Having a constructive conversation about climate change is as much about mindset as it is about skillset. It’s actually not about winning an argument.
There are just some issues where being right and passionate will never change people’s minds: talking about immigration, trans rights and climate change with colleagues and strangers is not the same as talking about pay and conditions.
That’s why this guide is not about debating or persuading at all costs. It is about building trust, understanding what matters to people, and creating the conditions where change becomes possible.
There are, actually, very few absolute climate change deniers, but those who remain are unlikely to change their minds now. This is about holding conversations with the majority of people who don’t have entrenched views and who might be persuaded to engage more on climate change issues – apparently that’s nearly 70% of the UK population.
And sometimes, talking about climate change does not even require using the words “climate change”. Conversations about air quality, cost of living, nature, fairness, food, or local community can all open meaningful doors.
Starting with the relatable has two big benefits. Firstly, it gives the person starting the conversation a solid foothold, a way in, a good excuse to get talking. And secondly, it mitigates against the other person feeling under pressure to have an immediate, well-formed opinion on such a huge, complex issue as climate change.
The goal is not to win. It is to connect and encourage further thought that may turn into better engagement on the issue.
Choose the right moment
Not every setting is right for a meaningful conversation about something as important as climate change. Before raising the subject, ask yourself:
- Is this a space where we can talk?
- Is this person in the right frame of mind to listen now?
- Am I in the right state of mind?
A noisy concert or a rushed checkout queue is not the place, nor is a moment when someone is already overwhelmed. Part of the skill is knowing when not to raise the issue and instead using the opportunity to build a relationship for another time. You are planting seeds, not forcing growth.
Build trust before arguments
In conversations about climate change, trust matters far more than perfect wording. If there isn’t enough trust in the relationship, even the best facts will not land.
Mutual respect
Respect means showing genuine curiosity about the other person’s perspective.
- Ask open, gentle questions.
- Avoid “Why do you think that?” (which can sound aggressive).
- Try “What led you to that view?” or “Can you tell me more?”
- Allow silence. Let them think.
People are more open when they feel they’re being taken seriously.
Listen to learn, not to win
Most of us listen while preparing our response. Instead, pause and ask yourself: am I listening to fix, to persuade, or to learn?
Demonstrate listening by:
- reflecting back what you’ve heard.
- checking your understanding: “Have I understood you correctly?”
- not interrupting (even when it’s hard).
Be human
Trust grows when we show we are human. So, with climate conversations, you do not need to be an expert in climate science. Instead admit what you don’t know and share where you struggle yourself (e.g. reducing flights or changing habits). People are influenced more by openness than by certainty.
Tell stories, not just facts
Climate change has often been communicated as data and policy. But people are moved by stories. You do not need a grand narrative. A simple personal moment is enough. For example, you could share:
- When did you begin to care about green issues / climate change?
- What climate change related experience changed you?
- What value connects you to this issue?
- What action are you taking, and how does it feel?
Once you have shared a story, you can add one or two supporting facts. Facts reinforce stories but stories open the door.
The right time
Like any potentially difficult topic – climate conversations can backfire. They can strain relationships, entrench views, or exhaust us emotionally.
Caring deeply can be draining. You do not have to seize every opportunity. If you feel tired or not up to it, then pause, step away, return to climate conversations another day.
Similarly, climate change can evoke grief, fear, anger, or shame. No one enjoys feeling that way so think about how the other person is feeling. If they become defensive or overwhelmed, then don’t escalate your argument and give them the chance to opt out.
Trying too hard can create resistance. This is often called the “boomerang effect.” To reduce this risk focus on understanding rather than converting; avoid exaggerated, catastrophic language and keep examples local and relatable.
Bridge differences with empathy
We are increasingly not used to speaking with people whose views differ radically from our own. We operate more and more in our own bubble.
To connect with others with different views you need to make the effort to understand someone’s perspective without necessarily agreeing with it.
Build empathy by:
- asking genuinely curious questions
- seeking shared values
- challenging your own assumptions
- slowing down your reactions
- noticing when you are stereotyping.
And sometimes, recognise when you are not the right messenger and step back gracefully.
End with hope and agency
Climate change brings grief, anger and anxiety. But conversations that focus on fear or guilt often shut people down. Hope is not naïve optimism. It is the belief that our actions matter. You can build hope by:
- highlighting green progress that has already been made
- sharing examples of positive actions on climate change
- painting a tangible picture of a better future
- discussing practical steps people can take
- emphasising collective action – you are not alone.
Above all, offer solutions to what they value, for example their family, health, fairness, community, faith, or sense of responsibility.
People react to what feels meaningful to them.
Finally… You are unlikely to change someone’s mind in a single conversation. But you can:
- strengthen trust
- reduce defensiveness
- increase openness
- plant a seed.
Constructive climate conversations are not battles – they’re about building relationships that can eventually lead to change.
This article is based on work UNISON did in 2024 with Larger Us, a community of change-makers “who share the aim using psychology for good – to bridge divides, build broader coalitions and bring people together”.
Very helpful piece. I think many of the pointers here make sense in any conversation where people disagree.
This is all great advice for both Environmental Officers and Green Reps, not to mention those involved in canvassing on doorsteps in our communities.