Climate Optimism is for Everyone
So... how can we bring climate optimism to YOU?
First off, thank you!
The readership of this newsletter is growing each week and it warms my heart to know so many people are finding their way to climate optimism. Since many of you are new here, and since most of you probably know me for my writing, I thought it was about time I shared some of the other work I do (and burn passionately for!)
Because I don’t just write, I also love to talk, especially in front of an audience.
I offer keynote speaking and workshops on all things climate optimism (see below for topic details). My experience spans commencements, keynotes, panels, MC hosting, and longer-form workshops.
This was the best presentation I have attended in a long time!!
— Attendee at ANJEE Teachers Winter Conference
With years of podcast and panel hosting behind me, I’m a pretty decent interviewer, and one of my favorite things is sitting down with experts from various fields and seeking new narratives together. So no matter how you might be looking to bring climate optimism to your company, school, or organization, let’s talk!
Is this for you?
What role does climate optimism play in your world? Probably a lot bigger than you think!
Here’s the deal — we’re living through uncertain times. We desperately need change, and we need it fast. That can be unsettling, but what if these changes hold possibilities for even better ways? Better ways to produce goods, transport goods, grow doods, generate electricity, co-exist in thriving communities… the list goes on. If we dare to reimagine the world as we know it, we could be looking at a much healthier and more vibrant society in the decades to come.
What we do now is incredibly important, because we’re creating that tomorrow today.
Therefore, we must activate the inner leadership and resiliency to keep us grounded through these times while nurturing the curiosity and courage necessary to try new things.
We must learn to ask ourselves:
What does it look like to seek happiness in new realities?
How do I find the strength to see, accept, and embrace change?
What if these seemingly challenging times are opportunities for innovation, growth, and positive change?
Her inspiring words helped make our ceremony memorable with words of resilience, action, and optimism.
— Joanie Mahoney, President, SUNY ESF
Topics
I burn passionately for this topic and offer multiple narratives and approaches to the field. Below are some examples of topics I speak on. If you wish to work with me we’ll have a conversation to discuss what your specific goals are and how to best customize the experience for your audience.
Radical Transformation That Starts From Within
The inner leadership and bold rethinking that will activate our future today
In a world that faces unfolding uncertainties, many feel the need to take a step back and hold on to what they know. Although a primitively rooted behavior developed to keep us safe, it’s a response we can no longer afford. Instead, we must muster the courage to venture out and explore – to seek opportunities for new and even better ways.
Just because changes are upon us doesn’t mean we have to succumb to fear and regret. Instead, recognizing the climate crisis for what it is puts us in an incredibly empowering position – the ability (and right) to think again. It’s about finding the courage to choose change.
The 3 Necessary Narrative Shifts in Climate Communication
How do you communicate the climate crisis from a lens of possibilities instead of responsibility and shame? Understanding the difference can be game-changing for a brand trying to position itself toward a net zero world. Although climate change is becoming a more and more present topic in most of our minds, the ability to act, or the motivation to do so, is rarely there.
In this keynote/workshop, we will cover the three profound narrative shifts that will help you rewrite the story of the climate crisis – and your place in it:
From responsibility to opportunity
From minimizing to maximizing (our footprint)
From saving the old world to creating a new one
Dealing with Climate Anxiety
Tools for Growing Emotional Resilience in a Changing Time
What does it mean to live with climate change awareness without losing oneself to hopelessness and despair? Is it possible to understand the complexities of climate change and still feel inspired, optimistic, and motivated to take action?
The answer is yes and it starts with shifting the narrative on climate change so that we can act from courage and excitement, not fear. This workshop will cover what it means to grow emotional resilience in the face of climate change, tips for nurturing optimism that sustains, and the mental blocks that stop us from taking action.
Anne Therese’s contribution to the Alps Forum was invaluable. Her capacity to inspire and impart knowledge on climate issues is extraordinary, making her a valuable asset to any event focused on environmental sustainability and action.
— Leo Schall, Program Manager Alps Forum, SwitzerlandPrevious work
My portfolio of work spans commencement keynotes to collaborative communication projects, like this podcast series I recorded with BMW. I’ve lectured at acclaimed schools like Harvard University, City College of New York, Columbia University, and FIT. I’ve also moderated panels and acted as the MC at numerous events, both on and off camera.
I would love a conversation to explore if my services are what you’re looking for!
Please email me at annetherese@theclimateoptimist.com