainly find a range of like-minded people. Talking about climate change with people around you can be good for you and the community. It can be good for:

  • Taking action and talking about it can help reduce anxiety and stress.
  • Motivating individuals to realise the connection between climate change and everyday lifestyle choices can be very inspiring.
  • Building and strengthening your community connections.
  • Encouraging collective action to persuade meaningful changes in business and politics.