Drop response skepticism and commit to getting involved in climate action without worrying if your individual efforts can make a difference, focusing instead on doing the right thing.
Identify areas in your life, profession, or community where you can make a difference, especially regarding climate change, to engage effectively.
Frame your actions on climate change not as a question of hope for success, but as an ethical imperative to do the right thing for the planet and maintain human dignity.
In challenging times, prioritize social connection, cultivate a strong sense of purpose, and engage in doing good for others, as these are fundamental to well-being.
Engage in fighting for a good cause to form social bonds, gain a sense of belonging and purpose, and experience the reward of doing good for others, which contributes to well-being.
Combat anxiety and paralysis by discussing serious issues like climate change with a small group of like-minded people (five to eight), fostering a sense of agency and mutual support.
Adopt sustainable practices like switching to an EV, installing solar panels, or participating in climate marches, as these actions serve as signals that can influence others through behavioral contagion.
Become a positive climate communicator by sharing optimistic visions of a future society with less carbon intensity and more sharing, which can be healthy for people.
Use your professional role, such as a university professor, to educate others on critical issues like climate change, starting with your immediate environment and students.
As a professional, influence the policies and practices of your institution (e.g., academic senate, professional societies) to align with important causes, like reducing the environmental impact of large conferences.
Initiate advocacy efforts in your local community, as history shows that local movements can trigger national and even global change.
Understand that widespread public demand for green policies and actions can drive significant societal change.
Advocate for and adopt actions such as switching to wind and solar power and rapidly electrifying homes and transportation to combat climate change.
Engage in various climate actions, from attending marches and advocating for local government policies (like electrifying buildings) to becoming a green trendsetter or sharing informative content.
Commit to showing up and participating in group actions for a cause, as a sense of belonging and not wanting to let the group down can reinforce engagement.
Engage in advocacy even if immediate legislative wins are not guaranteed, as the process of struggling itself can significantly impact public consciousness and lay groundwork for future change.
Get involved in activism at night, on weekends, or in small bits during the day, without necessarily dropping your key career, as not everyone needs to make dramatic life changes.
Continue pursuing what you love and your creative endeavors, as the best of humanity should flourish even amidst global challenges.
Identify your personal or professional front lines to become an effective communicator about the climate crisis, regardless of your specific situation.
Recognize that averting disaster requires collective, urgent action, likening humanity to a boat that must paddle hard in the right direction to avoid being swept away.
Learn about the history of social movements to understand how political and social change is achieved through local advocacy by groups of people.
Draw comfort and inspiration from past generations who embraced significant lifestyle changes (like rationing during WWII) during existential threats, recognizing that similar cooperation is possible today.
Consider taking more action for the planet, even if only for your own well-being, as engagement can lead to increased happiness and purpose.
Participate in demonstrations and protests to advocate for local climate action and express civic engagement.
Consider making significant career shifts, even jettisoning a long-standing profession, if a new cause provides a strong sense of purpose and meaning that outweighs previous work.