Earlier this year, Jody Bickel from Creekbank Associates and Jenny Morgan, author of Cancel Culture in Climate, sat down for a critical and candid conversation on two of the most persistent challenges in climate action today: polarization and corporate silos. We explored what’s holding us back, and more importantly, how we can move forward in today’s confusing and divisive landscape.

What’s the polarization problem?

Drawing on insights from Jenny’s book, Cancel Culture in Climate, we discussed how cancel culture and “climate tribalism” are distorting progress. When we treat environmental action as a battleground of right vs. wrong or good vs. evil, we:

• Distract from essential solutions, funding, and partnerships
• Divide potential allies who might otherwise collaborate
• Demonize people instead of understanding perspectives

We also discussed six common climate personas, identified through social media research:

1. Technocrats – Policy-focused and regulatory-minded
2. Stewards – Grounded in conservation and nature
3. Climate Concerned – Urgent and often confrontational
4. Generalists – Optimistic, trend-driven supporters
5. Smart Alecks – Argumentative and superiority-seeking
6. Reserved – Disengaged or overwhelmed by complexity

The big takeaway? Ego over eco is the mindset holding us back. Progress begins when we stop asking who’s “right” and start asking what’s possible.

Why do silos stall progress?

Jody guided us through how corporate structures often obstruct sustainability efforts. Her message: Sustainability is a matrix function, not a department. And yet, it’s often treated as a niche or side initiative.

We explored:

• How to navigate internal risk and vulnerability as sustainability leaders
• Why misaligned or fragmented reporting slows progress
• How to lead across departments, not just within one

Her tips for breaking down internal silos:

• Treat sustainability leaders as executives, not add-ons
• Tailor climate reporting to your audience and lead with transparency
• Motivate progress through milestones and shared ownership

How do we move forward?

To close the conversation, we offered tangible prompts for both activists and corporate decision makers:

For Activists:

• Can you fairly present the opposing viewpoint?
• Are you open to changing your stance with new evidence?
• Are you challenging ideas or people?

For Corporate Leaders:

• Are your climate goals measurable, inclusive, and verified?
• Is your sustainability reporting consistent and transparent?
• Are you fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement?

The goal isn’t to win the argument. The goal is to build a team that wins the future.

What’s next for 2025 and beyond?

To be honest with you, probably a lot more of the same, unless we each take a stand against ineffectiveness and commit to progress, collaboration, and sustainable success.

As we look further into 2025 and beyond, we both believe in the importance of finding the place between. That is the space where:

• Collaboration replaces conflict
• Curiosity replaces certainty
• Sustainability becomes a culture, not a campaign

We encourage you to watch the full conversation here and please connect with us to continue the conversation. Share your thoughts, your frustrations, and where you need to improve! This is a place to be heard and a place to find support.

Let’s Make Progress, Together

Sustainability leadership is about more than compliance and aspirations—it’s about transformation. Making the right decisions at the right time requires the right expertise. Let’s talk about where you are today—and how you can move forward with confidence.

Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Jody
Prefer email? Reach out at jody@creekbankassociates.com
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