🌍 Using team meetings to embrace the Anthropocene: a first step in facilitating climate discussions

🌱 - Written by Daisy Rees 📝

In a recent meeting, I invited the team to reflect upon two articles from The Economist. The articles, read aloud by myself, discussed the term Anthropocene and why scientists are beginning to agree that human-made climate change is indeed defining a new epoch.

As a climate activist, I had anticipated that this topic might evoke strong emotions and varying perspectives among my colleagues. Our team represents a spectrum of understanding on climate change, from the passionately engaged to the more impartial. Still, I believed that an open dialogue could foster empathy for each other's viewpoints and strengthen our collective pursuit of addressing the climate crisis, even if only by a little.

As I began reading the article, I felt my hands tremble and my voice stutter… but pushing on, I could sense my colleagues’ curiosity, concern and intrigue growing. Some scribbled notes while others listened intently. I relaxed into the reading and allowed myself to ingest my words as they flowed from my mouth.

At the end of the reading we began our discussion; a beautiful tapestry of perspectives. Some team members shared their concerns about the devastating effects of human-made climate change, emphasising the urgent need for action. Others took a more measured approach, seeking to better understand the scientific evidence supporting the Anthropocene before forming conclusions. It was enlightening to witness how each individual brought their unique life experiences to the table.

Some of our discussion raised issues around ethical and moral responsibility in terms of how our actions will affect biodiversity, nature and future generations. We discussed lifestyle habits and how lifestyle has drastically changed since pre-industrialisation. We discussed fossil fuels, green energy, and Wales’ potential in wind and wave energy. We discussed plastics, microplastics, and a man who lives on a plastic island. In fact, our discussion was extensive and ran a little too far into our team meeting.

In learning about the Anthropocene and being open to listen to alternative perspectives, a space opened up in which we were able to share a healthy debate. It taught me the importance of fostering open discussions, even when views differ, and embracing the power of empathy in promoting understanding and collaboration. We even went as far as pledging 1 promise each to try and reduce our carbon footprint within the next week. For transparency and accountability we have collectively agreed that these promises can be shared publicly:

Andrew Williams promises to cycle to work 1 day this week.

Kimberley Mamhende promises zero food waste for 1 week.

Ryan Lewis promises to use a reusable coffee cup when buying coffee out.

Enrique Quevedo promises to speak up about unnecessary consumption.

Daisy Rees promises zero single-use plastics for 1 week.

The seeds of change have been sown within our small team, and together, we will hold each other accountable and continue these discussions bi-weekly in our team meetings.

May this blog inspire you to engage in your own conversations and embrace the diversity of perspectives around climate change. After all, it is through collective action that we can truly make a difference in the Anthropocene

#ClimateAction #Teamwork #Sustainability #GoGreen 🌱🌍💚