Knowledge
This past weekend, I attended a talk hosted by the UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) called “Changing How People Think and Act on Climate Change.” Dr. Matthew Goldberg of Yale University’s School of the Environment led the talk, sharing research insights from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications. It was a rich discussion with a grounding takeaway: in the movement to address climate change, knowledge fuels action, and action starts in our relationships and communities.
Three key insights from Dr. Goldberg’s talk:
Personal Relationships Are Essential: One impactful thing we can do is talk about climate change in our personal circles. Research shows that people often avoid climate conversations, fearing discomfort or disagreement, which leads silence on critical issues. Dr. Goldberg emphasizes that when we speak openly about climate concerns, we open doors for sharing knowledge and creating plans for action.
Time is Precious; Focus is Key: We can’t tackle every climate-related behavior change at once and behavior change relies heavily on public policy too; i.e. biking is a sustainable choice but only feasible in cities with safe infrastructure.
We Can Change Minds: Dr. Goldberg underscored the importance of understanding our audience. For example, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, an evangelical Christian and Chief Scientist of the Nature Conservancy has successfully aired climate-focused messages in Texas and Nebraska by speaking from a perspective that resonates with those communities.
Prayer
A Call to the Earth
Stand still,
the earth whispers,
under the shadowed oaks,
where roots clutch deep, unbroken.
Hear the quiet language of rivers and rain,
of soil turned dark by hands that sow.
Leave not in haste,
for all that you call wild was once home to those before,
who took from the land as they gave.
We are but caretakers— a fleeting season’s hands.
Let not the greed of today undo the harvest of tomorrow.
Wherever we walk,
may we plant for those unseen,
their breath tied to our soil,
their sky to our care.
Wendell Berry
Action
How do we bring these insights into our lives and communities?
Start in Our Circles: Begin with the people closest to you. Sharing your concerns with family, friends, and community members can open new conversations that inspire collective action. These conversations are the seeds of change, building awareness and encouraging those around us to join in meaningful efforts.
Embrace Small Actions: Unlike the work of think tanks, each of our everyday choices can make a difference. Remember the title of this blog: Your Little Bit of Good—even what may seem small to us is significant in God's eyes. Simple actions, like planting native plants, not idling our cars, eating less meat, choosing second-hand clothes, and responsibly handling investments, contribute to a more significant impact. Together, our choices ripple outwards, creating collective change on a global scale.
Know Your Audience: Dr. Goldberg emphasizes a hopeful approach: the more we talk about climate, the more we foster understanding and action. By connecting with people’s values and perspectives, we can frame our message to reach people where they are.
In the spirit of Wendell Berry’s words, may we tend the earth thoughtfully, honoring the seen and unseen connections that bind us to future. With every conversation, action, and choice, we plant a seed for the harvest.