10 Climate Related Conversations to Have with Friends and Family

Have you ever heard a saying along the lines of: “We don’t talk about religion or politics at the dinner table”? It’s understandable to want to avoid conflicting opinions and possible heated debates. Big, hot-button conversations can be challenging to have, but they are still important. This is why I’m sharing some climate-related conversation ideas that you can try having with your friends and family.

This post is a part of our Climate Change Collective conversations. Michelle at Boomer Eco Crusader is starting off our conversation this month with her post “Tips for Production Climate Conversations.” Learn more about the Climate Change Collective below.

How to have tough conversations

Talking about the environment and climate change can be challenging—especially if the person you’re talking with has an opposing point of view. There can be a lot of competing ideas and misinformation out there, so navigating this takes some practice and some patience.

Michelle has laid out some great steps and ideas for how to have productive conversations in tough situations. Check out her post for tips on how to navigate the conversation ideas I’ve shared below.

Important Climate Related Conversations to Have

So you want to talk about climate change but don’t know where to start? Here are 10 conversation ideas to have with friends and family about the environment, sustainability, and climate change:

1. Climate Change Basics: What’s Happening and Why It Matters

It’s always helpful to get back to the basics so we don’t get lost in big, disjointed ideas.

• Discuss the scientific consensus on climate change, its causes (such as fossil fuel emissions), and its effects on weather patterns, ecosystems, and human life.
• Share personal reasons for caring about the issue to make it more relatable.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Have you noticed any changes in the weather or seasons where we live?
2. What do you think are the biggest effects of climate change on our daily lives?
3. Why do you think some people don’t believe in climate change despite scientific evidence?
4. How do you feel when you hear news about extreme weather events like wildfires or hurricanes?
5. What do you think individuals can do to help slow down climate change?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

Looking into the Life Cycle of Plastic

Changing temperatures and forest fires

The Importance of Climate Change Education (plus six great resources!)

2. Sustainable Living and Daily Habits

Navigating a sustainable lifestyle can be overwhelming. Taking time to chat with others gives opportunity to support each other and generate ideas.

• Talk about ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make sustainable choices in everyday life (such as using reusable products, reducing water waste, and composting).
• Share the areas in your life that you find most challenging for being sustainable. Discuss possible solutions and the reasons this is a challenging area.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. What small changes have you made (or considered making) to be more eco-friendly?
2. Do you think convenience is a big barrier to sustainability?
3. How can we make green choices easier?
4. What are some creative ways we can reuse or repurpose household items?
5. Have you ever tried a zero-waste challenge? What do you think would be the hardest part?
6. What are some sustainability habits we could start as a family or group of friends?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

How Turning Down your Household’s Heat Helps the Environment

Celebrate Earth Day and Make a Difference: 50 Easy Eco-Actions

Climate Change Collective: Sustainable and Simple Changes

7 Ways to be an Eco-Friendly Pet Owner

3. The Impact of Food Choices on the Environment

It’s amazing how many areas of our lives impact the planet. Food is no exception! It is also an area that we have power over to make choices and changes.

• Discuss the environmental footprint of different diets, including meat production, food waste, and sustainable agriculture.
• Consider topics like eating more plant-based meals or supporting local and organic farmers.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Have you ever thought about how the food we eat affects the planet?
2. What do you think would happen if more people ate plant-based meals, even just once a week?
3. How do you feel about food waste? Do you think we waste more food than we realize?
4. Do you try to buy locally grown food? What do you think the benefits are?
5. Have you ever considered growing your own food? What would you plant first?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

Why Food Waste is a Big Deal and How to Prevent it

6 Fantastic Organizations Working To Reduce Food Waste and Scarcity

How Your Food Choices Help the Planet: 3 Simple Actions

4. Consumerism and Ethical Purchasing

Like food, where we spend our money is within our control. Talking about our choices and why those matter is a great way to learn and share ideas.

• Talk about the impact of fast fashion, plastic pollution, and overconsumption on the planet.
• Discuss how buying secondhand, choosing sustainable brands, and repairing instead of replacing are beneficial for our planet.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Do you ever check if the products you buy are made sustainably? Why or why not?
2. How do you feel about fast fashion?
3. Have you ever bought secondhand clothing?
4. Do you think companies should be held responsible for their environmental impact?
5. What’s one thing you own that you could repair instead of replacing?
6. How do you decide whether a brand’s eco-friendly claims are real or just marketing?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

How Our Need to Shop is Ruining Our Planet

How Your Garden Helps the Planet: Locally Sourced Food

Guest Post: An Inspiring Journey Towards Minimalism

How Your Clothing Helps the Planet: 5 Easy Changes

Secondhand September: Embracing Conscious Consumption

5. Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels

Since fossil fuels hold a lot of the blame for climate change, it’s an important topic to dive into. It’s also an opportunity to discuss the different types and sources of energy that are out there.

• Discuss how fossil fuels contribute to climate change, who the biggest users of fossil fuels are, and what actions are being taken to hold those users accountable.
• Discuss the transition to renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro) and the role of individuals and governments in reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Have you ever thought about putting solar panels on your home? Why or why not?
2. Do you think the government should invest more in renewable energy? Why?
3. What do you think is stopping people from switching to electric cars or clean energy?
4. How do you feel about the idea of a future where fossil fuels are no longer used?
5. Have you ever visited a wind farm or hydroelectric dam? What did you think?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

Understanding Solar Panels and FAQs

Learning About Sustainable Energy Choices

Residential Solar Project: Review of the First Year

How Your Energy Choices Help the Planet: Solar Panels

6. Climate Policy and Activism

Big changes need to happen. It can be amazing to see how a small, determined group of people can help create that change and bring awareness to areas of policy that need to be addressed.

