On September 18, 2024, the Yale Center for Environmental Communication and the Yale School of the Environment’s Climate Learning Community hosted an discussion with Luisa Neubauer, a German climate activist, politician, author and co-organizer of Fridays for Future. She spoke about her efforts as a leader in the German and European climate movements, and how the US and European climate movements can learn from each other. Luisa also covered current efforts to support democracy in order to maintain and accelerate climate action. Sena Wazer, a master’s student at the Yale School of the Environment and fellow environmental advocate, moderated the conversation with Luisa.
Luisa noted her interest in climate activism started at university, where she became disillusioned by the way climate science was presented. She found it disrespectful to highlight problems without providing young people with the tools to take action.
Luisa emphasized that entering the climate movement often feels awkward, but she believes this discomfort is essential, stating, “We will not solve the climate crisis inside our comfort zone.” She encouraged everyone to view themselves as change-makers, regardless of their background or skills.
She outlined key components that strong climate campaigns should incorporate: “Hope, anger, something concrete to do,” and importantly, “bring snacks.” While each element can be disruptive on its own, together they create a cohesive approach that engages and inspires action.
Luisa stressed the importance of translating scientific findings into actionable steps, noting that while scientific studies are vital, we need individuals who can make climate issues tangible. She urged us to understand climate change as an integral part of all societal issues, advocating for a shift in narratives that fit into and challenge each of our cultural perspectives.
Her statement, “Cynicism is unrealistic. Hope isn’t,” underscores the need to foster optimism. Luisa pointed out that most people have good intentions, and hope involves recognizing the positives while being aware of our privileges. She asserted, “We need a million very normal people doing one thing rather than superheroes.”
When asked about how to communicate climate change with people from diverse backgrounds, Luisa notes the importance of not relying on the statistics, but on experiences and feelings. In addition, who relays the message is important, as well. Finding people who share common cultural norms and experience will be able to communicate better to different communities.
Luisa concluded by emphasizing the complexity of climate change. The climate is everything and so we must approach its solutions through catering climate communication to different experiences and social issues.