Audience: Conservatives & Republicans

Up your impact this session and learn advanced techniques for educating policymakers, drawn from a comprehensive review of research.

Recent acts of violence and injustice—here in Minneapolis–St. Paul and in communities across the country—are not only social and political crises; they are health crises. As we navigate ongoing harm and uncertainty, it is essential that we care for ourselves and one another.

The WaterHub and the Climate Advocacy Lab collaborated on research to investigate audience perceptions of government investment in and responsibility for disaster resilience. Though support was widespread for a government role in disaster resilience, those with the strongest support for a government role were more liberal, and held more progressive values, such as environmentalism and compassion, and believe in government involvement and community-based solutions. A test of four natural defense message frames (Collectivist, Equity, Individual Benefit, Cost Savings) found that they all increased support generally, especially among conservatives. In terms of likelihood to take action, the Collectivist and Equity frames were only effective among non-conservatives, whereas the Individual Benefit and Cost Savings frames were only effective among conservatives.

Views on grid-connected battery energy storage systems (BESS) are positive, but awareness is low: people are at an early stage of learning (and likely thinking) about this emerging technology, and over time opinions could potentially be swayed either way. Results from a national survey and a message test indicate no major opposition to BESS, and support is high after being informed about basic information, though there are some concerns about risks. When asked, people rate grid reliability as the most convincing reason for BESS, followed by its ability to support intermittent renewable energy; BESS’s positive impacts on local economies and lowering utility bills were also convincing. In testing, both high production value videos featuring testimonials from renewable energy workers as well as simpler graphic explainer videos were persuasive.

In the age of misinformation and polarization, conversations about climate change can be emotionally draining, especially when they involve people we love. Navigating these moments requires not only facts, but boundaries, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to our own mental well being.