How not to talk about climate change: agency, not urgency 

Don’t:

• Use language centered on urgency and catastrophe.
• Highlight collapse and loss, such as the disruption of ecosystems, the loss of biodiversity, and supply chain breakdowns.
• Use metaphors oriented around surviving in a hostile environment.
• Put out messages that can inadvertently cultivate resignation, leading to inaction.
• Use mechanistic terminology with regard to business models.
• Go into denial about the challenges.

Do:

• Use language that cultivates a sense of purpose, interconnectedness, and hope.
• Highlight business models that align with the life-supporting systems of the natural world.
• Use metaphors of stewardship and growth within a thriving ecosystem.
• Communicate the potential for business to be part of solutions rooted in collaboration, regeneration, and creativity.
• Talk about ‘becoming’ (versus change), as this implies agency of the individual, group, or organization.
• Hold open, honest, and heartfelt conversations about sustainability.
• Talk about redesigning systems for long-term flourishing,
• Use the language of the Inner Development Goals to encourage individuals to align their actions with a deeper sense of purpose.