The Train Thought Experiment

Connecting with others on shared values and goals is essential when discussing climate change. Identifying common ground creates a foundation for meaningful dialogue and helps counteract polarization. To achieve this, it’s essential to frame sustainability in a way that is relevant and engaging to each person.

To fully understand how to put this into practice, I present a thought experiment.

You're on a train journey, and at every stop, a new person gets on the train. The catch? Before the train moves on to the next stop, you need to find common ground with each person about climate change and sustainability. If you fail to do so, the train will remain at the station, and you'll be stuck there forever.

As the train pulls into the first stop, a man in his mid-forties steps in. He looks tired and stressed, and you can't help but wonder if he has children. You strike up a conversation and discover that he is the owner of a family business that has been passed down through generations. You notice the pride in his voice as he speaks about his business and the challenges of running it in a constantly changing world. As the conversation shifts towards climate change and sustainability, you notice a hint of skepticism in his voice. He tells you that he's not convinced that climate change is real or that human activity has anything to do with it.

You realize that convincing him to care about sustainability will be a challenge, but you also recognize the common ground between you. You explain to him that if he cares about his business and his children's future, he should care about climate change and its impact on the environment. You mention that his children will one day inherit the business, and it's important for them to have a healthy planet to live on. You ask him what his children's views are on sustainability because you know that younger generations are often more passionate about this issue. By framing the conversation in a way that is relevant to his personal and business interests, you hope to convince him of the importance of sustainability.

As the train stops at the next stop, a well-dressed businesswoman enters. You strike up a conversation with her and quickly realize that she is a climate skeptic. She believes that the costs of addressing climate change are too high and that the price is the most critical factor when making any decision. You find common ground with her by acknowledging the importance of financial considerations in business.

You explain to her that there are significant economic benefits to addressing climate change, such as reduced costs from energy efficiency, increased productivity from sustainable practices, and opportunities for new business models and products. You also emphasize that the costs of inaction can be much higher in the long run, both financially and environmentally. You ask her if she has considered the risks associated with climate change and how they could impact her business. By framing the conversation in a way that aligns with her focus on costs and financial considerations, you hope to convince her that sustainability is not just good for the planet, but also for her bottom line.

At the following train stop, a young man in his twenties steps in. You start chatting and discover that he is skeptical about the effectiveness of global efforts to combat climate change. He believes that individual actions don't matter and that any efforts to address climate change need to be on a massive scale to make a difference.

You find common ground with him by acknowledging the challenges of solving such a complex problem. You explain that global efforts are essential, but individual actions also matter. You highlight that small actions taken by individuals can collectively have a significant impact, especially when it comes to raising awareness and inspiring others to take action. You also mention that there are many examples of successful individual and community-driven efforts to address climate change.

To help him understand the effectiveness of individual actions, you ask him if he has ever made small changes to his daily routine that reduce his carbon footprint. You mention that personal actions can lead to changes in behavior and that collective actions can lead to changes in policy. By framing the conversation in a way that emphasizes the importance of individual actions and community-driven efforts, you hope to convince him that global efforts to combat climate change are essential, but individual actions can also make a difference.

As the train doors opens at the next stop, a man in his forties steps in. You start chatting and quickly realize that he is skeptical about the non-Western world's efforts to combat climate change. He believes that developing countries need to do more to address their own emissions before asking developed countries to do the same.

You find common ground with him by acknowledging the need for fairness and equity in global climate action. You explain that while it's true that developing countries need to do more, developed countries have a responsibility to lead by example and provide support to developing countries. You also mention that Western countries, in particular, have historically been the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore have a greater responsibility to take action.

To help him understand the importance of Western countries taking the lead, you ask him if he is aware of the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations in developing countries. You highlight that these populations often lack the resources and infrastructure to adapt to the impacts of climate change, and that Western countries have a responsibility to help address this imbalance. You also mention that Western countries have the technological and financial resources to transition to a low-carbon economy and can provide a model for others to follow. By framing the conversation in a way that emphasizes the importance of fairness, responsibility, and global cooperation, you hope to convince him that all countries need to work together to address climate change, but Western countries have a greater responsibility to take the lead.

