A fresh approach to communications…

Is the green movement adopting a Dad's Army approach to communications?

"We're all doomed!" Private Fraser used to pronounce in his distinctive gloomy lilt during episodes of Dad’s Army. None of the platoon took him seriously and, of course, the television audience found it highly amusing, week after week.

Environmentalists often adopt the role of Private Fraser. We thrive on foretelling disaster and ruin and we also don't always get taken seriously. Some people even laugh at us.

So, we try the Sergeant Wilson approach to communicating with people, putting on a supercilious, intellectual air and criticising what people do. "Do you really think that's wise?" Wilson always used to say. Worst of all, we throw in a bit of Captain Mainwaring. "You stupid boy," we splutter, as we challenge and berate others for not doing what we think is right.

And what response do we get? Yes, Warden Hodges said it: "Oi Napoleon! Who do you think you are?" People resent others telling them what to do, especially when it comes down to how they live their lives.

Some people's automatic response to our messages is to run in the opposite direction, perhaps the Private Godfrey response ("Please can I be excused? Sir"). Others simply don't think 'saving the world' is for people like them. As Private Pike would say: "I don't think my mum would want me to do that..."

But how many times do we act like the old platoon hero, Corporal Jones? "Don't panic! Don't panic!" was his approach to anything scary that might unsettle his fellow men.

If we reassured people, thought positive and sought their participation on equal terms rather than their submission to a higher way of thinking, could we even expect a Corporal Jones attitude in return?

"Captain Mainwaring, Sir... I'd like to volunteer to test the new dangerous-looking rope bridge" might become "Hey, green groups: I'd like to volunteer to be the first on my street to give up my car..."