One of the most powerful ways we can take climate action is to talk about it. Yes, it is really that simple. We need to normalise the conversation so that everyone looks at the world through a ‘zero-emission’ lens and taking ‘climate action’ is an everyday part of life.
We are living in transformational times and future generations are relying on us to create a more sustainable world.
How can we start conversations?
A good start is to take stock of the facts we have gathered and our personal experience of reducing our emissions.
Keep abreast of what is happening in the news, and newly released books, films and TV programs that can prompt a conversation.
Be aware that some people are uncomfortable talking about climate change as they may feel frightened, powerless or so pessimistic that they would rather not think about it! This is OK. They may not realise all the positive things that are being done around the world that are already making a difference. For example:
- In Australia, over 4 million homes now have solar panels on their roofs
- Global renewable electricity generation is forecast to climb to over 17,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) by the end of this decade, an increase of almost 90% from 2023.
- Globally, around 1-in-5 new cars sold were electric in 2023.
- In 2024, the last coal-fired power station in the United Kingdom closed down, ending the nearly 150-year history of British coal power.
We live in such interesting times. All of this information will help us to confidently:
- Discuss climate change and the climate crisis with our family, friends and co-workers;
- Share ideas on social media;
- Start a conversation in our Zonta Club, and also with members of other groups such as book clubs, hobby groups, church groups, and sporting teams that we may belong to.
Resources
How to talk to a climate change sceptic
Podcast: What is the most important thing that any individual can do to help alleviate the climate crisis? Talk about it!!!!
Katharine Hayhoe is the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy, and the author of Saving Us: a Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World.
Tune into this uplifting, practical episode from the World Economic Forum podcast, Radio Davos.


The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it
TED talk: The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it. Katharine Hayhoe speaks from the heart in this uplifting presentation.
A Life on Our Planet
Film: A life on our planet features David Attenborough describing how the world has changed since he started working in television in the mid-1950s. He describes it as his ‘witness statement’. A must watch. Available on Netflix.


Kiss the Ground
Film: Kiss the Ground is narrated by Woody Harrelson and describes how agriculture can be transformed by applying regeneration principles. Fascinating and interesting documentary. Available on Netflix.
2040
Film: 2040 is an Australian film that takes us on an aspirational journey to discover what the future could look like if we simply embraced the best that exists today. This is a letter to the director Damon Gameau’s six-year-old daughter, Velvet.


Big Weather and How to Survive it
TV Series: Big Weather and how to survive it and War on Waste are ABC TV series hosted by Craig Reucassel. They take a deep dive into the challenges that climate change presents to Australians and what we can do about it!

