The world faces many challenges when it comes to solving the climate change crisis. One of the areas where we have seen the greatest momentum is with climate activism, with individuals and groups around the world emerging as climate leaders. They are speaking up to elected officials, educating the public, and empowering other citizens to take action. In this blog we interview Brian Ettling, a climate change educator, communicator, public speaker, writer, and advocate for solutions. Brian has a unique approach to climate change education, and it might be just what the movement needs.
Brian, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in this field.
In 1998, I started giving ranger talks in Everglades National Park. I was answering questions about wildlife, the park history, Native Americans, botany, etc. and people started asking me about global warming, which I knew nothing about. I had to run to the nearest library to buy books on the subject. What I learned back then really scared me. I learned due to glacier melt in Antarctica and Greenland, sea level could rise globally by 3 feet by the end of the 21st century. The highest point in Everglades National Park is only about 3 feet above sea level. I got scared we were going to lose the precious wildlife and habitats in the Everglades because of sea level rise due to human caused climate change. Thus, by spring 2008, I quit my winter job in Everglades National Park to spend my winters in my hometown of St. Louis, MO to organize for climate action.
Tell us about how you’ve witnessed the effects of climate change and seen it with your own eyes.
I saw evidence of sea level rise in the Everglades with shoreline erosion, backcountry brackish water getting more salty, and saltwater vegetation creeping upward as a result. I could see with my own eyes the destruction that humans can do to the natural environment. At Crater Lake National Park, I often lived in the same park employee housing unit. Just looking out my living room window, I noticed less snow and more rain, as well as the wildfire season getting longer, hotter, drier, and more intense. There was also evidence that the surface temperature of Crater Lake was increasing.
Tell us about the Climate Change Comedian. What made you choose this unique approach to climate education?
I originally did it as a dare. During a conversation with friends, I shared about my struggle to find my life’s purpose. I blurted out, “If I could do anything, I would like to be the Climate Change Comedian!”
My friend dared me to immediately buy the website domain, which I did. I put together my climate change presentation and a few goofy short YouTube videos. These short online videos caught the attention of Comedy Central’s Tosh.0. I was invited to Los Angeles to appear on his TV show for an episode that aired in August 2016. Since then, I’ve tried to incorporate humor into all of my climate change talks.
Climate change is a serious issue. How do you feel people have responded to your methods to address such a serious issue in a relatable and funny way?
Experience has taught me that people are more open to learning when they are laughing. Climate change is such a depressing and controversial subject. If I could get people laughing during my climate change ranger talks, I felt like I could get them to be a little more open about learning about this complicated subject. Even more, if they are laughing, some of the audience members might feel less defensive if they are doubtful of accepting the science of climate change. Then, hopefully, my humor and optimism would inspire them to take action to reduce the threat of climate change.
What changes have you seen with climate activism over the years since you first started getting into this business?
I see much more youth involved now, which is so inspiring. There were not any Greta Thunbergs when I started my climate activism over ten years ago. Now there are so many teenagers, youth, and college students organizing and leading climate marches. They are confronting their elected leaders and demanding environmental and climate justice. It is amazing to see all ages and ethnic backgrounds involved with the climate movement. More elected officials across the political spectrum are making climate change a top priority in their legislative agendas also. Now we just need to imagine a world where we successfully reduce the threat of climate change.
We’re all very grateful for your efforts as a climate change advocate and activist. We appreciate your humor and educational approach. Thank you for your time.
