Issue: Principles & Processes

Playing up the masculine character of the climate movement may attract more supporters. Describing the climate moThis study investigated some factors that might predict interest in engaging in climate activism. The study—using surveys—found that people who perceive that the pro-climate “issue public” (i.e., people who care most about climate change) has “positive masculine” traits are MORE likely to say they’re interested in engaging in climate activism. In contrast, the study found that people were NOT more likely to be interested in climate activism when they thought that the pro-climate issue public has “positive feminine” traits. Perceiving “negative masculine” traits associated with pro-climate issue publics was correlated with people being more interested in ANTI-climate activism.             

While the federal climate policy landscape remains bleak, over 50 cities have committed to 100% clean energy goals, on top of 180 mayors who have endorsed 100% policies, with new campaigns continuing to be rolled out. And this is pushing utilities’ adoption of renewables. Today we report on new Lab-supported work from Climate Access that provides in-depth lessons from the “Ready for 100” initiatives (joint campaigns between the Sierra Club and local partners across the country). This research includes a case study of the Ready for 100 programs, take-aways from efforts in six cities*, and a webinar* featuring the Pueblo, CO, and Atlanta campaigns. You can also check out a previous Lab alert about how to communicate a clean energy vision*.