Part 3: Climate Conversations: Talking to Stakeholders

Climate Conversations: Talking to Stakeholders

A mini-course in climate communication for everyday people who are ready to speak up.

Course Intro: You Don’t Have to Be an Expert

You Don’t Have to Be an Expert. Just a Concerned Human

Discussing climate change with people you know is challenging enough. But what about speaking up to a local business, your child’s school, or the town council?

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a climate scientist or a public speaker. You just need:

• A message that connects
• A tone that builds bridges
• And a few talking points in your back pocket

This mini-course is your cheat sheet for doing just that.

Who This Is For those Who:

• want to nudge the system
• think, “I wish someone would say something”

Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just someone trying to green your kid’s school fundraiser, this course will give you the words, the framing, and the confidence to speak up effectively.

Course Outline

Each section includes:

• Why this stakeholder matters
• What their climate lever is
• Sample openers and responses
• Tips to stay calm, clear, and heard

Module 1: Local Government (Town Councils, MLAs, MPs)

Goal: Influence policy, funding, land use, and infrastructure

• How to request meetings, speak at hearings, and write emails that get noticed
• Talking points on adaptation, emergency planning, energy efficiency
• Framing: “Here’s what our community needs, and why it makes sense.”

Module 2: Business Owners and Local Vendors

Goal: Shift products, packaging, sourcing, and services

• What to say to your grocery store, builder, or cafe
• Sample asks: bulk refill options, less plastic, local sourcing
• Framing: “This is good for your business—and we’d love to support it.”

Module 3: Schools and Educators

Goal: Support climate education, greener buildings, and student-led change

• How to approach teachers or principals
• Sample asks: climate-themed clubs, no-idling zones, school gardens
• Framing: “We’re building a resilient generation—let’s start here.”

Module 4: Faith Leaders and Community Organizers

Goal: Mobilize values-based action and shared responsibility

• Aligning climate with moral, ethical, or spiritual teachings
• Encouraging events, fundraisers, and climate-themed services
• Framing: “Caring for creation/neighbours/future generations.”

Module 5: Media, Creatives, and Social Influencers

Goal: Shape narratives, amplify local efforts

• How to pitch stories, share events, or nudge influencers
• Encouraging hopeful storytelling without greenwashing
• Framing: “Let’s make climate real, local, and actionable.”

Module 6: Event Planners and Venue Hosts

Goal: Reduce event waste, improve energy use, shift culture

• How to suggest composting, bulk water, low-impact vendors
• Framing: “Easy wins that make your event more future-proof.”

Bonus Module: When They Push Back

• Common objections and how to answer without sounding smug
• Staying calm when someone deflects, jokes, or shuts down
• What to do when your message doesn’t land—yet

Coming Soon in Each Module:

• Printable cheat sheet
• Sample scripts (email/text/call)
• A list of “small wins” you can ask for
• Tone tips: how to avoid lecturing, scolding, or despair
• Examples of successful community asks