The Fallacy That We Can Just Stay Silentand ‘Wait for National’
The newsletter for professionals cautiously approaching the discussion about climate, but pretty sure they should.
Issue Number : 4
It’s been about a year since we started IN-CLIMATE, the emerging network of agriculture, energy, and natural resources professionals seeking to create a practical, productive dialog around climate topics. What a first year it has been!
People sometimes ask why I started the group. Was it because I was dedicated to the cause of sustainability? Perhaps it was because I have a passion for climate policy. I was even asked by one (not so) well-meaning state senator: “Honey, are you a liberal?” Ha–that one is truly my favorite! Honestly, none of these are true.
In part, I started IN-CLIMATE because I was mad. Yep, someone ticked me off and I decided it was probably time to see if that attitude ticked off other industry leaders, too.
Let’s Just Wait for National
Here’s the story: In the winter of 2021, I put together a project proposal to engage more ag producers in discussions about their attitudes, ideas, and questions about climate-related topics. The prospective client and I were excited about the project (so I thought) and planned to expand it to others in the food supply chain. I had a verbal commitment for the work and sent an invoice at his request. About a week later, the prospect wrote an email on a Friday afternoon saying that we wouldn’t be able to start the project. In fact, when he shared it with the leadership team and CEO, they decided they didn’t want "to stick their necks out there" and "be seen as leading in the climate space." Finally, my disappointed prospect added that his boss said, "Actually, we’ll just wait for our national trade group to tell us what a good play is."
Wow. I was stunned. Wait for national? Really, I thought that attitude was a cop- out. What it said to me was that because the answer about how to proceed wasn’t completely clear, the company’s leaders preferred to completely sit on the sidelines. It said to me that instead of trying to uncover a path forward and serve customers by seeking to provide solutions, they opted to be silent on the issues and find a safe place to hide out. And, yes, that made me mad and more importantly, disappointed. I believe we cannot afford to be told what to do. We need to guide the conversation and lead into what we should do.
The Silence Led to Action
The next day, my husband Cary came home to find me on the floor of my office with three flip charts scattered around while furiously scribbling ideas about a climate group. My thinking was that there were likely other organizations that wanted to do more work in this space but needed a forum, more information, and maybe some peer-to-peer resources to get started.
The day after that, I started to make calls to find out. Within two months, IN- CLIMATE was born and we decided to organize. My favorite quote from that first call-out meeting came from a colleague who said: “I’m here because I was afraid our industry would be seen as silent on this issue.” Perfectly said.
People that speak up are cool
Clearly, the groups and people involved as members, speakers, and sponsors of our upcoming event do not fit in the "wait for national" mold. Though they don’t have all the answers and likely have a few questions and indeed some concerns, they know that stepping out and stepping up is what is required to lead. It has been an interesting challenge stepping into the climate conversation for me, as well. As I stated in the first newsletter from June 2022, I’m here to start and in the beginning, I’m learning every day as well. But, those folks involved so far are not hiding out and not silent. And, that speaks volumes!
Want to join us? You don’t need to be an expert. Attend the IN-CLIMATE, Ag as the Solution Summit on August 23rd at the Purdue Beck Ag Center!
Register Today