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How often do you chat about climate change? When the weather's been "a bit crazy"? Maybe with an estranged uncle over Christmas dinner? reveals that over half of British adults rarely or never share their opinions about our warming planet.

Why does this matter? Because talking about climate change is one of the most important things we can do to tackle it. Conversations shape social norms, and .

To be clear: it's not about convincing your friends, family, neighbors or colleagues to care about climate change. Chances are they already do. It's about letting them know you care too—that it's normal to care, and typical to take action.

Talking about climate change is how we break the taboo, build a sense of unity, inspire hope and kickstart action. And it's easier than you might think.

The finds that 56% of Brits say they "rarely" or "never" share their opinions about climate change in day-to-day life. Its survey of 2,796 British adults, conducted in April 2025, revealed that only one in ten regularly express their climate views. This "climate silence" persists even among supporters of environmental policies.

Other studies paint a slightly chattier picture. In , 33% of people reportedly discuss climate change with family and friends "often," while 39% of respondents to the had spoken about climate change at least weekly in the last month.

A similar pattern emerges in sport. by my colleagues at the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations found one-third of UK football fans speak to their friends, family and colleagues "often" or "very often" about climate change—although they are much less likely to speak to other football fans and strangers about the topic.

While climate chatter varies with things like and , generally people aren't talking about climate change very often, especially when it involves sharing their opinion.

Yet numerous surveys show that most people are , , and support ambitious government climate policy. The problem is, many of us don't know that others are feeling and behaving this way.

Polling demonstrates that , with eight in ten being in favor of . In Britain, the public , despite , and want .

They are acting, too. Recently, for one of the decade's largest climate lobbies. And earlier this summer, to ban fossil fuel advertising. Heat pump installations, electric car sales and consumption of meat-free meals are all too.

However, if we don't talk to each other about climate issues—and climate lobbies don't make front-page news—it's easy to .

This cognitive error—repeatedly making incorrect assumptions about other people's beliefs and behavior—is called . This phenomenon, also known as is something that politicians unfortunately fall victim to as well, because they for net zero policies.

Social influence is incredibly powerful. If you've ever laughed at a joke that everyone else was laughing at even though you didn't understand it, you'll know this to be true. People don't like . So, if we think the , we .

Talking is the antidote to this —it makes climate action socially acceptable, sparking change beyond our own lives. Indeed, just makes people more likely to consider installing one. So, chatting can be an effective form of climate action.

How to talk about climate change

You might be hesitant to chat about climate change. But luckily, research shows you don't need to be an expert or get political to have effective climate conversations.

In fact, you could be the best climate messenger for the people in your life. We tend to , and more readily accept advice from those with common interests—as researchers investigating discovered.

There's little to be gained from discussing climate change with climate deniers, because people with strong views tend to . Instead, talk to the majority of people who are worried about climate change, but .

Chatting to your mates is a good place to start: you probably already have a trusting relationship and shared interests. You could also approach your MP or local councilor to call for stronger policy action—our and show that voters' views influence politicians' engagement with climate change.

If you're wondering how to begin a climate conversation, start by finding some common ground. Find a value or interest that you and your conversation partner share and explore how it . It can be as simple as asking a foodie friend: "I'm really enjoying cooking more veggie meals—have you got any good recipes?"

Climate framings that include improving health, benefiting the local community, protecting future generations, achieving balance with nature and avoiding waste. Your experience of climate impacts (hot days, storms, flooding) can also be a good bridging topic—Brits love talking about the weather.

Chatting about climate change is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) climate solutions. It normalizes caring, boosts hope and catalyzes action. You're an expert on your own experience of climate impacts and solutions. So why not share it? Ask a question. Start a conversation. You never know who you might inspire.

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .