Why we need conversations to reboot the future

Through our new partnership with Marks and Spencer, we are launching Reboot the Conversation (www.reboottheconversation.org), a new online hub to help you kickstart climate conversations with your family and friends.

With just over a month until the UN Climate Conference in Glasgow, COP-26, intense attention is being focused on the climate emergency, and the summit has the potential to shape the direction of climate policy for many years to come. At the same time, it can feel disconnected from our day-to-day lives and the positive changes we aspire to.

Recent research from Marks and Spencer exploring what matters to families, shows that environment tops the big picture concerns for families – with over six out of ten saying they are worried about how environmental damage will affect future generations. The same research shows that some good has potentially come out of Covid with 2/3 planning to do more activities as a family in the future, and 3 times as many people feeling closer to their family than they did twelve months ago.

It is within this context that we decided to launch Reboot the Conversation ahead of COP-26, a new online hub to give people more power to make the right decision for themselves and the future of our planet.

Our ambition

Starting a conversation about climate change

Most people want to do their bit to slow down climate change but don’t always know where to start. Conversations with those we care about are often the first step towards making a difference.

Through bite-size discussion videos and fact prompts, our new hub, Reboot the Conversation, helps people to kick start conversations with families and friends. Focusing on nature, the climate, food and fashion, we showcase the stories of real youth campaigners and their family members who share their efforts to live more sustainably, and then it’s over to you!

Cafe conversations

We are planning an in-person conversation taking place in Glasgow M&S store in October. This cafe conversation is designed to encourage parents, grandparents, M&S employees and their children to come together with others, to discuss and reflect on climate issues and the practical actions they can take to reboot the future. For more information, and to find out how you can take part, please email holly@rebootthefuture.org.

Sparks Live event

We are also planning an event broadcast on M&S Sparks Live in October, featuring a young climate campaigner and family member who will share thoughts and advice on how to spark conversations across generations, and top tips for living more sustainably. For the latest updates, follow us on social media (@futurereboot).

Further information

We hope you feel inspired to visit Reboot the Conversation and to start your own climate conversations with your family and friends - let us know how you get on @futurereboot. For further information about the campaign, please email holly@rebootthefuture.org.