
What is a Climate Café?
Perhaps you have begun to worry about what is happening to our climate and what this might mean for you and your family and friends, also for other species.
The focus of discussion in a Climate Café is participants’ immediate thoughts and feelings, rather than what we are doing (or not doing) about it. In a word we make space for the trouble, instead of merely wishing it away. It is a simple, friendly hospitable space where fears, uncertainties and other difficult feelings can be safely expressed and acknowledged. This allows for a conversation without pre-set themes or objectives in mind, other than how you are affected by the climate emergency and related biodiversity crises.
That climate change is happening for real is taken as read. Accordingly, a Climate Cafe is NOT a space for arguing about the validity of the science. It is an advice-free zone with no pressure to take action, join a group or change your mind on anything.
Principles of a Climate Café
You may on a previous occasion, in some other context, have felt shut down when you have tried to voice your concerns. Perhaps someone else found the topic too difficult or challenging. With this in mind Climate Cafes have 5 simple guidelines:
• Say what you really, actually feel
• Take it in turns to speak: be mindful of how much space you are taking up; and try not to interrupt others
• Observe confidentiality: don’t report what others said to third parties who were not present
• Listen and take an interest in others’ views, and don’t try to impose your own
• Silence is fine. So is anger. Tears also have a place.
Climate cafes are facilitated by Guy Gladstone and Jack Broadley of The Climate Psychology Alliance. For more information and to reserve places, call Guy on 01323 891 097.
Upcoming Climate Eco Cafes held at Lewes Climate Hub (Lewes House, 32 High Street) in 2025: Wed 14 May – 6.30pm-8pm |
From a Climate Cafe participant:
“Last night at the Climate Cafe in Lewes I was reminded that what is happening in our society and natural world is too much to face, in a sustainable and constructive way, for anyone on their own. It was my first climate cafe and I went on my own. I was warmly welcomed and any of my social anxiety, doubt and skepticism dissipated straight away. It was a room of caring people showing up. The conversation held us as we explored our experience of both global and political ‘tempest’ and ordinary and local concerns. I learnt about good work that groups and organisations are doing and I felt more hopeful and grounded and I enjoyed it. I’ve woken up this morning with a clarity and feeling empowered to follow through on a relatively small climate action and this feels a result of going to the group last night. I’ve heard it said that “stories happen through people” and for all my thinking, worrying, protesting and then feeling powerless and overwhelmed I realise that it is through relationships and conversations that we can create a positive story about the care we’re taking of ourselves and our world.”