108. Katharine Hayhoe on How to Talk About Climate Change with Love, Not Fear

Hey Change Podcast

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108. Katharine Hayhoe on How to Talk About Climate Change with Love, Not Fear

Anne Therese Gennari

Oct 14, 2025

Today, I’m bringing back one of my all-time favorite episodes from the archives of Hey Change. This conversation is between my former co-host Robin and me, along with Katharine Hayhoe, an atmospheric scientist, communicator, and one of the most inspiring voices in the climate space.

Even though we recorded this a few years ago, the wisdom and hope Katharine shares feel just as relevant — maybe even more so today. We dive into how to talk about climate change with people in our lives, why fear and guilt don’t work, and how we can instead use optimism, love, and connection to bring people on board.

I wanted to reshare this because it’s one of those timeless conversations that reminds us that our voices matter, that hope is something we create through action, and that we already have so much in common when it comes to wanting a better future.

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But who is Katharine?

If you don’t already know her, you’re in for such a treat. Katharine is an atmospheric scientist, the Chief Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, and the author of Saving Us, one of my favorite books on climate change. Katharine has given a TED Talk that’s been viewed by millions, she’s been named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, and she’s truly one of the most powerful voices helping us connect climate science to our everyday lives.

“We don’t change people by guilting them. We change them by sharing what we love.”
Katharine Hayhoe

Key Takeaways:

Focus on what unites us. Climate change is a symptom of deeper division — and our shared humanity is the key to lasting solutions.
Fear and guilt don’t drive change — love does. Productive climate conversations start with empathy, shared values, and good news about solutions.
Faith and science aren’t opposites. For Katharine, her Christian faith inspires her climate work — caring for creation is an act of love.
Individual actions matter — and ripple outward. Small, joyful steps build hope, shift culture, and lead to system-level change.
Hope is found in action. Optimism isn’t blind faith — it’s recognizing that every year, every choice, and every action matters for shaping the future.