CLEAN Teleconference Call April 30, 2019
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Jothsna Harris and Megan Van Loh: Talk Climate, A Model for Sparking Climate Conversations
Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of Climate Generation's Talk Climate Institute model, focusing on the most recent example held in March. Polls on climate change show that 70% of Americans believe that climate change is happening and that it will cause harm to future generations, yet two-thirds of Americans say they never talk about it. We know that there is a disconnect between people feeling concerned, but lacking confidence to talk about it and one of the most important things we can do to address climate change is to talk about it!
The Talk Climate Institute meets the urgent need to inspire confidence to talk about climate change. Participants develop skills to unpack dynamics on beliefs and behavior to find common ground, and learn practical strategies to engage with people on the issue of climate change.
Bios: Jothsna's primary role is to lead planning and implementation efforts for Climate Generation's public engagement work. Jothsna has helped to create a neutral balance in bringing the issue of climate change to communities across Minnesota, building community resiliency and capacity through multi-stakeholder alliances, and connecting people through the power of storytelling. Jothsna's work includes innovative programming designed to empower climate champions and normalize climate change, including the Talk Climate Institute, 2017-18 Youth Convening Minnesota, and our award-winning 2014-16 Climate Minnesota project. Jothsna is a recipient of the CERTs Women in Energy series, and holds dual BA's in Environmental Studies and Political Science from the University of Saint Thomas. In her spare time, Jothsna loves experiencing new adventures with her family. In 2011, she traveled with her husband, Rasheed and their two children (3 and 6 years old at the time) for five months in Italy through the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) Organization, to assist in improving sustainable agriculture practices.
Megan has been with Climate Generation since 2012, providing coordination and support of a variety of programs that aim to engage educators and the public with climate change education and opportunities for solutions. Her experience in different aspects and roles at Climate Generation brings a unique perspective to the education program to support and expand educator professional development and programing. Megan graduated from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University with a degree in Biology, and has a background in environmental education, natural resource management, and nonprofit coordination. She is glad to call Minnesota her home, and has a passion for engaging people with a love for the environment in order to preserve it for future generations.
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