collective climate hope + action
Believe it or not, we have made progress in slowing climate change over the past few years. Solar and wind power are cheaper than coal and gas in much of the world. Electric vehicles are much more accessible than ever before. Governments and businesses are investing hundreds of billions of dollars into clean energy solutions and there are technologies for sequestering or removing carbon from the atmosphere that are nothing short of incredible on the horizon.
And, more good news: before 2015, we were on a path of warming to a staggering four degrees Celsius by 2100. Today, it's down to three degrees Celsius. If the world’s leaders meet their current commitments, the planet could warm by around two degrees Celsius. This is progress, but we need more.
channel frustration into action
We, as a collective, need to channel any feelings of frustration, hope, fear or helplessness into action. Two degrees Celsius isn't good enough - we need to work together to be as close to that 1.5 degree threshold as possible.
Of course, it's more complex than what we can do as individuals. Essentially, we need to hold manufacturers, government and corporations responsible for climate action - and worse, for inaction. Cutting our individual carbon footprints is important - but not nearly as important as the systemic changes that governments and companies should enact to help ALL people live more sustainably.
While individual action definitely helps, it is no match for the impact of countries, companies and economies which have been built around burning fossil fuels and abusing carbon sources for energy or industry.
what can you do? glad you asked…
Make an effort to stay up to date on all climate related policies.
Support, elect or run yourself for government roles with a pro-climate campaign.
Write your local government leaders supporting legislation for responsible consumption, limitation on plastic production and continued diligence on fossil fuel production.
Support regulatory legislation on the disclosure and reporting of all scope emissions for corporations.
Educate yourself on the up-and-coming technologies for carbon removal garnering much well-deserved attention - and support them where possible. Exciting organizations like Eion Carbon Capture and Project Vesta are providing new earth-driven carbon removal technologies which have the potential to change the trajectory of carbon capture as we currently know it.
Bring up climate conversation with friends, family, loved ones - through the lens of action over everything and by sharing helpful insights & the positive progress that has been made in recent years.
Offset your own carbon footprint via an app like Joro - or at the minimum, evaluate your own footprint (here or here) and become aware of ways you can lower your emissions - and how you can neutralize your impact.
Voice important info on social media, sharing positive climate news, personal actions and insights.
the bottom line: you CAN make a difference.
Experts say individuals can make a difference. A bigger truth is that we as individuals need to use a collective, strategic approach. Humanity mobilized against COVID-19 at a speed and scale previously unseen. While imperfect, our success should inspire us to challenge what we think is possible. We can do the same with climate change. We have the advantage of the digital age, incredible new innovation and an upcoming generation who has statistically never been more in touch with their humanity. Let's join our energies and intentions and keep moving forward, together.
