“Net Zero — Net What?”: Insights on language and communication in community climate action projects
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Introduction
This report is for anyone running community-led climate action projects:
in diverse communities
with people with a learning disability, autism or other additional needs
It shows that when starting climate-related conversations, it’s best to:
simplify language
put climate action in the context of what matters to the community
The findings draw from 3 projects in the Sustainable Steps Wales Action Grants programme.
Findings
The report found that climate-related language can unintentionally exclude, confuse, or disengage people.
Project staff explained what the barriers to engagement are when talking about the environment and climate change.
They shared how they overcame these barriers by:
using simple and relatable language
starting incidental conversations about climate change
holding climate conversations alongside learning new skills
using games and challenges to encourage learning and new behaviours
using a strengths-based approach