Climate conversations are an accessible tool which can increase awareness and concern for climate change. However, relational concerns lead many individuals to self-silence rather than engage in conversations. This study investigates whether learning about high-quality listening, the display of attention, understanding and non-judgement, can increase willingness to engage in climate conversations by fostering psychological safety in conversations. 

We propose that listening improves relational dynamics and fosters a psychologically safe conversational environment in which individuals feel comfortable to take risks. In an experiment, participants will be randomly assigned to one condition: listening training, climate change information, or control. Prior and after the intervention, participants complete questionnaires regarding their psychological safety in conversations. Findings help inform interventions by showing whether a short listening intervention can increase willingness to engage in climate conversations.