Dr. Katharine Hayhoe making her presentation at CCL’s 2015 International Conference.

Want to be a better climate change communicator? Then listen to this episode! Not only will you learn essential lessons about connecting with others about climate change, host Peterson Toscano will lead you through an exercise that connects climate change to passions and people in your life.

She is not only an internationally renowned climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a brilliant climate change communicator. Peterson revisits Dr. Hayhoe’s excellent keynote address from the 2015 Citizens’ Climate International Conference. In it Dr. Hayhoe busts two myths that trip up scientists and climate advocates in our quest to connect with others. Jumping off from Dr. Hayhoe’s talk, Peterson leads listeners through a simple exercise that will help you in your own climate communication. As an added plus, you will hear a little bit about how a changing climate affects pets.

Art House

Michael Levy

This month we get musical as we meet singer/songwriter Michael Levy and hear some of his climate-themed music. Michael musically explores a range of emotions, from silly to serious, that he feels climate advocates need to address in order to avoid burnout. As an environmentalist, he has been stretched by the vastness of climate change. This has opened him up to consider large-scale solutions. He also reveals he is a big fan of Citizens’ Climate Lobby.

Citizens’ Climate Puzzler

People had a lot to say about last month’s puzzler and suggested many ways to respond to Simon who doesn’t want to act on climate while China (or the USA) is such a big polluter. You will hear three different answers that explore ethics, economics, and spilt milk. Even a trained therapist weighs in to consider Simon’s psychological needs.

Here is our new puzzler question:

You are at an event with folks concerned about climate change and the environment. There you meet someone, let’s call her Margaret. You tell Margaret about your work as a volunteer lobbyist. You explain how you connect with lawmakers and offer climate solutions with the goal to change policy. In response Margaret rolls her eyes. She let’s out a big sigh and says, “Oh, please, those bozos can’t even rename a post office without shutting down the government. There is no way they are going to get anywhere with something as big and bold as climate policy. Why even bother?”

Get back to Peterson by October 15th, 2016. You can email your answers to radio @ citizensclimate.org  You can also text or leave a voicemail at 570.483.8194. (+1 if calling from outside the USA.) He will then share the best answers in our next episode, which airs October 14, 2016.

Help Spread the Word!

Citizens’ Climate Radio is available on podbean, iTunes, and Stitcher Radio. Please rate and review. If you like what you hear, please share the show with your friends and follow on Twitter at @CitizensCRadio. Citizens’ Climate Radio is a project of Citizens’ Climate Education.

Dig Deeper

• Watch the complete 2015 keynote address by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and check out all her entertaining and informative slides.
• Listen to Dr. Heyhoe’s speech through our podcast.
• Learn more about Michael Levy’s upcoming album, Great Big Love, and hear more about his story.