Supporting confidence in climate policy discussions

Why hire a hypnotist to put your audience to sleep when you could just start talking net zero jargon? The problem isn’t the science. It’s the way we communicate it. And right now – when party conferences are shaping the future of energy policy, when scepticism about climate action is on the rise, and when global warnings are getting sharper – the stakes for getting this right couldn’t be higher. Too often, businesses fall into the same traps: 1. Technobabble: We drown people in “net zero pathways” and “geoengineering.” 2. Doom fatigue: We frame everything as a “last chance,” leaving audiences depressed and paralysed. 3. Moralising: We preach, turning climate into a culture war. 4. Invisible wins: We promise future gains when people are worried about bills today. 5. Exclusion: We let only elite voices speak, while communities feel left out. But we can fix it. By speaking plainly. By focusing on immediate, everyday impacts – warmer homes, cleaner air, lower bills, thriving communities, secure jobs. By using voices that reflect our societies and inviting people in, not shutting them out. Good communication doesn’t just raise awareness. It builds consent, confidence, and momentum. It turns scepticism into support and makes space for real progress. As leaders in energy and decarbonisation, many of you are delivering change that matters. Don’t let your messaging hold you back when the public debate is at a crossroads. Because this is the make-or-break moment. And how we talk about climate action now will decide whether people buy in or tune out.

This excellent article highlights a common misperception: Many people assume that others don’t care as much about climate action as they do. This "normative bubble" can discourage action, even when there is widespread support for meaningful environmental policies. To break this cycle and encourage positive change, here are three practical steps anyone can take: Talk About It Many people hesitate to discuss climate issues, fearing they’ll sound too extreme or alone in their concerns. In reality, most people support climate action but aren’t vocal about it. Simply bringing up environmental topics in everyday conversations—whether at work, with friends, or on social media—helps normalize these discussions and reinforces shared values.   Lead by Example Actions speak louder than words. Making visible, climate-friendly choices—like biking instead of driving, reducing plastic use, or supporting sustainable brands—can influence those around you. Even small choices, like bringing a reusable coffee cup or composting, can spark curiosity and conversation, making sustainable behaviors more mainstream.   Support Local Climate Initiatives Many communities have grassroots climate efforts, from local cleanups to renewable energy projects. Getting involved, signing petitions, or even just attending a town hall meeting can show decision-makers that there’s strong public support for climate-friendly policies. By taking these simple, everyday actions, we can correct misperceptions, inspire others, and create momentum for larger climate solutions. Only when many people take practical action can create the change we need!

🌍 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 — 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐱 𝐈𝐭 🔥 A new study in the American Economic Review ( 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNjb32py) reveals why so many climate policies still struggle to gain traction—even though the majority of people worldwide believe climate change is a serious threat. After surveying over 40,000 people across 20 countries, the authors found that public support for climate policies hinges on three things: ✅ Does the policy reduce emissions? ✅ Is it fair to low-income households? ✅ Will I personally lose or benefit? That’s it. It’s not that people don’t care — they do (also a finding in our Triodos Bank survey for the Netherlands 👉 https://lnkd.in/enEc3-gZ). However, support drops unless climate policies are effective, fair, and relevant to daily life. 💡 The researchers tested how information changes minds. And here’s the kicker: Explaining how climate policies work (and why they’re fair) shifted attitudes far more than fear-based messaging about climate impacts. 🚨 This couldn't come at a more urgent time. Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurers, just warned that the climate crisis is on track to destroy capitalism itself ( 👉 https://lnkd.in/ecPpF4ed). Insurers are already pulling out of high-risk regions. But this research shows there’s hope — and a path forward. We need to: 🔵 Communicate better — focus on how policies work, not just why we need them. 🔵 Design for fairness — people back climate taxes when the revenues go to those who need it most. 🔵 Move beyond "pay to pollute" — bans and public investments often feel fairer to citizens than market-based tools alone. Right now, it can feel like no one in power truly cares. But that’s exactly why we need to have better policy designs ready for when the political winds shift. One thing is sure: climate policies will become unavoidable. We can’t negotiate our way out of rising temperatures, and we can’t delay wildfires, floods, or food insecurity with parliamentary debates or denial. The sooner we prepare bright, fair, and effective solutions, the better positioned we’ll be when reality forces action. Let’s not waste that window.

