The Climate Majority: Apathy and Action in an Age of Nationalism

by Leo Barasi

The Climate Majority is the first book to investigate climate apathy, to describe how it prevents action to stop climate change and to show how it can be beaten with an approach developed for political campaigns. Leo Barasi argues that dangerous climate change will only be prevented if the majority of people―including those who aren’t environmentalists―are persuaded of the need to limit emissions. He applies his policy and campaign experience to show that politicizing climate change makes it more difficult to build consensus, particularly among people who are currently apathetic. This is one of few books to focus on public opinion and climate change and it attempts to reveal what people really think by drawing examples and evidence of from the United States, the UK, Australia, and Canada. In a time of growing nationalism in many developed countries―and right-wing negativity towards the need for meaningful action― The Climate Majority offers a new way of understanding what can be done within the system, rather than despite it. In an era of political setbacks for sustainability, we need new hope and new tools. Anyone who cares about climate change can draw on the lessons in this book to help build a climate majority. Leo Barasi is a freelance consultant on climate change policy and campaigns. He works with charities, political candidates, and private companies to help them understand and change public opinion. He writes regularly for the New Statesman , openDemocracy , and Climate Home .

Genres: Science

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2017

Reviews

[Withmanyroots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book after hearing about it on Sustainababble podcast - feeling motivated after reading Leo's accessible book on how we can make the climate change narrative more relevant to more people.

There are elements to reflect on but I really enjoyed thinking about the personal challenge on how I talk about climate change with people in my network. The apathetic to climate change outnumber those worried about it 2:1 - so if everyone that's concerned about climate change and is already making sacrifices to cut their emissions - if we can reach and convince 2 folks we will have a climate majority. Doesn't sound too tricky does it?! But we'll have to get out of our comfort zones - think I read this book at the right time - as I feel ready to do this now.

Will be following up on his suggestions and seeing if there's an informal network growing following this book.

[Victor Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ! Recommend everyone to read this!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, well reasoned and very interesting.
Develops into an understanding of the different groups of climate awareness, and explores ways of engaging with each.

[Holly Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read before starting my masters in Ecological Economics, really insightful!

[Mairéad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an important reminder that small changes to the apathetic majority towards climate action are more meaningful than the energy required to convert the dogged deniers.