In agriculture we run global businesses locally. We feed the world yet grow and live in small rural communities. We tend to value legacy, family, God and country. Most farmers would say they work hard to build operations that can be passed on — that sustain.
As agriculturalists, we uniquely understand sustainability from both a land management and a financial perspective. Yet, the definition of that word, sustainability, is changing, and that change is coming quickly to our doorsteps.
The Climate Conversation
We’re at an intersection now of topics relating to climate increasingly being discussed. And, no matter what your beliefs are on the term climate change, others we interact with, be they landlords, investors, customers or governments, are asking us to step into this discussion.
Some folks will assume you’re talking about the type of temperature in an area. “What’s the climate like in Wyoming this time of year?”
Other people will guess you’re referencing the comfort of an indoor space. “How do we keep the climate at 72 degrees in this office?”
You might even offend some people by simply using the word “climate”! Or some may assume they know your voting record because you’ve uttered the word.
But you may make fast friends with others and be seen as a better human for saying it: “If you’re into climate, you must practice sustainability and care about the planet more that other people.”
Just saying “climate” these days seems to be a risk that can automatically put in you one category or another, depending on the audience. For sure, it seems never to be neutral; some want to jump into a long conversation about the topic and express their views while others will look uncomfortable and find any excuse to change the subject or walk away. All of this over a word that describes the environment that we all inhabit!
Of course, the real reason you get so many different reactions (and definitions) about the same word is that it’s become politicized. Frankly, that’s too bad and it’s not at all helpful.
Quest for Neutrality
What if we begin to take back that word and attempt to neutralize it again? Is that possible? Is that something we should even bother to try? I’d advocate that we do.
In our sector, people often shy away from this topic for fear of not knowing just how to effectively address it. Yet, we know our industry is essential to life and we do offer incredible solutions to concerns — at whatever level you believe in — about the environment.
So maybe it’s our time to begin taking back the word “climate” from being considered a one-sided point of view and returning it to a neutral word defining a broad and important topic that affects us all.
Sarah Beth Aubrey’s mission is to enhance success and profitability in agriculture by building capacity in people. She provides executive coaching as well as peer group and board facilitation.
