Lessons+learned+from+a+decade+in+climate+advocacy+%7C+Environmental+Business - Rochester Business Journal

Lessons learned from a decade in climate advocacy | Environmental Business - Rochester Business Journal

Almost exactly 10 years ago, I decided to become a climate activist. I had absolutely no experience with advocacy or environmental work, but I had just given birth to my first child, which served as the kick in the pants I needed to commit to tackling the climate crisis. Since I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, and initially didn’t have anyone to guide me, the learning journey was very, very steep (and at times quite painful). Ideally, the process of becoming an effective climate advocate/activist/organizer/supporter should be quick and easy. So with that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the past 10 years, with the aim of simplifying your learning journey:

So I hope this list is at least a little bit helpful for at least a few people. I have to admit that I feel sheepish about sharing it publicly, because I fear that people will think I’m weird and sappy. But I don’t want to live in a world where “professionals” can’t talk freely about love and kindness and equity, so I’m just going to go with it and hope it creates space for others to express their authentically warm and fuzzy feelings too!

Abigail McHugh-Grifa, Ph.D. is executive director of Climate Solutions Accelerator. Contact her at