A UXer’s 12-Month Journey from Climate Concern to Climate Credibility

Key Insights

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  Adding specificity to the climate Venn diagram by defining what specific work needs to be done is crucial for effective climate action.

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  Reading and decoding a company’s ESG report is a valuable first step to understanding how one can contribute to climate goals internally.

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  Using a double diamond design process helps to navigate ambiguous climate problems by iterating between exploring problem spaces and focusing on solutions.

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  Focusing too broadly on multiple climate problems can lead to floundering; narrowing down to one well-defined problem accelerates impact.

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  Self-directed learning combined with structured, niche climate classes provides both foundational knowledge and practical skills.

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  Building a network of people who know just slightly more than you (‘one notch above’) makes networking conversations more productive and less intimidating.

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  Freelancing or pro bono projects offer hands-on experience to apply climate knowledge even without a formal climate job.

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  Even if your current job isn’t climate-focused, you can bring climate action into it by reading ESG reports, finding allies, and applying climate design principles.

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  Strategic networking for climate work involves targeted outreach with specific questions, not generic cold contacts.

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  Making a disciplined learning plan and blocking time for ‘flat food learning’ helps overcome the common excuse of ‘not having enough time’.

Notable Quotes