Futerra’s Post

How to win a thanksgiving dinner argument about climate change… It’s been a long day. A few ‘comments’ from your [insert family member/old friend here] have already raised your blood pressure. You’ve exhausted safe topics about the kids, the food, the weather… and [insert person] dismisses, discredits or denies the issue you care passionately about. It’s time to stand up for what you believe in. Because that’s the right thing to do…right? Here’s my advice: 1 - you absolutely are NOT required to speak up. If your mental health, physical/financial safety or core support relationships would be damaged then leave the space. Play with the kids or pets. WALK AWAY. We need your passion, energy and commitment NEXT WEEK. I promise you that one huge family argument is unlikely to make a tangible difference to anyone except you. So protect your peace. However. IF you can safely speak up. A few things to remember; 2. Family arguments about climate change are NEVER about climate change - they are all about family dynamics. There isn’t an argument in the WORLD that will convince someone to agree with you if family dynamics require them to disagree. It’s worth speaking up so the kids in the family, and others, hear your perspective. Don’t try to convince your [challaging person], think of arguments and stories to convince everyone else. Family arguments are always a performance sport to influence the audience! 3. Go easy on facts/stats and instead address family concerns. Frame climate change in Niece K’s asthma, Uncle B’s problems finding work, Sister J’s interest in science. One of the best lines is ‘I care about climate change because I care about this family’. 4. Keep it light and focused on the emotions. Best line when confronted with climate denial; ‘Wow, I can’t tell you now much I WISH that was true. I wish climate change wasn’t happening. I hate that it is happening, but I accept we’ve got to do something about it.’ Even better, ‘I actually learned from you that it’s better to face up to things like this. You’ve faced some hard truths other people would of ignored’. Research shows people are more likely to accept climate change when reminded they’ve overcome big personal challenges! 5. Focus on the benefits of action. ‘Let’s leave the science to the scientists. I’m interested in how taking action could be good for our family’. Bring the conversation back to saving money, making the home smarter, getting healthier, making sure the kids get good job prospects. Talk about how YOUR life is better because you take action. But never promise perfection, ‘I’m far from perfect on all this. But we need millions of people doing a bit, rather than a few perfect greens’. And finally, remember that the world desperately needs a lot more love, respect and laughter right now rather than more big vicious family bust ups 🙏