Did you know that a huge 89% of people in the world want more action to fight the climate crisis? That’s nearly 9 in 10 of us — across continents, cultures, and communities — united in the belief that our governments must do more.
But, here’s the thing: most people don’t know this. Instead, many stay quiet, trapped in a “spiral of silence” because they think they’re alone. This gap between what people believe, and what they think others believe is a big barrier to action. But it’s also a massive opportunity.
By showing people they’re not alone, and that it’s normal to take action, we could help spark a tipping point. One that pushes our leaders to act fast and redesign our energy system to run on clean energy and protect all our futures.
So here are three things you can do to make it happen:
1. Go and talk about it!
Having conversations about the fact you want our leaders to do more really works. It builds momentum, breaks the silence, and makes people feel less alone. To help you along, we’ve put together science-backed tips to help make those conversations easier:
- Keep it grounded
Open your conversation by talking about your day-to-day reality. Instead of jumping straight to melting ice caps and tipping points, talk about what you’re seeing. Talking about the weather is a super simple, easy conversation opener! Is the weather different? Have food prices gone up because of climate disasters? Is wildfire smoke making it harder to breathe? These personal stories make the climate crisis real and relatable.
The climate crisis, caused by burning fossil fuels, is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in places like California, US and other parts of the world. Image: AP Photo / Ethan Swope
- Let them know their concern for our planet puts them in the majority
Nearly 9 in 10 of us — across continents, cultures, and communities — want governments to do more. [1]
Professor Anthony Leiserowitz at Yale University in the US, says: “One of the most powerful forms of climate communication is just telling people that a majority of other people think climate change is happening, human-caused, a serious problem and a priority for action.” [2]
By showing people they’re not alone, and that it’s normal to take action, we could trigger a tipping point — one that pushes our leaders to redesign our energy system so that we’re powered by clean energy and protect all our futures.
- Make it doable and show that change is possible
Yes, the climate crisis is serious. And the scale of the problem makes it only natural that you want to ring the alarm bell. But the reality is, the bell has been rung and it’s been heard.
People just don’t think they can fix it. Constantly talking about crises and emergencies extinguishes hope. That’s why it’s so important to show that it is possible to change course.[3]
You can tell them that though we face major threats to the future of our planet, we have it within our power to repair and restore our world. And our leaders will have to act if enough of us demand that of them.
- Talk about real, proven solutions like renewable energy. Show them that progress is happening everywhere, already, because of the actions of ordinary people demanding better from their leaders. From heat pumps in Canada to the complete transformation of Uruguay’s energy system, to renewable energy cooperatives in Spain. It’s possible!
Uruguay’s iconic transformation of the power sector took the country from 50% reliance on fossil fuels to just 2% in less than 10 years, showing that if there is will, there is a way.
- Listen more than you talk
Ask open questions. Really hear what people are saying. This isn’t about “winning” a debate — it’s about understanding each other and opening a door. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to listen in return. [4]
- Connect with shared values and link the planet’s health to ours
Don’t lead with facts. Lead with why it matters to you. People connect through stories and emotions, not statistics and spreadsheets. [5]
Talk about the future you want to leave for your kids. The kind of life you want them to have. [6] Everyone wants to have good health, and our health is intertwined with that of our planet — we won’t thrive without clean air, clean water or safe temperatures. Reminding people of this connection boosts understanding, concern, and support for policy change.
- If you have to deal with misinformation, use a “truth-sandwich”
The fossil fuel industry and its supporters have been playing the misinformation game for decades, straight out of the tobacco industry’s playbook.
So, how do we deal with that without reinforcing the lies of the fossil fuel industry? We use a truth sandwich; we say the truth, explain the lie and why they’re doing it, and then repeat the truth again. [7]
Let’s give you an example of a truth sandwich based on a really common piece of misinformation, even though so much evidence shows otherwise. [8]
If someone says, ‘renewable energy is too expensive, and that change will cost too much’…
What you should say:
Switching to clean power could save us trillions and lower energy bills. But the fossil fuel industry spreads misinformation about that to protect its profits, at all of our expense. The reality is that clean energy is cheaper, healthier, and already here.
If you want to know more about having meaningful climate conversations, check out the sources of our information under this article!
2. Build the movement of people taking action.
Invite your friends and family to join our movement by sharing the Climate Pledge. It gives people simple, practical actions they can take — and calls on world leaders to step up, too.
3. Share hope!
There are so many examples of the change we need already happening, every day. From heat pumps in Canada to the complete transformation of Uruguay’s energy system, to renewable energy cooperatives in Spain — change is already underway.
It’s been a tough start to 2025, with climate denial, disinformation, and the rise of politicians who attack climate policies have made things harder.
But this new research shows we are not alone — far from it. We are the majority. And when enough of us raise our voices together, change becomes unstoppable.
Let’s make 2025 the year the silence breaks.
Resources & Sources
3. Six ways to change hearts and minds about climate change – FrameWorks UK
4. How to talk about climate change: Ask questions | Yale
5. The Role of Narrative in Science | Advanced Science News.
6. Six ways to change hearts and minds about climate change – FrameWorks UK
7. George Lakoff’s Truth Sandwich — Future Hindsight
8. Information on the cost of RE:. Rapid rollout of clean technologies makes energy cheaper, not more costly – News – IEA & Switching to renewable energy could save trillions – study – BBC News & Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2023.