How can we have productive climate conversations with people who might have different priorities and viewpoints than our own?  Climate Outreach has done extensive research on what resonates with diverse audiences in Alberta, the “Texas of Canada,” as my Albertan husband semi-affectionately calls it. (Hi to my family in Edmonton! <3) These tips apply anywhere for how to approach your audience well, a core tenant of good conversations.  The Alberta Narratives audience report offers tailored language that’s been tested to communicate respectfully and effectively with eight groups: oil sands workers, conservatives, environmentalists, rural Albertans, business leaders, youth, new Canadians, and people of faith.  For example, Climate Outreach suggests focusing on gratitude for hard work and prosperity (not entitlement) when talking to conservatives. For farmers and ranchers, focus on "solutions that make sense within a rural context such as renewable energy”, where solar panels are seen as more realistic than urban-centric biking and electric vehicles. What not to do: don’t make people feel guilty “for who they are and what they care about”. Note that respectfully challenging people requires strong trust (which takes time to build). Any challenges must “be done in a way that supports their sense of shared identity, and suggests that they hold they keys to solutions.” (p. 58) Climate Outreach tested language that was consistently approved across all eight groups, and rejected language that any group strongly disliked, with the goal of building a foundation for shared conversation that does not drive polarization. They offer a sample narrative, which can be adapted for authentic, effective communication. For example, to talk about energy, see their guide below. What are some of your most successful climate conversations? Your most challenging? Let me know in the comments.

A paper just out in American Economic Review by Antoine Dechezleprêtre et al, has news for both #climate #policy #researchers and #practitioners. First – support for climate policy is very high worldwide – not only in Denmark! Importantly, they find that #support for a given climate policy hinges on the policy’s ability to reduce emissions and its income #distributionalimpact. A progressive distribution is preferred. On the other hand, degree of concerns about climate change does not predict support for a climate policy very well. Most respondents are already quite concerned. In line with this, information on policy effectiveness is more likely to increase policy acceptance than (more) information about potential climate impact and risks. In my mind this flies well with the Danish Council on Climate Change's (Klimarådet) recommendation to focus on communicating plans for effective climate policies as an integrated part of climate policy implementation. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/dUegxmnX

Exciting New Findings: The Key to Boosting Public Support for Climate and Environmental Policies 🌱 As a co-founder of a renewable energy startup and a passionate advocate for climate action, you'll be thrilled to learn about a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize how we approach climate and environmental policies. A recent study highlighted in a notable scientific journal has made significant strides in understanding public support for climate action. Researchers found that targeted communication and education are crucial in enhancing public buy-in for environmental policies. By effectively bridging the information gap, individuals become more aware of the scientific consensus on climate change and the urgency of implementing robust policies. The findings suggest that well-informed individuals are more likely to support and participate in sustainable practices. This emphasizes the need for clear, accessible information that underscores the benefits and effectiveness of climate policies, fostering a more informed and engaged public ready to take action for the environment. To achieve this, the researchers suggest several strategies. 1️⃣ Firstly, Policymakers should craft effective communication using accessible language, simplifying complex concepts, and emphasizing the practical benefits of climate policies to engage the public. 2️⃣ Secondly, Incorporating personal experiences and local impacts in communication strategies makes climate issues more relatable and underscores their relevance, enhancing public engagement. 3️⃣ Continuous education and consistent updates on policy progress are crucial for building public trust and support for climate initiatives, encouraging a communal sense of responsibility and action. Additionally by employing these communication strategies, policymakers can boost public involvement and support for sustainable practices like transitioning to renewable energy, essential for combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #RenewableEnergy #PublicEngagement #EnvironmentalPolicy #ClimateChangeAwareness #GreenInitiatives #EcoFriendlyLiving #SolarPower #ClimateCommunication If you're interested in diving deeper into the study, you can find the full article here: [ https://lnkd.in/gHb9eBsX ]