• Explore the importance of voting for policies and leaders who prioritize environmental issues.
• Discuss ways to get involved in local activism, petitions, or community cleanups.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Do you think individuals or governments have a bigger role in fighting climate change? Why?
2. Have you ever signed a petition or supported a cause related to the environment? What was it?
3. Do you think climate change should be taught more in schools? Why or why not?
4. How do you feel when you see people protesting for climate action?
5. What’s one thing you’d like to see our local community do to be more sustainable?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

How Your Actions Help the Planet: Multiply Your Impact

Will We Ever Get Back Below the 1.5°C Global Temperature Increase?

Teaching Kids About Climate Change

7. The Role of Businesses and Greenwashing

I feel it might be general knowledge that packaging and marketing can be misleading, but the idea of greenwashing and making products appear more sustainable than they are may not be.

• Talk about corporate responsibility, greenwashing, and how to support truly sustainable businesses.
• Explore how to identify misleading marketing claims about “eco-friendly” products.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Have you ever bought a product because it was advertised as “green” or “eco-friendly”?
2. How do you think we can tell if a company is truly sustainable or just greenwashing?
3. What industries do you think have the biggest impact on the environment?
4. Should companies be legally required to reduce their environmental impact? Why or why not?
5. Can you think of a business that does a great job of being eco-friendly?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

Questions to Consider as you Become a More Conscious Consumer

Does Plant-Based Mean the Same thing as Vegan?

Don’t be fooled by greenwashing

8. The Importance of Biodiversity and Conservation

Climate change is directly impacting our planet’s green spaces and natural habitats. Taking time to reflect on the overall impact losing plant species, animal species, and ecosystems can be eye opening.

• Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystems and how human actions threaten species survival.
• Talk about ways to support conservation efforts, such as protecting pollinators or reforestation projects.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. What’s your favorite animal, and do you know if it’s endangered?
2. Have you ever visited a national park or wildlife reserve? What was your experience like?
3. Why do you think protecting species and natural habitats is important for humans too?
4. What are some ways we can help pollinators like bees and butterflies?
5. Have you ever participated in a tree-planting or beach-cleaning event? Would you like to?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

How Your Garden Helps the Planet: Lawns

How green spaces help our planet

9. Eco-Friendly Travel and Transportation

Travel and transportation are a part of our everyday life’s, so this is an important topic to continue to discuss.

• Discuss the environmental impact of air travel, cars, and public transportation.
• Talk about alternatives like carpooling, biking, using public transit, or choosing eco-conscious travel options.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. How do you usually get around? Have you ever considered switching to a more eco-friendly mode of transportation?
2. What do you think are the biggest challenges in making public transportation more popular?
3. Have you ever taken a trip where you tried to be as eco-friendly as possible?
4. Would you consider an electric vehicle for your next car? Why or why not?
5. How do you feel about airlines offering carbon offset programs? Do you think they help?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

4 Reasons to choose an emissions-free vehicle

Can 15 Minute Cities Help to Combat Climate Change?

How Your Travel Choices Help the Planet

5 Ways to Travel Sustainably this Summer

Transportation and Sustainability: 4 Starting Points for Big Issues

10. Climate Anxiety and Hope for the Future

All of the topics in this list can be overwhelming and cause despair. It’s important to acknowledge this fact and it’s also important to reflect on the positive changes happening in our world.

• Acknowledge the emotional impact of climate change and discuss ways to stay hopeful and take action.
• Share stories of successful environmental initiatives and innovations that give reasons for optimism.

Questions to get the conversation flowing:

1. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by news about climate change? How do you cope with it?
2. What are some positive environmental changes you’ve noticed in the world recently?
3. Have you heard of any new green technologies that give you hope for the future?
4. What’s one thing we can do together to help the environment and stay hopeful?
5. How do you think storytelling, movies, or social media can help spread climate awareness?

Some further reading to explore this topic:

Reconnecting with Nature and Self by Disconnecting from the World

3 Things You Can do for the Planet When You’re too Tired to Care

Why it’s Important to Connect to our Planet and some ways to do so

What is Sustainable Self Care and How to Practice it

What climate related conversations are you having?

Have you been having any of these climate related conversations with your friends and family?

For tips on how to have productive climate conversations, don’t forget to check out Michelle’s post: Tips for Production Climate Conversations

The Climate Change Collective

This post is a part of our Climate Change Collective conversations.

The Climate Change Collective was born out of an exchange that took place between Michelle and Jamie in the comments section of a Jamie Ad Stories blog post. Jamie and Michelle both care deeply about the impact of human activity on our planet and wanted to find a way to keep the climate change message top of mind for everyone. A tweet was sent out, bloggers responded, and we’ve all now teamed up to create the Climate Change Collective! Learn more about the bloggers behind this group in our post introducing everyone: Get to Know our 5 Fantastic Climate Change Collective Bloggers.

The idea is simple. The members of the collective will take turns writing a monthly blog post sharing their concerns and unique perspective about climate change. After the post is published, the rest of the group will keep the conversation going by sharing a link to the post on their blogs along with their thoughts and ideas. If you’re a like-minded blogger and would like to join our collective, please get in touch. The more the merrier!

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