Personal Responsibility and Environmentalism During Climate Change

We all know change can be scary, with one of the most worrisome aspects being that so many elements are out of our own control. While some of us may have learned how to manage these concerns, what happens when the change isn’t happening just in your own backyard, but on a global scale?

Welcome to climate change—a friend to no one. Climate change can occur naturally by the sun or large volcanic eruptions but the large-scale changes we see today are mostly the result of human activities. The carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane our activities release are the primary sources of greenhouse gases which result in not only warmer temperatures but also more severe and catastrophic weather events such as wildfires, rising sea levels, hurricanes, flooding and droughts. And while we should acknowledge the negative effects climate change has on our planet, it’s time we also consider the effects it has on us.

Even though eco-anxiety is normal, it doesn’t have to be your normal. Here are some ways to address the internal impact climate change may have on you.

I feel worried.

Worries about the future are natural and to be expected, especially when the threat is real. When we experience climate anxiety, common feelings may include denial, grief, guilt, shame and sometimes even anger. Climate change can elicit a rollercoaster of emotions, but experts recommend letting yourself feel everything you’re feeling, even if it’s uncomfortable. While most of the feelings are likely negative, the following tips can help counteract that.

• • Educate yourself on steps you can take to minimize your environmental footprint.
  • Spend time in nature with your friends and family—maybe even giving back to the environment by planting flowers or trees—one tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime!
  • Connect with advocacy groups that interest you.
  • Lead by example. The lifestyle changes you make today may encourage others to make them tomorrow.
  • Practice breathing or mindfulness exercises to calm your nervous system and give your brain a reset.
  • Be aware of the media’s impact. Seek information from trusted sources and ensure you’re reading positive news stories, too.

If your concerns ever become paralyzing, make sure you reach out to a professional, as sometimes, like climate change, the biggest impacts are the results of collaboration.

I want to make a change.

Once you’re aware of what you’re feeling you can channel your emotions into action. Here are some small changes that can lead to a big impact.

• • Walk, bike, carpool and take public transit more often.
    CO₂ savings per mile = 1 pound
  • Keep your tires properly inflated to improve your gas mileage.
    CO₂ savings per gallon of gas = 20 pounds
  • Replace your regular light bulbs with florescent light bulbs.
    CO₂ savings per year = 150 pounds
  • Use less hot water when bathing and washing clothes.
    CO₂ savings per year = 500 pounds
  • Reduce your garbage by 10 per cent by avoiding products with a lot of packaging.
    CO₂ savings per year = 1,200 pounds
  • Turn your thermostat down by two degrees in the winter and, if possible, up two degrees during the summer.
    CO₂ savings per year = 2,000 pounds
  • Recycle at least half of your household waste.
    CO₂ savings per year = 2,400 pounds
  • Turn off electronic devices (e.g., televisions, computers) when you’re not using them.
    CO₂ savings per year = Thousands of pounds

I have hope.

With all the doom and gloom, it’s easy to default to negative emotions. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons to remain hopeful.

1. Resources are evolving. Thanks to the mix of public pressure, investment, countries tightening environmental regulations and renewable energy sources becoming cheaper, the incentive to move away from harmful greenhouse-gas producing fuels is better than ever.
2. Efforts are growing. The public has become more conscious of environmentalism. Climate change and political environmental summits are occurring regularly, both having the effect of evoking positive environmental changes.
3. Every change counts. The United Nations’ goal is to reduce global warming rates to an annual average of 1.5°C, hoping to reach net zero by 2050. However, it’s important to remember that avoiding even the smallest increments—we’re talking 0.1°C—will help to limit the effects downstream. So, while bold, global action is important, small changes made by many can and do make a difference.