While Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton were destroying homes and taking lives of people in North Carolina, Florida and other states, many homes began talking about the natural disasters. While having a conversation with my own family about Hurricane Helene, I mentioned how these events, their strength, and their frequency could be related to Climate Change. My step-father quickly interrupted me and told me I ruined the conversation with that bullsh*t that the government has been feeding us for years.
So what do you do in this situation? Do you start spitting out facts about climate change? Or maybe ask him to elaborate on what he means about the government feeding us climate change for years? The answer is that it depends on who you are talking to and what their background is along with where their information is coming from.
Talk about it
In an article from nature.org the author talks about how important it is to “start talking” about the subject even if it can be awkward. The article describes, “Even though more than 7 in 10 Americans believe climate change is happening, 6 in 10 are worried about it, two-thirds of Americans rarely, if ever, talk about climate change with the people they care about” (“Can We Talk Climate?” 2019). The article also cites four common reasons for people not talking about climate change. These include, not knowing enough, avoiding “scary things”, not believing a conversation would make a difference, and avoiding an argument (“Can We Talk Climate?” 2019). Although all are valid reasons, it’s important to normalize conversations about climate change in order to take steps as a society towards making a difference.
In the home
In a BBC article, Merlyn Thomas & Marco Silvia explain “How to talk to a denier” (Thomas & Silvia 2022). The article is about a young adult, Lance Lawson, whose father, Brian Anderson, does not believe in climate change. Lance understood the importance of having conversations about climate change and began with his father. He describes that it was important for him to approach his father and others from, “where they’re at” (Thomas & Silvia 2022). What this means is that depending on that person’s religious views, political views, or general ideologies you have to find ways to speak to them based on their viewpoint. The article also discusses how it’s important to “remain humble” and avoid talking down to others.
In a podcast interview at Boston University students interview Arunima Krishna, an assistant professor of mass communication. Krishna cites three things that are important to understand about someone’s perspective before engaging in a conversation about climate change. Krishna describes, “First, how strong are their attitudes about climate change? Second, how motivated are they about climate change as a topic? And third, what kinds and to what extent have they accepted misinformation about climate change” (“Question of the Week Podcast” 2022). The article goes on to say that when someone has a strong attitude and motivation towards climate change not existing in combination with misinformation they believe support their stance, that their voice tends to be loud. Krishna explains that although these “disinformation-amplifying folks” are loud, there are larger groups of people that either believe that climate change exists and that humans can reduce its impacts, or believe that it exists but do not believe there is anything they can do about it. In order to have productive discussions with climate deniers, Krishna explains that it’s important to, “arm yourself with some ideas and some arguments, doing your own research about the kinds of pieces of misinformation that are out there, as well as ways that you can argue against them, is something important” (“Question of the Week Podcast” 2022. Overall, in order to talk to a climate-denier the best thing someone can do is first understand what that individual’s perspective is and then to prepare yourself with facts that may be helpful to dispel some of their beliefs without being rude or disrespectful.
So, if you find yourself having a conversation in this upcoming holiday season to someone that denies climate change, consider some of these tips to have a productive conversation. Here is an article with 6 arguments based on common beliefs of climate deniers that are helpful if the conversation arises.
Climate change: How to talk to a denier. (2022, July 23). BBC Breaking News, World News, US News, Sports, Business, Innovation, Climate, Culture, Travel, Video & Audio. https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-61844299
Colarossi, J. (2022, September 26). How do I talk to a climate change denier? Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/how-do-i-talk-to-a-climate-change-denier/
EARTHDAY.ORG. (2023, November 21). 6 arguments to refute your climate-denying relatives this holiday. Earth Day. https://www.earthday.org/6-arguments-to-refute-your-climate-denying-relatives/
Nature. (n.d.). Can we talk climate? The Nature Conservancy. https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/tackle-climate-change/climate-change-stories/can-we-talk-climate/
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