START A CONVERSATION
Current Situation
There is a good chance that anyone can have a civil conversation with 91% of the population. Seventy-five percent (75%) of Americans know we are in the middle of an environmental crisis, and want immediate action to address global heating. (GOOD NEWS! Deniers are now only a small minority, 9%. Conversations with the deniers are futile, so no need for one.) Of the 75%, however, only 36% of them talk with any one about it. That must change!
There is a spiral of silence, after years and years of the fossil fool corporation’s lying campaigns suppressing discussions. Many do not talk with others because: they feel they don’t know enough about the science; believe it will end badly; feel the social pressure not to cause waves; do not feel comfortable and safe to start a conversation; or, the fear they will be shunned for talking about something “political,” when in fact, the environmental crisis is the example of what is not “political.” We all want a livable planet.
Others do not talk about it with family and friends because they are in despair, without hope. Humans don’t require certainty to act, and we don’t have time to wait for hope before we take action, before we will vote for bold champions who support, for example, the Ten Year Mobilization Plan of the Green New Deal.
“Active Hope involves identifying the outcomes we hope for and then playing an active role in bringing them about. We don’t wait until we are sure of success. We don’t limit our choices to the outcomes that seem likely. Instead, we focus on what we truly, deeply long for, and then we proceed to take determined steps in that direction.” Joanna Macy
“Despair lives in isolation, while useful hope arises in connection… So, to become more courageous, hand out with courage!” Frances Moore Lappe
“For us in these times, to even have hope is too abstract, too detached, too spectatorial. Instead we must be a hope, a participant and a force for good as we face this catastrophe.” Cornel West
“Hope is not a plan.” Gwen Walz
Having conversations about global warming leads to a greater understanding of the facts we need to face. In addition, there is a positive feedback loop. The more someone knows, the more likely they will talk about the catastrophe we must face.
Who do people trust to talk to
The most trusted are family and friends. The next most trusted are scientists. People also say they would like to have a conversation with their pastor and church about the crisis of God’s creation.
How do you start a personal conversation about the environmental crisis?
- In the beginning, connect with the person with genuinely shared values and interests, e.g., loving your children and grandchildren, wanting a livable planet for your children and grandchildren, your faith, hobbies, work, etc. What value or belief do they have that you genuinely share?
- Listen respectfully – remember, your goal is conversation, not conquest, not trying to convince someone
- Find ways to work together to act about the crisis
- Don’t argue facts and figures, & Don’t talk gloom and doom
- No need to repeat a denier’s views
We all want a livable planet.
We know what to do.
We can do this together.
Let’s keep working together to protect our children and grandchildren.
Encourage people to join the millions everywhere working for a livable planet
Use positive progress-based stories and examples, e.g., Winona County in Minnesota banned sand fracking, New York, Scotland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Oregon and others have banned fracking. Minnesota’s energy is already 30% clean renewable energy. There are thousands of progress stories around the world. Facebook: livable planet – together for a livable planet
Talk about how for years the liars fooled us about the global heating emergency, & how we are victims of the lies made up by the profiteers
Declare that we can do this, if we do this together for a livable planet for our grandchildren
Clearly say we must do whatever it takes, how ever much it costs, to ensure a livable future