3 Ways The 'Spiral Of Silence' Is Sabotaging Climate Action

Staying quiet about what matters only delays change. Here's how this psychological trap weakens collective action.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 13, 2025

With the widespread reach of social media at our fingertips, expressing our opinions should feel effortless. Yet, when it comes to discussing climate change, many of us hesitate. Perhaps you care deeply about the planet's future but find yourself avoiding discussions, unsure if others share your concerns. This isn't uncommon.

A comprehensive study involving 130,000 participants across 125 countries revealed that 89% of people believe their governments should take stronger action against climate change. However, many individuals mistakenly think they're in the minority with this belief, leading them to remain silent.

This phenomenon, known as the "spiral of silence," describes how people suppress their views to avoid social isolation, even when their opinions are widely shared. This results in a "silent majority" — those who support the same causes, have the same values and share the same frustrations, but remain unheard because they don't speak up.

To address this, The Guardian and other newsrooms around the world, in collaboration with the global journalism initiative Covering Climate Now, launched the 89% Project. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of the silent majority and highlight the widespread public support for climate action.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial, not just for climate change, but for any issue that demands collective action. Recognizing that a vast majority shares your views can empower everyone to speak up. This would help turn the silent majority into a powerful force for positive change.

Here are three key ways the spiral of silence hinders climate action.

1. A Fear Of Rejection Or Ridicule Keeps People Silent

When people feel their perspective is in the minority, they suppress their thoughts to avoid potential rejection. For example, you might feel hesitant to speak up about climate change at a social gathering or in a professional setting if you believe the majority of people around you don't share the same concern or urgency. The fear of being labeled "overly dramatic" or "alarmist" is real and it can silence even the most vocal advocates.

In fact, a survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre on Americans' reactions to the Snowden-NSA revelations found that people were less willing to discuss the issue on social media when they perceived their friends or followers disagreed with them.

Interestingly, even offline, those who thought their views were unpopular were far less likely to express themselves. This demonstrates the impact of fear of rejection or ridicule on one's willingness to voice an opinion. Many people remain silent rather than risk confrontation or social exclusion.

This self-censorship is harmful because it creates a false impression that there is little concern or support for issues like climate action. In reality, many people are worried, but they remain silent, contributing to the dominance of louder, more confident voices that may not reflect the true consensus. As a result, opportunities to push for meaningful change are lost, both at an individual and collective level.

Here are a few ways to start shifting out of this fear.

• Start small. Speak up in safe, supportive spaces first. Whether it's with a close friend or a like-minded community, building this habit in low-pressure situations can give you the confidence to share more openly.
• Reframe disagreement. Not everyone has to agree with you and that's okay. Try to see differing opinions as invitations to exchange ideas, not personal attacks.
• Find your people. Seek out communities (online or offline) that share your values. Just knowing you're not alone can make it easier to speak up.
• Remember why it matters. Reconnect with your "why." If you care deeply about an issue, that's reason enough to share your perspective. Sometimes, your words are exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Speaking up doesn't always mean shouting louder — it can be as simple as choosing not to stay silent.

Sometimes, all it takes is one voice to shift the energy in a room. When you express what you believe in, especially on topics people tend to avoid, you permit silent supporters to speak too.

You might not see it right away, but your courage can spark something in someone else, creating a quiet ripple effect. Change can begin with just one comment, one shared story or one moment of honesty.

Your voice matters more than you know. Use it — not just for yourself, but for everyone who is still finding theirs.

2. A Fear Of Being Misinformed Creates Hesitation

Many people hesitate to speak up on complex issues like climate change, not because they don't care, but because they fear saying something incorrect. This fear of being wrong or misinformed can lead to silence, which in turn perpetuates ignorance and prevents meaningful conversations.

The Pew Research Center study on the Snowden-NSA revelations also found that individuals who felt less knowledgeable about the topic were significantly less likely to discuss it, both online and offline. This suggests that confidence in one's understanding plays a crucial role in the willingness to engage in discussions on important issues.

When people refrain from participating in conversations due to uncertainty, it creates a void that can be filled with misinformation or dominant narratives that may not reflect the full spectrum of perspectives. This silence can hinder collective action and the spread of accurate information.

Here are a few ways to overcome this barrier.

• Embrace continuous learning. Understand that it's okay not to have all the answers. Commit to learning and updating your knowledge regularly.
• Ask questions. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps clarify doubts and expand your understanding.
• Share reliable information. When you come across credible information, share it with your network. This can help disseminate accurate knowledge and encourage others to do the same.
• Create supportive environments. Create spaces where people feel comfortable discussing and learning about complex issues without fear of judgment. Even small shifts, like asking curious questions or admitting what you don't know, can go a long way.

By showing humility, curiosity and empathy, you create the kind of space where even the quietest voices feel safe to speak up — and that's where real change begins. This openness invites more honest conversations and encourages those around you to ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn alongside you.

3. Emotional Overload Makes People Shut Down

In our hyper-connected world, you don't just hear the news — you absorb it. With social media, you're constantly bombarded with information, much of it negative. When issues like climate change, social justice or global conflict dominate your feeds day after day, it can start to feel overwhelming. This constant exposure can create emotional fatigue, leading people to withdraw. Over time, this avoidance can silence even the most passionate voices.

So, it's crucial to monitor how much information you consume and to take breaks when needed. This allows you to preserve your energy so you can keep showing up without burning out. It's equally important to curate your media intake consciously. Choose to balance staying informed with staying grounded.

Here are some ways to manage emotional overload without checking out completely.

• Set boundaries. Be mindful and create boundaries around when and how you consume news.
• Prioritize conscious engagement. Engage with solution-focused content that highlights progress, not just problems.
• Talk it out. Sharing your overwhelm with others can transform it into a source of connection, rather than isolation.
• Take small action steps. A meaningful conversation, a shared post or a donation can shift you from helplessness to empowerment.

Choosing to balance your news consumption gives you the mental space to process what's important without feeling burnt out. By carefully curating what you expose yourself to, you can maintain emotional clarity, allowing yourself to engage in meaningful conversations and share your thoughts confidently, even when the world feels heavy.

In a society that often feels divided, it's important to remember that your perspective holds value. Instead of fearing judgment or withdrawing in silence, use your voice to contribute to conversations that matter.

When you engage thoughtfully, educate yourself continuously and create space for others to do the same, you help cultivate a more open and understanding environment.

By taking small steps to speak up, listen and grow, you encourage a ripple effect of positive change, both within yourself and in the world around you. You don't have to be perfect — it makes a significant difference when you're simply present and willing to add to the conversation.

Are you more worried about climate change than you care to admit? Take this science-backed test to find out: Climate Change Worry Scale

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.