Climate Optimism + The Power of Action
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One of the differentiating features of Save Our Happy Place as a resource for climate information and action is our strict mission to help you participate in the climate movement from a place that is optimistic as opposed to leaving you feeling disheartened, powerless, or overwhelmed. But that begs the question: Is it safe or even a good idea to be optimistic about climate change? You might assume that optimism about something might lead to apathy, contentment, or inaction - but you’d be surprised.
Does the world think we can solve climate change?
Or how optimistic are people generally about our ability to solve the climate crisis and how does that optimism affect their actions? Let’s start with the basics.
Climate Optimism is not about taking a step back and hoping for the best to happen. It’s about diving into awareness and choosing a path of resilience, action, and hope. - Anne Therese Gennari, of The Climate Optimist.
So now that we understand that climate optimism is stepping into action and not coasting through this dilemma, let’s discuss one point that might be giving you apprehension. One of the more common themes I encounter when discussing the climate crisis with people is their feelings of isolation. Between the highly political nature of the matter and the existential weight of the subject, it is no wonder people are scared to bring it up. But the truth of the matter is, you’re not alone.
Not only does the majority of the world care about the climate crisis, but also the majority of the world considers themselves to be optimistic. So you’re in good company.
The research found that the largest contributing factor to the fatalist sect is your country of origin, income level, educational background, and age - with the highest levels of fatalism located in the global south. It also is worth noting though that one in five young people globally believes it’s too late to fix climate change versus only 12% of age 50+ citizens. That means young people are 66% more fatalistic.
So what is contributing to such a high level of eco-anxiety in young people? The heavy dissemination of information, memes, and other media around the negative impacts of climate change, as opposed to that of positive, solutions-based climate information. This is one of the primary reasons why we share good climate news and actual action steps with you every week.
TL;DR - Optimism begets action which begets stories of hope which begets more optimism. You’re not alone, so don’t be afraid to talk to your loved ones about your passion for saving the planet. Share what you are doing and I don’t necessarily mean on Instagram. But just like you’d tell your friends about a new brand you like or what you did over the weekend - share what you are doing in the climate space. If you choose to inspire from a place of love and respect, you never know what the ripple effect that your optimism and actions might be.
Don’t Miss This
Curious about climate optimism? How can you become an optimist? What can you do to actually make a difference? The Climate Optimist herself, Anne Therese Gennari, and I will be answering these questions and more during the Women & Climate Celebration hosted at Humanscale during New York Climate Week. Livestream registration is still available. You won’t want to miss it!
Some Rays of Sunshine
The Headlines We’re Happy to See
Patagonia founder donated the $3 billion company to fight climate change.- Read More
Some college campuses now offer climate anxiety therapy. - Read More
President Biden signs executive order bolstering bioengineering to steer U.S. away from reliance on chemicals that rely on oil. - Read More
China’s CO2 emissions fall by a record 8% in the second quarter of 2022. - Read More
According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, more people are employed in the clean energy sector than in fossil fuels. - Read More
LOVE this issue on optimism Leah, and thank you for quoting me! :) Look forward to our panel next week!
Thanks for your uplifting words each week. Thankfully I have not had to find an eco-anxiety therapist just yet.