We are pleased to share an article entitled “Use Your Coaching Skills for the Planet ~ How coaches are uniquely equipped to help people engage with climate change” by Sharon Barbour.
I leapt from public health and food systems work to professional coaching in 2006. When climate change hit my radar a few years later, I could only look at it peripherally. It felt simultaneously overwhelming and unreal, and I had things to do, kids to raise, a business to grow. Besides, nobody was talking about it, so I thought: “it couldn’t be that bad, right?”
Time passed and signs of climate change urged me to take a closer look. I turned toward it, just enough to confirm that “It’s warming. It’s us. We’re sure. It’s bad. But we can fix it.” as Kimberly Nicholas, PhD offers in her book Under the Sky We Make (1). Reading the words “we can fix it” gave me the courage to face reality more squarely and to explore questions like: “What’s in our control?” “What’s possible?” “Why aren’t people engaging?” and “How the heck can coaching help?”
Along with unsettling data, I found plenty of inspiring answers which led to the next question: “how can I help with what I have to offer?” I had an idea simmering and took it into reality by developing and then piloting a three-session “Climate Circle” in fall 2023. The intention was to offer a courageous and kind space for participants to share thoughts and feelings about climate change, to experience structured exercises, and to ultimately shift from stuck to climate engaged. The pilot was a success and the Circles are expanding. Circles also give people the opportunity to build community, learn “coach approach” relational skills and to start balancing their climate worries with what brings them joy as they take new action. It’s group coaching with a twist.
Creating and facilitating the Circles has convinced me of something truly inspiring: Coaching skills that you possess can play a unique and crucial role in our way forward.
5 Ways Coaches are Uniquely Qualified to Support Climate Engagement
ONE: Simply talking about climate makes a big difference.
We can’t solve a problem that we don’t name or talk about. As coaches, we know the power of making what’s invisible visible. We can’t dream, visualize, innovate if we don’t see where we are and what we want instead. Though most Americans are concerned about the climate crisis, over two-thirds of the US population rarely if ever talks about it (2). And it turns out that “personal conversations with people we trust are a huge spark for climate action.” (3) It seems simple, but how do we talk about it?
TWO: How we talk (and listen!) about climate is important.
Speaking and listening like a coach is particularly helpful. As coaches, we practice powerful relational skills, such as being curious, being as judgment-free as possible, speaking with clarity, listening deeply, and helping others connect to values and what they care about. Some of these skills are highlighted in a four-minute video on how to talk with others about climate (4). It includes this wise tip: “the secret to talking about climate change is to listen. And the goal is not to convince but to have a conversation.” Pat yourself of the back, coach, you already know how to do this.
Pause and reflect: What trusted person could you practice talking about climate concerns and hopes with, using your powerful skills of listening and being curious?
THREE: Changing our inner climate story can be powerful.
Clover Hogan, a climate activist and the founding Executive Director of Force of Nature, asserts in her TED Talk that “Rewriting our stories about climate and our role/power is the single most powerful thinking we can do for the planet and for ourselves.” (5)
This statement rang true for me as a coach, and it likely does for you too. As coaches, we know the power of mindset and the power of shifting mindset. Our hidden or unspoken stories create emotions which fuel action or inaction, leading to predictable results. Clover Hogan works with youth to “mobilize mindsets for the climate” and helps people to shift from climate anxiety to climate action.
Pause and reflect: What do you tell yourself about the climate and your role or power? Take a moment and speak it out loud. Let it fall out like a rambling mess; just let it out for light and air. What’s your inner narrative? What emotions are there?
FOUR: Claiming our vision and what’s possible can guide us.
As coaches, we frequently witness the power of imagination and vision. When our clients see or sense their desired future, they take inspired action toward it. Let’s tap this skill for ourselves and let’s help others access their vision too.
Self-described “policy nerd” Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson asserts that we have all the solutions we need and asks us to ponder “What if We Get it Right?” (6). What could be happening in our communities in 50 years if we got this right? Clean energy, cleaner waters and air, fast electric trains, greener spaces, rewilded expanses, regenerative agriculture, more equitable systems? Let’s engage our powerful imaginations to see clearly what we want, to engage our commitment and to inspire us forward.
Pause and reflect: What favorite place, such as a lake or river would you like to see cleaner and healthier? What’s the overall vision you’d like to see for humans and all living beings?
FIVE: New actions lead to new creations and impact.
Coaches know all about moving from new awareness to action and finding actions that “fit,” inspire and/ or challenge limited thinking. And if you wonder if individual action makes a difference, wonder no longer! The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that 40-70% of the greenhouse gas reductions to be made by 2050 must come from individuals (7). Especially for those of us who are considered “High emitters,” our actions matter. You are likely a high emitter if you make over $38,000 USD per year (8). What are the best ways to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions? Lean into creativity and adventure and experiment with ways to fly less, drive less, eat less red meat and decrease food waste (one reason – food waste releases methane as it breaks down, which is a potent greenhouse gas).
AND there are so many other options. Go toward what you care about and what you enjoy. Or do a Venn Diagram! See Dr. Johnson’s website for full instructions (9); here are the basic questions to guide you:
- What are you good at? Think about your skills, resources, and networks—you have a lot to offer.
- What work needs doing? There are 100’s of climate solutions and ways to be involved.
- What brings you joy or satisfaction? Choose climate actions that energize and enliven you.
Later is too late for climate action and we need all of us. We get to act for each other, for the collective. There’s room for every single one of us in climate solutions. And one of the most powerful things you can do as an individual, according to Bill McKibben, founder of climate action organizations 350.org and Third Act, is to “stop being an individual” and join others already doing the work (10). I took that advice and joined 350 Wisconsin and have been enlivened by community connection, purpose and enjoyment while doing the work.
Pause and reflect: What’s your new awareness today? What’s next for you? Who or what can support you in taking that next step?
A final thought around individual change: People change when they see others changing. We tend to think we make our choices independently but those around us influence us significantly (11). Our personal actions influence those around us. So, even if your one action or change feels small, know that what you do and what you talk about makes a difference and even causes a ripple effect.
What’s the opportunity? The opportunity is a huge one. Coaches, you bring so much to the table here. Join me in a vision where we offer climate coaching sessions and climate circles that help people tune into themselves and each other and take new inspired action aligned with their values and a vision for a better future. We have the skills for this. We can step boldly into what’s been called “Active Hope” and take action even when we don’t know if it will make a difference. Because we care deeply for each other and for our beautiful planet. What greater reason?
Reach out to me if you’d like more information or if you have ideas to share! Let’s move this along – for all of us.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
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