Overview

‍

Many of us have encountered climate skeptics or people that believe climate change is less important than other societal issues (e.g. poverty and homelessness). It is a compelling argument for countries whose economies are reliant on extractive industries. Often, we can fall into the age-old debate of Jobs vs. Environment.

‍

Does the Sky Fall on Everyone takes us to Nigeria and illustrates the tricky nature of these conversations.  It provides a powerful image of the sky falling all across the world, to help us remember that climate change is not an isolated challenge, but one that will affect all life systems – human and non-human.  

‍

We are also reminded of the importance of a just transition from fossil fuels that allows for thriving, sustainable communities to exist as we prioritize safeguarding our climate and natural ecosystems. You can see the resources below for more about what “just transition” means.

‍

Opening the Discussion

Whether you are hosting a private or public event, consider allowing the audience a few moments to reflect on what they have heard and to quietly organize their thoughts before beginning a discussion. You may provide a general prompt (see examples below) that may support their thinking:

• What are three words to describe your impressions of the play? 
• What insights did it provide (in relation to climate change)? 
• What parts surprised you or moved you? 

Consider spending a few minutes (3-5 mins) discussing some of the responses to these questions, before transitioning to the discussion prompts below. 

‍

(Note - we have a comprehensive guide on Hosting a Listening Party with lots more suggestions - click here).

‍

Discussion Prompts

• Have you talked about climate change with climate skeptics? How did you handle the situation? What was your motivation for having this conversation?
• Many climate experts and psychologists recommend against focusing solely on the scientific causes of climate change, and instead speaking to the values and beliefs of your audience and the ways in which daily lives is affected by climate change. Given this, how would you change your past conversations with skeptics? What are their values and how could you bring those into the conversation? (Check out our resources below for a climate conversation training course from 350.org)
• Deforestation across West Africa has caused many adverse impacts, including increasing the frequency of storms. In Canada, deforestation threatens old growth trees — which sequester carbon and are important for forest ecosystems — due to logging activities. Think about your favorite landscapes in your neighborhood or childhood spaces. Have they been affected by development or industry? In what ways?
• How can you support just transition in your community or country? (Check out our resources below for ideas!)

‍

Resources

‍

To learn more about this topic, check out the resources below:

‍

• Learn more about the principles of a Just Transition, from the Just Transition Alliance
• Extractive companies, like the coal industry, continue to plague West Africa. See the 350.org Africa coal tracker. 
• Not sure how to respond to climate skeptics? Check out ways to respond to their most common arguments. 
• Need a refresher on how to talk about climate change? Take this interactive course from 350.org.  
• Considered a classic within the field of Political Ecology, Misreading the African Landscape, demonstrates how dominant narratives of ‘blaming’ local Africans for deforesting lands were wrong, and shows instead how communities were preserving lands. The book is a great reminder to keep our eye on the systemic roots of both climate and environmental change. 

‍

Take Action

‍

The narrative that people can only thrive from working in poor conditions for the sake of extracting fossil fuels needs to change. It’s time to support the call from local Nigerians for a coal-free Nigeria.  Demand that the Nigerian government bans coal mining in Nigeria. Sign the petition to STOP the issuance of coal mining licenses in Nigeria today! 

Want to do more? Consider donating to these climate organizations or supporting their campaigns. 

• Wilderness Committee
• Dogwood BC
• 350.org‍