Talking climate on the doorstep

Right across the country we care about climate and nature. Sometimes we don’t think others do – so it’s always good to remind voters four in five of us care about climate.  

People strongly believe it’s the government’s job to lead the way. Climate leadership makes people feel hopeful in tough times. Tell them a bit about your party’s plans to address the climate and nature crisis. 

The best climate communication makes caring and action feel normal, everyday and positive. People like to hear specifics, like local residents getting on with doing their bit and the area changing for the better. Have some examples to hand – from school projects to new businesses.

Show empathy: you need to show voters you are interested in them and not talking down to them. Listen to them and their perspective on climate and nature. 

Show your motivation: people need to understand why climate matters to you. Tell them why you care – as a human, not a politician. It’s one of the most powerful communication tools you have. If you’re not a scientist, don’t feel you have to have scientific arguments up your sleeve. Talk about what moves you, with passion. 

Build your credibility: voters need to believe you’re not lying to them or making things up. Be honest about what you can and can’t do. Politicians can’t help with everything. If you promise you will help someone, take that seriously – but don’t make promises you or your team can’t keep.

People don’t want to be left alone to face and tackle climate change. We need to feel we’re part of something collective. We need the government to lead, and take seriously our worries about costs and change. 

Ask people what climate change means to them and give them space to share. Show you’re interested in what they have to say. Resist the urge to ‘win’ the conversation or always be thinking about what you’re going to say next. 

Find common ground. We’re all noticing the changing weather, and we all love and value things that climate change threatens – like our local parks and nature, or whether our sports teams can play. Find something that connects you.

Of course, most conversations on the doorstep will be about specifics – people’s lives and what’s happening locally.   Here are a few ideas for things to find out about in advance. 

[1] What are the hot climate-related topics in your area? 

It might be the impact of flooding on farms, or unbearable heat in the city in the summer.  Perhaps people are particularly concerned about some aspect of what’s planned locally as part of tackling climate change.  Find out the big debates and be ready to be honest about how you feel about them too. 

[2] What great things are happening as part of climate action locally? 

There’ll be so many stories of local jobs, action and inspiration. Find them and have them ready to share. 

[3] Your party’s plans on public engagement 

Climate conversation shouldn’t just happen at election time.  We need a national plan for making everyone feel part of the climate story, from mass advertising campaigns to ongoing citizen involvement in making climate plans.  How will your party give people a meaningful say in shaping climate action locally and nationally?

Climate Outreach works with national and local politicians, activists and advisors from all the main parties, helping them to get the political climate story right. Our 2024 Britain Talks Climate toolkit is a deep dive into people’s hopes and fears on climate policy in an election year.  Get in touch if we can help.

Please let us know how and if you used this resource so we can produce guidance that’s most helpful for you!

• Getting the climate story right: 2024 General Election dos and don’ts 
• Trust & Influence: how to be trusted to talk about climate change 
• Talking Climate: how to have good  conversations 
• Why the UK needs a climate engagement strategy.
• Download the PDF of Talking Climate on the Doorstep.
• Let us know if you’ve used this guide and what other resources would be useful.