Want to bring people together to think about climate change? Here’s how to do it.
You’re reading this blogpost, so you care about climate change and you’re probably already doing everything you can to live a low-carbon lifestyle. But it’s not enough to go it alone. We need to get everyone on board. Getting other people excited about climate action isn’t always easy though. It’s hard enough to get your housemates to stop putting their pizza crusts in the recycling bin, yet alone to cut their cheese consumption.
That’s partly why at Possible we replace ‘don’t do that [high-emitting behaviour]’ with ‘let’s both do this [climate friendly activity]’ - which, if we’re creative, can sometimes even be (dare I say it?) fun. The trouble for us is reaching new people. This is where you come in.
Instead of inviting them to talk about climate change outright (uh...no thanks), invite them to do something that they’d enjoy (and then sneak in the climate message). A climate-themed event is great not only for getting people into the room, but also for providing prompts to stimulate discussion.
Want to put on an event about climate change in your local area, and scratching your head for something exciting that won’t just depress everyone? Try these ideas:
Work together to create the ultimate climate playlist.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, not too many chart hits talk about climate change, so creating a playlist is no easy task. But the process of working it through together will get people sharing and discussing about what climate change means to them, and you might be surprised what comes up. From Nelly’s ‘Hot in here’ to Midnight Oil’s ‘Beds are burning’, it’s a great way to deal with some pretty serious topics and emotions in a light way - and have a laugh while you’re at it.
Suggested donation ask: £0
2. Low carbon bake-off/low carbon come dine with me.
Food is one of the best ways to bring people together - and also (conveniently) one of the main things we need to think about when choosing sustainable lifestyles. Pick your favourite cooking show, and recreate it with a climate action twist. Cakes with only local ingredients. Meals without meat or dairy. A dinner party that leaves no waste (not even potato skins). There are many ways to turn feasting into climate action.
Suggested donation ask: £2 for cooks, £5 for diners
3. Run a heatseekers quest.
Thermal imaging cameras have the power to make insulation and energy efficiency something that is actually engaging - magic right? Take thermal selfies, set competitions (who can take the funniest thermal photo?), hide hot water bottles. By leading a group on a quest that compares buildings, lighting, outfits (etc) you’ll get your friends and family to understand what a difference simple measures can make to carbon emissions; a great way to get people to act. We’ve got tips for running a heatseekers quest, including how to get your hands on the gear.
Suggested donation ask: £1-£2
4. Play Carbon City Zero
In 2019 we created our very own climate-themed card game. Each player takes on the role of a newly appointed city mayor, tasked with creating a carbon neutral city. You'll soon discover that your carbon budgets are hard to balance. Download the game here and challenge your friends to a race.
Suggested donation ask: £1-£2
5. Art night
Artwork, whether we’re into it or not, is a conversation starter. That’s why an art night is another of our fave types of events to organise. We have 11 printed pieces, created by artists from around the world, each illustrating an innovative low carbon heating solution (from clothes that moderate temperature to naturally cooling tents for refugee sites). If you’d like to borrow these images for an event, just get in touch and we’ll see what we can do. Alternatively, create your own art, or encourage local schools, retirement homes, or others in your community to submit pieces for a local exhibition.
Suggested donation ask: £2-£5
6. Film night
This is one of the simplest events you can organise - so perfect if you’re new to running events. Hold a film night in a local hall, school, or even your living room, and get people thinking about climate change. Some of our faves are Age of Stupid (of course), This Changes Everything and Merchants of Doubt.
Suggested donation ask: £3-£5
7. Scientist talk
It’s always helpful to hear from someone who really knows what they’re talking about. Why not invite an expert to come and give a talk? This could be a local scientist, an expert in sustainability, or someone working in climate solutions. We’d suggest about half an hour for the presentation and then another half an hour for Q&A.
Suggested donation ask: £1
8. Quiz.
You’ll have to think carefully about this one; a ‘climate change quiz’ isn’t exactly going to appeal to bring people in who don’t think of themselves as climate experts (except for your very good friends of course). Could you include a climate change round in a more general quiz? Or (if you’re up for a challenge) try to fit climate-themed questions into the theme that works for you.
Suggested donation ask: £2-5
If you’d like any help organising your event, do get in touch with Hannah at hannah@wearepossible.org. She’d be delighted that you’re up for engaging more people in climate action, and more than happy to help.