Hi Friends,

We've made it to the end of the school year, and my house is often filled with noise—laughter and bickering, pounding feet, the back door crashing open and shut. Then, suddenly, silence. That's when I know: a mess is being made.

If I'm lucky, it's outside. But more often, it's upstairs, where a bathroom has once again been transformed into an apothecary, and "magical potions" are mixed and spilled. As every parent knows, silence is usually a sign of trouble.

It's the same with the climate crisis.

Research published earlier this year found that between 80 and 89 percent of the world's people want their governments to do more to address climate change. That's four out of five people. This shouldn't be a newsworthy number. Yet that research drew a lot of headlines this year. Why? Likely because it often feels like those of us that want meaningful climate action are in the minority.

Your Friends And Neighbors Are Thinking About The Climate Crisis—They're Just Not Talking About It

Globally, when asked whether they'd be willing to contribute 1% of their household income each month to fight global warming, 69% say they would, yet when asked what percentage of their fellow citizens they thought would do the same, people guessed that only 43% would. We don't realize that other people feel the same way we do because we aren't discussing the climate crisis with our family, friends, and neighbors. Seven in 10 Americans think the climate crisis is a danger today, according to a study by Yale and George Mason Universities, but less than four in 10 Americans (35 percent) "occasionally" or "often" talk about global warming with their friends and family.

Talking About The Climate Crisis Is A Climate Solution

When I was writing my book, one piece of advice everyone from the climatologists to childhood educators to the climate advocates I spoke with kept coming back to was that we must talk about the climate crisis. That it's one of the most critical climate actions individuals can take. Honestly, the first time I heard that, I didn't love it. Still don't. I understand why so many don't talk about the climate crisis more. It feels hard, overwhelming, too political. We're afraid of saying the wrong thing or of boring people. We have to do it anyway. Not talking about the climate crisis is a bit like being at a dinner party where the kitchen catches on fire, but everyone carries on in the other rooms. The planet is on fire. Talking about it is how to create hope. Hope is how we create actions around the solutions that already exist and how we force politicians and corporations to act.

How To Start Talking About The Climate Crisis

You don't have to be a climate expert to say, I've been thinking about the air quality this summer.

You just need to be brave enough to name what's already true. Lean into everyday questions, your actions, and feelings.

It doesn't need to be political. You likely know people who are skeptical of climate change or even people who are not skeptical but who don't see the need for urgent action or how it applies to them. For instance, at least for me, one of the biggest struggles is figuring out what my child and I will eat for dinner on any given day. Ask your fellow parents what they are making, or better yet, mention that you're trying to eat more plant-based meals (a climate action), ask if they've had anything great recently, and then share your reasons for eating more plant-based foods. Or did you recently add solar panels to your house, or are you planning a summer trip that involves driving instead of flying? Talk about why you did that. Making it personal, talk about feelings before facts; for instance, if you're worried about climate change, say that or say you're frustrated when your kids' school doesn't compost. Share your actions and why they are crucial, and ask questions.

Your Summer Assignment

One of our favorite local restaurants does a Happy Hour for kids (and adults), and it's our go-to spot for an easy weeknight dinner. Especially on those evenings when I don't feel like cooking (which this time of year is often).

Last week, while we were there, we made our summer bucket list. We try to put a mix of things we want to do: ride the carousel, walk into town for ice cream, and things we want to learn or challenge ourselves to do: learn how to take care of the new baby cousin (the kid), write every morning (me). Talking about the climate crisis more should be on all of our summer bucket lists.

It could be as simple as calling or emailing your local representative without an agenda. You could simply say I'm worried about the changing climate and what it means for my kid's future, and I'd like to know what climate solutions you're working towards, and go from there. Or tell someone what you're doing. Whether you're composting, rethinking your wardrobe, or taking public transportation more—sharing it helps others feel like they can, too.

Our kids are watching and learning from what we do in this moment. They need to see us talking to other people about climate change.

~ Bridget

P.S. Here are a few things that I've been working on:

Reminder: As has become our routine, we're getting ready to go away for the summer, so the free version of this newsletter will be on pause until at least August, although the paid Climate Answers, a new resource guide to reducing plastic in the kitchen, and a Q&A with a climate expert will show up in June and July.

Published: How a sit-spot can reconnect kids (and you) with the wild for A greener life, a greener world, Beef Tallow Is Trending—Here's How to Use It in Your Cooking for Martha Stewart Living, and a podcast interview with Connecticut East.

Working: On a story about sustainable pest management for Azure Road, climate lessons at the grocery store for Foodprint, should you get an electric grill for Martha Stewart Living, a piece on adjunct professors for Providence Business News, and an essay on renovating a house in Vermont with my siblings for Business Insider.