As the train stops again, you encounter two people with seemingly different views on climate change. A young professional is crying, and you soon find out that she was made fun of by her colleagues because she can't afford an electric car. Meanwhile, an old man from a lower socio-economic background steps in and voices his belief that climate change is invented by the government to make money.

You start by addressing the young professional's concern about electric cars. You empathize with her and explain that while electric cars are becoming more affordable, they are still a luxury item for many people. You also point out that there are many other ways to reduce one's carbon footprint, such as using public transportation, carpooling, or driving a fuel-efficient car. You make it clear that taking individual action on climate change shouldn't be limited to those who can afford the latest technology.

Moving on to the older man, you take into account his lower socio-economic background and his skepticism about the motives behind climate change initiatives. You acknowledge that people with less money are often more focused on their immediate needs and may not prioritize climate change. However, you also point out that the government has a responsibility to address climate change and protect the environment for future generations. You explain that investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency can actually save money in the long run, and that there are many initiatives to make these solutions accessible and affordable to everyone.

By acknowledging the different backgrounds and concerns of these two individuals, you hope to bridge the gap and find common ground in the shared goal of a healthy and sustainable planet. You emphasize that everyone has a role to play in addressing climate change, regardless of their socio-economic status, and that we must work together to find solutions that work for everyone.

As the train enters the second to last station, you hear a salesman speaking to a colleague on the phone. You overhear him say, "Who cares about greenwashing? This new ad makes us the market leader." This raises a red flag for you, as it seems that the salesman is more focused on profits than on sustainability.

To address this, you begin by asking the salesman if he's familiar with the concept of greenwashing. You explain that it's when companies use misleading marketing tactics to make their products seem more environmentally friendly than they actually are. You point out that this can erode the trust of consumers who are genuinely concerned about sustainability, and that it's important to be transparent and honest about a company's environmental impact.

You then steer the conversation towards the competitive advantage of being a truly sustainable company. You explain that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they buy, and that companies that prioritize sustainability are more likely to attract and retain customers. You also note that being a market leader comes with a responsibility to set a positive example and to use that influence to make a positive impact.

By highlighting the risks of greenwashing and the benefits of genuine sustainability, you hope to encourage the salesman to reconsider his colleague's comments and to recognize the importance of prioritizing sustainability in business. At the last stop, you find yourself face-to-face with a retired military general. After a brief introduction, you begin to discuss the topic of climate change and its potential impact on national security. The retired general expresses concern about the potential security threats that could arise from climate change, such as mass migration, food and water scarcity, and conflict over resources.

You acknowledge that energy security is crucial for national security, and that dependency on foreign oil can leave a country vulnerable to supply disruptions and price shocks. You also note the additional risk of dependence on oil from authoritarian regimes, which may use their energy resources as a political tool or leverage.

To address these concerns, you propose that the government invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease the risk of resource conflicts. Promoting domestic sources of energy, such as renewable energy and natural gas, can also help to reduce the risks associated with energy dependence. By diversifying the sources of energy, countries can become more resilient to supply disruptions and less vulnerable to price shocks.

You suggest that the military integrate climate change considerations into their strategic planning and operations, such as assessing the potential impact of climate change on mission objectives and adapting to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, investing in research and development of new technologies that can help to reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of renewable energy sources is important. This can make renewable energy more competitive with traditional sources of energy, and can also drive innovation and economic growth.

Finally, you note the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and its security implications. The government should work with other countries to share best practices, collaborate on research and development, and promote global action on climate change. By promoting energy independence and taking a proactive approach to climate change and its security implications, the government can enhance national security while also achieving economic and environmental benefits.

Although this thought experiment may seem simplistic, its lessons can be applied to a variety of work or social situations. One example is when discussing the topic of climate change with a friend, family member, or colleague. Creating an inclusive dialogue requires identifying shared values and framing sustainability in a way that resonates with the interests and priorities of your audience.