2 April 2026 · 00:58:05
Why We Ignore Climate Change (and How to Fix It) with George Marshall
Guest: George Marshall
Episode 48 · 00:58:05
Why We Ignore Climate Change (and How to Fix It) with George Marshall
Show notes
Most climate communication has failed to inspire the urgent climate action we need. What if the key to environmental change is not just science but how we talk, connect, and resonate emotionally with each other? In this episode, we explore how effective climate communication can motivate real behavior change and strengthen community engagement.
Our guest, George Marshall, a leading climate communication expert and author of the book "Don't Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change", explains why our brains often ignore climate change despite overwhelming evidence. You will learn how social psychology, identity, trust, and values shape perceptions and why traditional awareness campaigns often fall short. The episode reveals practical strategies to turn climate action into a shared identity, harness community values, and engage people through storytelling that inspires purpose and belonging.
We also discuss the future of climate messaging in a fragmented digital landscape. How can we overcome disinformation, polarization, and distrust to build collective action? Why is local, community-based dialogue essential and how can messages be tailored to different cultural and faith groups? George shares proven methods to foster inclusive conversations that ignite hope, agency, and meaningful environmental change.
This episode shows that climate communication is not just about spreading facts. It is about transforming how people see themselves in relation to the planet. With insights from psychology, sociology, and activism, you will discover how to raise awareness, inspire hope, and motivate real climate action in your community.
For anyone committed to making a difference, this conversation is essential listening. Learn how to use storytelling, empathy, and evidence-based strategies from George Marshall to lead with impact and drive environmental change.
Please show us your support by...
- Tune in and subscribe to the We Need to Act podcast via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
- Support our show by buying us a coffee.
- Join our page on Instagram and LinkedIn
- Subscribe to our newsletter on our website
More episodes
Ep. 67
The True Cost of Fashion and Why We Need to Buy Less with Claudia Pievani
Fashion is broken. Can beauty fix it? In this episode of We Need to Act, Sara Rego speaks with Claudia Pievani, founder of Miomojo — an upper premium, cruelty-free Italian accessories brand and certified B Corp. Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. It exploits animals, unde
Ep. 66
The Ocean Won't Die But We Might: Indigenous Knowledge, Ocean Health & Youth Leadership with Bodhi Patil
The ocean is dying. Do we have the answers? In this episode of We Need to Act, Sara Rego speaks with Bodhi Patil, ocean guardian, founder of Inner Light and co-founder of Ocean Uprise. The ocean produces roughly half the oxygen we breathe and absorbs nearly a third of the CO2 we emit. And yet it rem
Ep. 65
Tuvalu Is Fighting to Survive: Climate Change, Rising Seas & Climate Justice | Dr. Tapugao Falefou
Tuvalu is living the climate crisis now. In this episode of We Need to Act, Sara Rego speaks with Dr. Tapugao Falefou, Tuvalu’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to the United States and the Republic of Cuba. For Tuvalu, climate change is not a distant threat. Rising sea