How can we discern truth from fiction when there is so much misinformation on the topic of sustainability and climate change?
Sean Kelly, a well-known sustainability consultant and co-founder of the Climate Story Network, is on a mission to help organizations have a positive impact on the environment. Sure, there are climate change naysayers, yet Sean applies curiosity and creativity in his approach. While recognizing the challenges in climate action we are faced with, including complexity paralysis, fear of job losses, and lack of trust, Sean sees the need to understand people’s values when communicating about climate change.
The Challenge of Climate Action
Addressing climate change is not without its obstacles. Kelly discusses these challenges, which range from fear and skepticism to misinformation and the dreaded complexity paralysis. Individuals often feel threatened by potential job losses, rising cost of living, and growing inequality. However, Kelly advocates for a shift in perspective, instead focusing on the potential co-benefits of climate action – opportunities such as the creation of green jobs and community empowerment – to inspire significant change.
Approaching Sustainability With Creativity
As a sustainability consultant, Kelly has developed a distinctive approach to his work, marked by collaboration, curiosity, and creativity. He stresses the importance of understanding individual project contexts thoroughly, thinking through all possible solutions, and including all stakeholders in the decision-making process. By embracing the inherent messiness of climate action, and concentrating on its co-benefits, Kelly fosters sustainable outcomes.
The Climate Story Network, under Kelly’s leadership, is a powerful platform for engaging those who are concerned about climate change but unsure of where to start. By employing professional freelance writers to share stories of real people implementing tangible climate solutions, the network promotes an informed optimism, while encouraging community engagement in climate action.
Collective Climate Action
In conclusion, Kelly underscores the importance of community engagement in climate action. According to him, it is crucial to connect with communities, understand their values, and start from where they currently are on their journey to sustainability. His advice to individuals tackling climate crisis is to find creativity and joy in doing so. With this approach of promoting solutions, creating green jobs, and fostering collaboration, Kelly believes we can work together to create a sustainable future for Nova Scotia and the world beyond.
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