Section 1: Discussion Partner -my self the farmers.
I had a climate conversation with my farming community, focusing on the immediate impact of climate change on our food supplies. We are currently facing shortages in feed for goats, cows, sheep, and even vegetables for ourselves. The urgency of the situation is clear—we are running short now, without yet considering the mid to long-term future.
During our discussion, we agreed on the need for water catchment systems on our farms, highlighting a familiar pattern of reactive rather than proactive behavior. This reminded me of the old monkey story where, despite repeatedly recognizing the need for a shelter during nighttime rains, the monkeys forget their resolve by morning, distracted by immediate pleasures until the next night’s rain prompts the same realization.
Similarly, our community tends to address issues only when faced with immediate challenges, rather than preparing for the future. I urged my community to shift from this short-term, mind-focused approach to a more sustainable, soul-driven perspective. The mind is often trapped in the past, whereas the soul can guide us toward a more beautiful and sustainable future. By relying on our collective soul, rather than just our minds, we can break this reactive cycle and take proactive steps to secure our future against the impacts of climate change.
What I spoke about?
Section 2: Climate Impact Discussion
I discussed the immediate impact of climate change on food supply with my farming community, focusing on the current shortages in feed for livestock and vegetables for our own consumption. This issue is particularly relevant to our area, where we have experienced a severe drought from January 2024 to May 2024, drastically affecting our agricultural productivity. The community was with me as I explained the clear and present danger posed by food and water shortages, as these were issues they could directly observe and understand.
However, the conversation took a turn when I started explaining the more subtle effects of climate change on plant nutrition. I mentioned that increased levels of carbon dioxide can lead to higher production of glucose in plants but lower concentrations of essential nutrients like amino acids, iron, and zinc. Unfortunately, this part of the discussion lost my audience. The farmers, being practical and focused on immediate concerns, did not fully grasp the scientific nuances of how climate change affects plant biochemistry. Instead of engaging, they began to express their confusion and frustration, with some even vocalizing their discontent by saying “booo.”
Interestingly, this reaction—although seemingly negative—was still a form of engagement. It indicated that while the farmers were not connecting with the technical details, they were still alert and invested in the discussion. This highlighted the need to communicate scientific concepts in a more relatable and simplified manner, ensuring that the message resonates with the practical experiences and immediate concerns of the audience.
To bridge this gap, I plan to use more accessible analogies and focus on how these biochemical changes in plants can directly impact crop yields and livestock health, which are areas of immediate concern for the community. By drawing clearer connections between the science and their daily lives, I hope to foster a better understanding and encourage proactive measures to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on agriculture. This experience has reinforced the importance of tailoring communication strategies to the audience’s background and immediate concerns to ensure effective and meaningful engagement.
So not all new is good new but all new is best new cause you are the one who is making things better for ALL.
Section 3: Reaction and Reflection
I felt a mix of emotions during and after the conversation. Initially, I felt hopeful and empowered as the community was engaged and understood the immediate impacts of the drought on our food supply. However, I also felt some frustration and disappointment when I lost them with the more technical aspects of climate change impacts on plant nutrition. This highlighted the need for clearer communication strategies tailored to my audience’s background and practical concerns.
I would definitely attempt to have similar conversations with other people, but I would adjust my approach based on this experience. I learned the importance of simplifying complex scientific concepts and relating them directly to everyday experiences. Next time, I would use more relatable examples and perhaps visual aids to illustrate how climate change affects plant health and nutrition.
Additionally, I am still mixed in my thoughts and emotions regarding these topics because of my belief in the Bible, which says that God will ultimately come and fix all things. Balancing scientific understanding with my faith adds another layer of complexity to these discussions. This conversation reinforced the need to respect and integrate diverse perspectives, including faith-based views, when discussing climate change and its impacts.
