Reclaiming the Climate Narrative

Scientists have been warning us for more than thirty years about global warming, and we are not much closer to moving forward with collective energy and decisive climate policy in this country. If we were succeeding, then we wouldn't be at the "Code Red" stage with respect to the climate crisis. We are making some progress, but we are not moving fast enough—and remaining deadlocked for the next ten years is not an option. We have a conflict between those who understand and want to act on the climate crisis and those who have adopted beliefs and identities that deny the crisis and who are actively blocking progress. Climate breakdown is political. Understanding this is key to moving forward. In Reclaiming the Climate Narrative, Hobie Stocking shows us how to beat this deadlock. He has good news. There is a better way to communicate especially in America's hyper-political world. It involves the use of psychology, language, and stories based on our common values. It is easy to learn and powerful. This book is dedicated to those who want to learn and use these skills and provides a recipe for success. Together we will succeed. Praise for Reclaiming: "Lots of sound thinking about a crucial topic: how to talk about the biggest and most dangerous thing humans have ever done, in ways that help people feel their power." - Bill McKibben - author Here Comes the Sun A must read for anyone in a climate or clean energy organization." - Brett Benson - MN350 Communications Director "Combines marketing, branding, and framing to build a path to better communications." - George Greene - Founder of the Connections Lab In Stocking's own words: "Almost every climate communication can be made better." "Never cite a fact or a reason when you can tell a story." "If we can take a horse, a cowboy, and the theme from the Magnificent Seven and get millions of people to smoke Marlboros, then we can sure as hell get people to act on the climate crisis." Practical, humane, and deeply optimistic, Reclaiming the Climate Narrative offers a better way forward. It is a guide for better communications in a hyper-political world. One that reconnects climate action to what people already care about: family, community, fairness, and a livable future for our kids.