The Climate Crisis: Shifting our Perspective

by Katherine Dawson

Climate doom – have you heard of it? As the climate crisis grows increasingly pressing, you might feel inundated by apocalyptic news. While doomsday data can be motivating, it lacks an essential element of any justice movement: hope. 

Amidst the media’s bombardment of wildfires, floods, and various climate disasters, it’s easy to fall prey to what has become known as climate depression. Speculation about the future becomes exhausting and anxiety-inducing. This ailment is particularly affecting younger generations, who must grapple with the notion of an uncertain and frightening future. One study, which surveyed 10,000 people aged 16-25, indicates that a majority of young people feel sad, anxious, and frightened due to climate change Many reported hesitancies to have children as well. 

Look, the climate crisis is real. I won’t report the statistics here (for fear of overwhelming you) but they exist and are cause for concern. But plummeting into collective hopelessness is undoubtedly stagnating. 

Several other perspectives influence the climate movement. Notably, a too-large portion of our population denies its existence or at least denies its anthropogenic foundation. Climate optimists, however, endeavor to promote both an accurate picture of our possible future and our positive advancements towards a healthier planet. Proponents of this position suggest that realistic optimism engenders action whereas fear is paralyzing. To suppress your fears over perceived impending doom, try looking up some positive stories. This article from Bloomberg News is sure to raise your spirits. 

In truth, we have made indisputable progress in slowing climate change. Investments in clean energy, Biden’s commitment to advance environmental policy, and a vibrant grassroots environmental effort (with a justice tinge) all offer hope for a brighter future. But we do have a long way to go, which is why we need increased participation on both a micro and macro level. There are myriad ways to make an impact. On an individual level, shopping green (check out our blogpost on Sustainable Shopping in St. Louis for inspiration) is a great way to reduce your impact. But pushing our local and federal governments to initiate extensive change is equally, if not more important.