Thread by @KHayhoe

It was fantastic yesterday to give a low carbon virtual panel with John Holden, @EllenStofan and @cristindorgelo at @ScienceCenters yesterday! We collected audience q’s using @polleverywhere; here’s a brief summary of the most popular ones and our responses (thread)

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 1/ Don't silo; incorporate climate change and sustainability into every aspect of what you do, from food services to the gift shop to exhibits to activities. Museums + science centers are trusted sources of info for so many. Use your power for good!

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 2/ KH: this is a very personal choice, and I wouldn't judge anyone for what they decide. Speaking personally, I view it thru the apostle Paul's discussion on "food offered to idols". Does the money come with strings attached? If yes, stay away. If not, what better way to use it?

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 2b/ JH: not only that, but we need to be working with people across the spectrum. Engaging with industries is key to moving us all forward on this issue (I'm paraphrasing here so don't blame JH for any misquotes! -KH)

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 3/ KH: we care about climate change because it's a "threat multiplier" JH: yes; explain how the challenges of daily survival are being made even more challenging by climate change--impacts on water availability, crop productivity, health and more...

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 4/ KH: begin w/ an internal conversation that focuses on your mission, your values, your identity. Many fear taking on climate is inconsistent with who we are, but in fact it is often 100% consistent, we just haven't connected the dots yet. When we do, that's when change happens!

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere 5/ JH: new tech like electric/hybrid vehicles; adaptation measures being taken in cities, e.g., green infrastructure to reduce storm impacts and ameliorate flooding impacts. These also make for great displays. KH: and regenerative ag! see @ProjectDrawdown's list of 100 sol'ns.

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere @ProjectDrawdown 6/ JH: This is the hardest question. I'd be concerned that putting the names of advocacy organizations in displays could be problematic for museums. I think if you do what we've already talked about to raise the profile of the issue--including (see next tweet)

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere @ProjectDrawdown 6b/ JH (cont'd) ... being explicit about solutions than can be taken by national, state, and local governments as well as about solutions that individuals can use--you can expect that the people energized will find their own way to groups that can help them with advocacy.

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere @ProjectDrawdown 7/ JH: I would start with displays that illustrate local impacts and explain their connection to climate change using the words of authoritative groups, like the National Academy of Sciences.
KH: nca2018.globalchange.gov is a great resource for this information!

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere @ProjectDrawdown 8/ KH: This is such an important point! That is why we need to move beyond just scientific facts to connect them to why it matters to people and what we can do to fix it. This Global Weirding episode explains:

@EllenStofan @cristindorgelo @ScienceCenters @polleverywhere @ProjectDrawdown 9/ And last but not least - yes! It doesn't often happen on social media; it usually requires face-to-face conversation at best or even video. But it CAN happen, here is the proof: physicsworld.com/a/evangelical-… and here's how to have that conversation: ted.com/talks/katharin…