One of the most important things you can do to curb climate change is to talk about it.

Talk with—and listen to—people in your family, your workplace, and your community about climate change and its effects, as well as the ways in which we can all make a difference. Often, the people we personally know and respect have much greater influence on us than celebrities, government officials, or statistics.

People who know that their friends and family members are concerned about climate change are more likely to support policies that address it. And elected leaders need to know that their constituents support smart, equitable climate policy.

Unfortunately, climate change has been politicized to the point that many of us are hesitant to talk about it. But chances are good that you’ll discover that your neighbors and friends are also concerned about the ways the climate is changing.