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Climate and the Mind

Updated: Oct 28

Greenwich, CT - May 23, 2025



INTRODUCTION  

On May 23, 2025, Foundation House hosted Climate & the Mind, an intimate convening of 60+ Impact Allies to explore a crucial, often overlooked dimension of climate action: the role of consciousness. As headlines track rising temperatures and global commitments, this gathering turned inward—toward the stories we tell ourselves, the emotions we carry, and the beliefs that shape our ability to respond.


Guided by Richard Zimmerman, Executive Director of Foundation House, the morning opened space for deep reflection and bold imagination. What does it take to shift not just systems, but mindsets? How do fear, hope, and awareness influence our capacity to act?


Compelling keynote talks with Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and Jeff Gitterman, Partner of Gitterman Wealth Management, grounded the session in both data and personal conviction. Professor Leiserowitz shared research on the psychological and perceptual barriers to climate engagement, including Yale’s “Global Warming’s Six Americas”: six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue in their own distinct way, while Gitterman explored the inner work—awareness, alignment, and resilience—necessary for outer change.


Participants examined how our individual and collective psychology shapes climate outcomes—and how that awareness can unlock more grounded, courageous action. From data-driven insights on public perception to soul-stirring calls for resilience and adaptation, the conversations surfaced clear themes and shared opportunities. Below, we’ve captured key takeaways from the discussion and outlined the initiatives and ideas laying the groundwork for meaningful action.


IMPACT

The sessions revealed critical gaps in public understanding and engagement. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on human-caused climate change, only 20% of Americans are aware of this consensus, and just 28% are very worried about the issue. The psychological distance people feel toward climate change - viewing it as affecting others rather than themselves - creates a significant barrier to action. These statistics were shared by Professor Leiserowitz, which you can view here.


The discussions further highlighted climate change as a policy challenge due to its complexity, delayed impacts, and diffuse causes. Its invisibility—both in terms of sources and solutions—makes it difficult for people to grasp the urgency. Yet, participants were reminded that solutions already exist. The real challenge lies in generating the public will and political momentum to scale them.


INITIATIVES

1. Strategic Communication Approach

  • Use personal stories and local impacts to make climate change relatable

  • Employ trusted messengers from various communities, not just scientists or politicians

  • Focus on simple, clear messages repeated consistently across different platforms


2. Systems Thinking Implementation

  • Shift from linear to interconnected systems thinking, considering economic, energy, food, housing, transportation, psychological, and political systems together

  • Identify intervention points with cascading effects, similar to acupuncture points in the body


3. Community Engagement and Bridge Building

  • Engage entire communities, not just skeptics

  • Start conversations based on shared interests and values like clean air and water

  • Build alliances across political divides by focusing on common ground


4. Capital and Investment Focus

  • Drive capital into innovative climate solutions to demonstrate economic viability

  • Support attribution science and insurance market discussions as pressure points

  • Connect small investors with climate-focused founders and incubators


5. Positive Vision Development

  • Create compelling narratives about the world we want to build, not just what we're fighting against

  • Develop visionary projects that people can contribute to and see long-term impact

  • Foster collective responsibility and expand the definition of "we" in climate action


The overarching theme emphasized building trust, fostering collaboration, and maintaining hope while acknowledging the urgency of the climate crisis.


For more details on the speakers and agenda, visit the event page.


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This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to investment, tax, legal, medical, or mental health. This information is not a substitute for professional guidance. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.The sender is not liable for any errors or omissions in this information.

 
 
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