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What information and stories work to keep people positive about the future, and how can climate professionals discuss their work in public without the ‘doom and gloom’?

With so many headlines warning of impending climate doom, it’s tempting to think the situation is hopeless and nothing can be done. But if we are going to avoid the worst effects of the changing climate, we need to acknowledge the scale and seriousness of the problem without falling into despair. The scientists, engineers and campaigners that are working on a better future will need to inspire people, not lecture them, and listen to their concerns, not dismiss them.

This talk is part of our new series on the climate crisis in partnership with the Grantham Institute.

Join a panel of experts as they discuss the psychology of climate change:

• Lorraine Whitmarsh is an environmental psychologist, specialising in perceptions and behaviour in relation to climate change, energy and transport. She is Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST). Her research projects have included studies of energy efficiency behaviours, waste reduction and carrier bag reuse, perceptions of smart technologies and electric vehicles, low-carbon lifestyles, and responses to climate change.
• Amiera Sawas joined Climate Outreach in 2021 as Director of Programmes and Research. She is responsible for overseeing the programmatic and research implementation of the organisation’s strategy.
• Amiera has a PhD in Human Geography, a Masters in Global Politics and a Bachelors in Psychology.
• Renzo Guinto, MD DrPH is Associate Professor of the Practice of Global Public Health and Inaugural Director of the Planetary and Global Health Program of the St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine in the Philippines. He is also Chief Planetary Doctor of PH Lab – a “glo-cal think-and-do tank” for advancing the health of both people and the planet.

Watch the Q&A: https://youtu.be/bDYVmfiQsyo