Resource Type: Evaluation & Measuring Progress

With so much passing through our inboxes every day, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s really valuable. As 2021 finishes off, I wanted to circle back on some of the most insightful, novel, or important pieces of research that I’ve come across from the last year or so. These are the case studies, experiments, surveys, reports, and toolkits—on a range of themes—most worth remembering as we head into 2022. Think of this as an early evidence-based Christmas for climate advocacy!
Since any one research study can only tell us so much, I’ve emphasized resources that give us the widest aperture of evidence, such as literature reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale experiments that test a variety of messages, messengers, etc. Among the research below, there are some that deepen our knowledge and increase our confidence on key questions (such as the value of emphasizing scientific consensus), while others expand horizons in new directions (such as new hard-won lessons from just transition campaigns).
One theme that emerges that’s worth contemplating as we close the year is a ‘back to basics’ perspective. That scientific consensus message is still key; environmentalist messengers talking about green jobs isn’t sexy, but it works; promote health impacts, health benefits, and include a call to action; and long-term organizing paired with authentic coalition building* remains the foundation of enduring people power.

A recent poll shows that more Americans than ever believe global warming is happening and are alarmed by it. 76% of Americans believe global warming is happening (compared to 12% who don’t). 70% of Americans are “very” or “somewhat worried” about global warming. 55% of Americans believe that people in the U.S. “are being harmed right now” by global warming. All of these survey estimates are at their highest points (since they began in 2008). This survey was fielded in September 2021.