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MPs: Talk Climate, Take Action
Photo by Peter Thomas on Unsplash
CLP Co-Founder, Phil Korbel has a simple ask for you…
As we apply our Carbon Literacy to slashing our carbon footprint, it’s easy to forget that we’re part of a larger project to change our culture. What we’re doing in enabling climate action where you are is embedding ‘doing’ as second nature for everyone. The thing is, ‘everyone’ isn’t going to get it unless we talk about it. That’s why there’s a specific Learning Outcome about being able to do that in the Carbon Literacy Standard.
Imagine wanting to start a conversation about climate with a colleague or neighbour – what’s going to resonate more: polar bears and melting glaciers, or ‘us’? By ‘us’, I mean the priorities and values we already share – like how extreme weather damages the things we care about and discussing what we can do about it. Even better than ‘what we can do about it’ is ‘what we are doing about it’. The car share to your next footie match, the bills you’ve reduced with home insulation, or the energy-saving scheme you’ve got underway at work – these are relatable examples, no matter your stance on the climate crisis. Once that connection is made, the conversation can easily shift to what they can do.
This is called ‘framing’, a concept I was introduced to by activist George Marshall. His book ‘Don’t Even Think About It’ heavily influenced my thinking on how Carbon Literacy can get its message across. (His TED talk is well worth a watch.) Interestingly, this approach doesn’t start with climate science or the catastrophic implications of inaction. Instead, it shifts the focus from distant, overwhelming issues to personal and actionable steps by connecting the conversation to everyday experiences.
There is one group that needs a grounding in climate science – our elected representatives. It’s my impression that most MPs and councillors lack confidence when conveying climate messages, and having a solid foundation in the facts can help that confidence a great deal. This brings me to my ask…
The Climate & Environment All-Party Parliamentary Groups are staging a Leadership Programme for MPs (as well as Lords and Westminster staff). It’s an all-star line-up, with the first session led by IPCC Chair, Professor Jim Skea and the brilliant climate communicator, Professor Emily Shuckburgh. The short sessions start Tuesday, 8th October, and further details can be found here.
The ask? Please tell your MP about this (or anyone from the House of Lords you may know). If they attend, thank them and consider sharing it on your social media.