The Power of Climate Storytelling - IN CONVERSATION WITH CLIMATE REALITY LEADER CHRISTEL BARTHELEMY

Christel Barthelemy, Photograph provided by C. Barthelemy, April 2026

Communicating climate change has never been more important, or more challenging. As David Attenborough puts it, “Saving our planet is now a communications challenge.”

From making complex, ever-evolving science accessible to sharing powerful stories of impact and solutions, the way we tell these stories shapes how people understand and respond to the crisis.

At Climate Reality, we are fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring writers and storytellers who shape and strengthen our work every day.

Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Climate Reality Leader and co-founder of the Climate Writers Perth Chapter, Christel Barthelemy, about her passion for climate storytelling, why turning words into action is vital for the movement, and how writing can go beyond symbolism to drive real-world outcomes time and time again.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was, that climate action requires gumption – a willingness to take initiative, even when navigating unfamiliar waters. 

What inspired you to undertake the Climate Reality Leadership Training, and how has that experience shaped your professional work and personal perspective on climate action?

I undertook the Climate Reality Leadership Training at a time when climate denial was a key challenge and I was stepping more intentionally into climate leadership as an international relations master student, looking for ways to deepen both my understanding and my impact. I was motivated by a sense that while the science is clear, we still need stronger, more compelling leadership in how climate stories are told and acted upon. 

CLIMATE WRITERS EASTERN STATES GROUP, PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY C. BARTHELEMY, APRIL 2026

The training was a pivotal experience. It sharpened my knowledge, but more importantly, it strengthened my confidence to eventually get involved with Climate writers. It reinforced for me that climate action requires not just expertise, but gumption—the willingness to take initiative, have difficult conversations, and keep pushing for change even when it feels uncomfortable.

How did you first become involved with Climate Writers, and what led to the creation of the Perth hub?

I connected with Climate Writer Founders, Eezu Tan and Marlene Baquiran in February 2025, over a Climate writers webinar. It really through a desire to connect with others who see (and were already measuring) how storytelling is central to climate action.
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At the time, there wasn’t a Perth chapter, so I pitched the idea to my friend and co-facilitator Leah Petrie—bringing together people who care about climate storytelling, writing letters and giving that interest a local home. Climate Writers, the format and vision is something we deeply aligned with. It was an act of gumption: stepping up to build something from scratch, without knowing exactly how it would evolve, but trusting that it was needed.

Can you tell us a bit more about the Climate Writers community in Perth and the role it plays in the climate space?

What makes the community powerful is its focus on turning storytelling into action. Writing to elected officials isn’t just an exercise--it’s a direct form of advocacy. People clarify what they stand for, put it into words, and then carry that clarity into real conversations with decision-makers. That process—owning your story and using it to push for change—is transformative.​ And this work is not symbolic—it is contributing to real-world outcomes. Since the inception of Climate Writers in Eastern states, the issues people have written to politicians about are the same ones where we’ve seen major policy movement:

the passing of the Climate Change Bill, strengthened Safeguard Mechanism rules to curb industrial emissions, and the landmark decision to end native forestry logging in Victoria. These are tangible shifts. They show that when people find their voice and use it collectively, they can help drive meaningful climate action.

Climate Writers Eastern States Group, Photograph provided by C. Barthelemy, April 2026

What aspects of climate action are you personally most passionate about right now, and why?

I’m most passionate about climate communication and narrative change. There’s a clear need for leadership in how we translate complex climate issues into stories that resonate, motivate, and empower.
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What drives me is the opportunity to shift the tone of the conversation—from something that can feel distant or overwhelming to something that is grounded in people’s real experiences and sense of agency - like not having access to air conditioning during a heatwave. Gumption plays a big role here: it takes courage to challenge dominant narratives, to speak up, and to keep showing up in spaces where change happens.

Looking ahead, what climate projects or initiatives are you most excited about, and what do you hope to achieve in the future?

Growing the Perth chapter that is in its early days is an exciting process. I am also excited to keep partnering with other organisations on events and initiatives that align with Climate Writers. We have been so fortunate to be so well received and are already partnering with Perth City Farm to host our gatherings.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One thing I’d add is that leadership in climate spaces often begins with a simple but important step: choosing to get involved. Make climate action a habit by registering for future sessions in our community calendar.

*Christel currently works at the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification. However, her participation in this group is in a personal capacity for educational purposes and as part of my role as an engaged and active citizen. The views and opinions I express here are solely my own and do not represent those of my employer.