One Simple Thing We Can Do to Help
With Climate Change: Talk About It.
October, 2026
By Karen Dougherty
How can talking about climate change be a solution?
If you are reading this, you probably care that our planet is heating up. But did you realize you’re in good company? Contrary to popular belief, most Americans care, but we tend not to talk much about our concerns. Why not? Maybe it’s because we assume others disagree and we want to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. But how do we know how others feel unless we ask?
Bringing up climate change is a simple strategy, but it’s also powerful. Having a calm, respectful conversation about climate change can:
■ Generate ideas
■ Instill hope
■ Reduce polarization
■ Build consensus
■ Uncover myths
■ Validate facts
■ Be contagious
■ Lead to action
Why does it seem so hard?
If you hesitate to bring up climate change with friends, family members, neighbors, or colleagues, it’s understandable. It may be because most of us underestimate how many others feel the same way. We shouldn’t let that hold us back; in reality, there is a good chance we’ll find common ground with the person in front of us. Polling shows that an estimated 63% of Americans are somewhat or very worried about climate change, and 74% believe we should be regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant.
What should I say?
If you’re game to try but don’t know where to begin, this clever video is a helpful guide on how to have a meaningful conversation with someone about climate change. This is another clip on the same topic. And for some ideas on how to talk about specific issues related to climate – such as extreme weather, health, or cost of living – check out this resource.
Tips to get started
Here are some quick tips to help you get started, along with a few things I’ve learned through trial and error:
1. Start with a question
Don’t assume you know what someone thinks about climate change. If you throw it out there, you might be surprised by what you hear. So, simply asking what they think is a great place to start.
2. Listen (the hard part)
Once you ask your question, stop and truly hear the response. Don’t interrupt or disagree, even if your tongue is bleeding from biting it. Ask follow-up questions and seek to understand their perspective. This is the hardest part for most of us, but easily the most crucial.
Regardless of their response, don’t start dumping facts. I’ll admit I’ve made this mistake many times, and it’s the fastest way to shut things down. Nobody wants to be ambushed at a social event (or ever). The goal of the conversation is not to convince the other person of your views but to learn from one another.
3. Tell your story and make a connection
We all have different reasons to care about climate change, but we are each affected in some way. Many people are being impacted by the warming planet already without connecting the dots. Try bringing up a common hobby or share what got you interested in the first place.
For example, does this person like to ski, go to the beach, fish, travel, or drink coffee? Do they have children and/or grandchildren? Try to make a connection between climate change and the things or people they love.
You could also mention something you’re doing in your own life to reduce emissions. Maybe you switched to a heat pump or got an electric vehicle. Maybe you’re substituting ground turkey for beef or considering solar panels. Any small step you’re taking could become a conversation starter.
4. End on a positive note
No matter what, do your best to end on a positive note. Optimism is infectious, and the last thing we want is for people to feel like the situation is beyond fixing. Bring up a hopeful news story or innovative solution. The Daily Climate website has a compilation of upbeat stories on climate change. Maybe keep a few positive story ideas in your back pocket for when the opportunity strikes.
5. Practice makes you better
The more conversations you have, the easier they become. And as it turns out, now – midterm election season – is a great time to practice your skills. No better time than the present to start talking!
In addition to volunteering for C-Change, Karen blogs about climate change at unheating.com.
