The Power of Community Connection for Climate Action
By Leia Lowery and Joan Lombardi
The Climate Initiative educates and empowers youth to climate action, and this non-partisan grassroots organization, is inspiring communities nationwide to put words into action, but their programming goes beyond tackling climate change alone. The Climate Initiative’s top-tier educational materials put the tools in the hands of educators and young people to combat climate anxiety, build vibrant communities and shape a sustainable future for our planet.
Communities are the heartbeat of society, and feeling a part of one is a part of thriving. Studies from the US Surgeon General warn about the health effects of the loneliness and isolation epidemic. Indeed, when we ask young people what their top concerns are, often the top two are a feeling of isolation and high levels of anxiety, many times linked to the changing climate. 60% of youth between the ages of 16 and 25 describe themselves as very worried about the climate, and nearly half said the anxiety affects their daily functioning. Yet we know that when it comes to addressing the complex and urgent issue of climate change, communities coming together becomes crucial, and engaging students in conversations and learning about climate change is a powerful way to mitigate climate change. A 2020 study showed that if just 16% of secondary school students worldwide in middle and high-income countries study climate change, it would cut almost 19 gigatons of CO2 by 2050- the equivalent of over 4 billion passenger car emissions annually. Imagine if we had whole communities having these conversations. What could that do not only for climate change but also for connection, isolation, and anxiety? The Climate Initiative is finding out through their youth-led Community Conversations.
The Community Conversations program facilitates a listening process. By organizing local gatherings, TCI creates spaces where community members can openly share their experiences of what is changing in their community. These conversations are not just about exchanging information; they are about building trust, fostering empathy, and understanding the diverse ways in which climate change affects us all. It’s crucial for youth to speak about the impacts they’re witnessing across all ages, with their grandparents or their younger siblings, as younger children are the most vulnerable to a changing climate like extreme heat, and with that, an exposure to environmental toxins increasing multiple issues including a large increase in asthma. Being able to discuss the changes we see allows people of all ages to bond not only over the shifts in the environment but also the changes in those they care about. This human connection to the climate crisis is vital for fostering deep relationships between adults and youth, recognizing each other as parents, grandparents, siblings, and children in this shared struggle.
“It’s a pretty magical experience, having people of such varying generations all together in a room, all talking about their experiences and thoughts…”
In Maine, TCI worked with the town of Kennebunkport to lead 15 Community Conversations about the effects of sea level rise on their business and historic district. While TCI gathered insights on the town’s awareness of local efforts, sea level rise, and potential solutions, the results went beyond information. The connections among community members sparked ideas for sustainability clubs and blogs for local newspapers and fostered a solid intergenerational bond between the youth leaders and the participants.
One youth ambassador said, “It’s a pretty magical experience, having people of such varying generations all together in a room, all talking about their experiences and thoughts. Older generations have experienced and seen far more than I have, so they can provide the knowledge of what things were like before I was even alive.”
When asked if they felt they had a stronger sense of community, all participating students answered a resounding yes. One of the adult attendees said, “Apathy is the enemy. Being paralyzed by fear is the enemy. What brings me hope are these young students making ENERGY out of fear as an opportunity to make massive changes in the way we live, locally and globally.” Kennebunkport is anxious to see this energy translate into action on the newly passed Climate Action Plan.
One of the most significant benefits of the Community Conversations program is its ability to build a sense of community. Climate change is a global issue, but the solutions often begin at the local level. By bringing people together, TCI helps create support networks that can make a real difference. Across the country in California, a colleague was using Community Conversations to start educating the surrounding community about Sea Level Rise. While the conversations often focus on climate change, other issues can emerge as more pressing. In this community, families were more concerned that, despite living near water, none of their kids knew how to swim. They saw this as a real danger, especially after seeing the flooding due to the rising sea levels. They began collaborating to address this issue, feeling heard and supported, and are excited to join in future conversations.
By listening to the community, valuing intergenerational dialogue, and giving youth the power to lead, TCI is helping to build a future that is not only sustainable but also just and inclusive. In a world where climate change often feels overwhelming and isolating, it reminds us that we are not alone in this struggle and that we can draw strength from those who have come before us and those who will follow. In the face of climate change, every conversation matters, every voice counts, and every action makes a difference. Through the Community Conversations program, TCI proves that when we come together, we can create the change we desperately need.
Goals of a Community Conversation
Build stronger, more vibrant communities by connecting shared interests and common ground
Listening sessions led by youth disarming for adults and empowering for youth.
Creating space for intergenerational communication, storytelling, feedback, and collaborative solution finding. Intergenerational conversations allow for sharing stories, memories, and experiences that highlight the changes that have occurred over time.
Foster a strong desire for climate action based on the community’s needs, ending with hope and solutions.
Shedding light on the human health connection to climate change.
About the Authors
Leia Lowery is The Climate Initiative’s Executive Director and Co-Founder with over twenty five years of experience in education, curriculum development and community engagement. Her passion is developing place-based programs to inspire community action and influence youth impact. An award-winning speaker and trainer, Leia hopes to empower youth to build a more vibrant and equitable future.
Joan Lombardi is a senior scholar and Adjunct Professor at the Center for Child and Human Development and a co-founder and senior fellow with the Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues at Georgetown University. Over the past five decades, Joan has made significant contributions in the areas of child and family policy as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations and foundations and as a public servant. Joan is a longtime champion of children, families and communities, and a friend of TCI.
This blog post first appeared on The Climate Initiative.