Guide to Climate Communication to Christians

Am I the right person to talk about climate change?

Yes! The very thought of talking about climate change can give us a feeling of imposter syndrome, but it shouldn’t.

You can connect with the people in your life like no else. Surveys show that when it comes to climate conversations, people deeply trust their friends and family. In fact, skeptics trust their loved ones even more than they do scientists.

Second, you don’t need to be an expert to talk about climate change. All of us—not just climate scientists—are called to care for creation. Rather than trying to memorize every statistic, approach the conversation with your experiences, stories, and values.

Is it appropriate to bring up climate change when talking with others?

Absolutely. As stated above, all of us are called to care for creation. Our faith calls us to inspire others to join us in this action.

But caring for creation isn’t just a responsibility. From the Psalms to the ministry of Jesus, Scripture invites us to encounter God in, through, and alongside creation. When we come together to care for it, we can draw deeper into the love of God.

When we talk about caring for creation in response to climate change, we can help others deepen their faith.

Can having a conversation really make a difference?

It makes a major difference.

Renowned climate scientist and communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe says that talking about climate change is the most important thing we all can do to address it.

In 2025, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that 63% of Americans were worried about climate change, but only 35% said they discuss it even occasionally with family and friends. Silence stifles action, as it convinces us that no one else is concerned. That’s why breaking the silence is so important.

Climate communicator Bill McKibben says that “the most important thing an individual can do [to address climate change] is be a little less of an individual.” Having a conversation is a powerful way to do so.

Won’t the conversation become tense?

When dealing with a difficult topic like climate change, there’s always the potential for the conversation to be fraught.

But the Climate Communication guide is meant to help make your talk as gracious—and as painless—as possible. By building your conversation around shared values and priorities, you’ll be starting from a place of commonality.

Can this guide help me connect with someone who doesn’t accept climate change?

Yes! The guide contains advice for talking with people across the spectrum of climate change acceptance, so you can come to your conversation with a right-sized approach.

And remember: Your goal should not be to change someone’s mind within five minutes of talking to them. The conversations this guide is meant to inspire are supposed to be slow, gracious, and respectful.