A New Way Forward for Our Climate

Shorter days, cooler weather, and the end of the year can make December a fertile time for contemplation. It’s a time to reflect on what matters most, whether or not we are honoring our priorities, and how we plan to fulfill our goals and dreams for the following year.

For all of us concerned about climate change, this December is a time to consider how we can make progress despite looming federal headwinds. One idea to ponder: focus on people, particularly those who don’t currently see themselves as part of the climate movement. 

A people-focused climate strategy requires rethinking what climate action means. Only about 15%-18% of Americans would consider themselves “activists” of any kind, and not many more are comfortable reaching out to elected officials to voice their concerns or requests. So, what can they do to move climate action forward? 

The truth is several thousand things, but that answer can overwhelm folks. First, we need to show people that action on climate change comes with benefits, and will make their lives better. We need to share how they can be part of the solution in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities. We need to inspire and invite them, showing how taking action can be accessible and joyful, and that many more people than they think want to engage with them, too. 

When people help their church save money by saving energy, or learn how to better care for their child’s asthma that has worsened from climate change, or help their neighbors become more resilient to climate impacts they feel inspired, included, and connected. They then want to do more. This leads to increases in vested interests in climate solutions as they go to the polls and make decisions in their personal and professional lives. It only takes one meaningful action to open their minds to supporting the whole spectrum of climate solutions.

We also need to rethink how we engage a broader diversity of people in climate action. Our messages and messengers need to evolve. Because people make decisions with emotions more than data. They have a thin tolerance for fear (and that bucket will get filled quickly over the next four years). They want to feel inspired and accepted. And, they’re looking to people they already trust in their daily lives for cues on what to think and how to respond. 

ecoAmerica knows this (and much more) because we have conducted over a million dollars of social science research to understand people and their connection with climate change. This is why we know that to achieve transformative climate solutions, we must reach beyond the “base” and engage a broader diversity of people where they work, live, play, pray, and learn. 

We can advance climate solutions locally, regionally and even nationally when we invite people to see that climate solutions benefit their lives and livelihoods, help their families, and give their children a promising future. So, as you wrap up your year and put the finishing touches on your plans for 2025, I invite you to consider what more you can do to bring a broader diversity of people into the climate movement, in ways that are inspiring and helpful to them.

About ecoAmerica
ecoAmerica is a nonprofit moving society toward climate solutions by inspiring and empowering trusted national health, faith, and civic institutions and their millions of stakeholders across America visibly act and advocate. ecoAmerica programs include Climate for Health, Blessed Tomorrow, and Path to Positive, and the One Home One Future and Climate Rx campaigns. Join us in making a difference by donating at ecoAmerica.org/donate.