Useful ways to inclusively talk about our community wide climate response

As heat records break, the climate movement has the right answers – but the words are all wrong

The summer of 2023 has been one of the hottest on record, with unprecedented heat waves, wildfires, droughts and floods affecting millions of people around the world. The scientific evidence is clear: human-caused climate change is making these extreme events more frequent and severe.

But despite the urgency of the situation, the public discourse on climate change remains largely stuck in a cycle of denial, apathy and despair. Many people still do not understand the causes and consequences of the climate crisis, or the solutions that are available and necessary. And many of those who do understand feel powerless, hopeless or overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of the problem.

This is partly because the climate movement has failed to communicate its message effectively. The words we use to talk about climate change matter. They shape how we think, feel and act on this issue. And too often, the words we use are either too technical, too abstract, too alarmist or too moralistic.

For example, terms like "greenhouse gases", "carbon footprint", "net zero" or "climate justice" may make sense to experts and activists, but they do not resonate with most people. They are either too vague, too jargon-filled, too confusing or too loaded with political implications.

Similarly, phrases like "climate emergency", "climate catastrophe", "climate breakdown" or "climate chaos" may capture the seriousness of the situation, but they also trigger fear, anxiety and helplessness. They make people feel like there is no hope, no agency and no point in taking action.

And finally, words like "responsibility", "duty", "obligation" or "guilt" may appeal to some people's sense of morality, but they also alienate others who feel judged, blamed or shamed. They create a divide between "us" and "them", rather than a sense of common humanity and shared purpose.

So what can we do to improve our communication on climate change? How can we use words that are more accurate, more engaging, more empowering and more inclusive?

Here are some suggestions:

- Use concrete examples and stories to illustrate the impacts and solutions of climate change. Instead of talking about abstract numbers and statistics, talk about real people and places that are affected by or taking action on climate change. For example, instead of saying "global temperatures have risen by 1.2°C since pre-industrial times", say "the Arctic is melting faster than ever before, threatening the livelihoods and cultures of indigenous communities". Or instead of saying "we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030", say "we can switch to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are cheaper, cleaner and more reliable than fossil fuels".

- Use positive and hopeful language to inspire action and optimism. Instead of focusing on the doom and gloom of climate change, focus on the opportunities and benefits of climate action. For example, instead of saying "we are running out of time to avoid climate disaster", say "we have a window of opportunity to create a better future for ourselves and our children". Or instead of saying "we have to sacrifice our lifestyles and comforts to save the planet", say "we can improve our health, happiness and well-being by living more sustainably".

- Use inclusive and respectful language to build trust and cooperation. Instead of blaming or shaming others for their actions or inactions on climate change, acknowledge their perspectives and values, and appeal to their common interests and goals. For example, instead of saying "you are part of the problem if you don't care about climate change", say "I understand that you have other priorities and concerns in your life, but I also believe that you care about your family and your community". Or instead of saying "you have to do your part to fight climate change", say "we can work together to find solutions that work for everyone".

By using these strategies, we can communicate more effectively on climate change. We can make our message more clear, more compelling, more motivating and more unifying. We can reach more people, change more minds and inspire more action.

The climate movement has the right answers – but we need to find the right words.