OK, so what can we actually do about climate breakdown?
Things you and I can actually go out and DO. That don't require any magic wands or wishful thinking.
Things you and I can actually go out and DO. That don't require any magic wands or wishful thinking.
It's comforting to think that "they" will do something, that "collective action" is the answer and so therefore you and I have no real responsibility.
But it's so much more empowering to DO stuff. And it's more honest.
But it's so much more empowering to DO stuff. And it's more honest.
1. Join a face-to-face community of people who also “get it.” This is critical for sanity. It feels so encouraging, empowering. And it quickly puts you light years ahead of where you’d otherwise be in terms of your thinking and agency. Stand on the shoulders of giants.
There are many ways to do this. In 2008 I was #FuckingTerrified about climate breakdown - and no one I knew was willing to talk about it. I felt like I was going crazy. I joined my local @citizensclimate chapter and it made all the difference. Finally, my people!
There are many groups: @sunrisemvt, @extinctionRebellion, @350, @sierra, @TransitionUS, more. Find the ones you like, or start your own #ClimateCafe. Get a group together every couple of weeks over coffee to talk about climate breakdown in a public space. Which brings us to...
2. Talk about climate breakdown, every chance you get. The hour is too late to be shy. Talk to friends, neighbors, coworkers, family, people in the street. Move that mouth. Then shut it and really LISTEN.ted.com/talks/katharin…
Also use your unique networks and talents to transmit as skillfully as you can. If you’re an artist, make climate art. If you’re a musician, make climate music.
We're not scaremongering.
If you write fiction, write about how climate breakdown is affecting people here and now. Not in some near-future. If you’re a scientist, speak to the public from your heart, as a human. &c.
If you write fiction, write about how climate breakdown is affecting people here and now. Not in some near-future. If you’re a scientist, speak to the public from your heart, as a human. &c.
Go to your local city council meetings and *talk*. Stand up for the biosphere in matters large and small. Research policies, e.g. a carbon fee & dividend. Write to your congressional representatives. Write letters to the editor. *Talk.*
The time to mince words is over.
The time to mince words is over.
3. Speak truth to power. The time for protest is here. The time for nonviolent civil disobedience is here. We need more Valve Turners, more @dechristopher s, more Dr. Hansens, more of @sunrisemvmt and @ExtinctionR.
"You say you love your children, and yet you are stealing their future."
Our moment is here. We are at a major turning point in history. THE major turning point. Remember Sophie Scholl, who burned so brightly for truth and love. Her last words, before she was executed:
Our moment is here. We are at a major turning point in history. THE major turning point. Remember Sophie Scholl, who burned so brightly for truth and love. Her last words, before she was executed:
Intermission. I'm hopin' that this world will change.
4. Assess your own emissions (run the numbers - see my book) and work to reduce them. Prioritize the big things first. Fly less, eat less meat, bike more. Do this conspicuously, and explore how it can actually enrich your life.
yesmagazine.org/issues/life-af…
yesmagazine.org/issues/life-af…
This helps to shift the culture, paving the way for systems change. Our “leaders” actually follow us. And the authenticity supercharges all your other actions.
@GretaThunberg can only speak truth to power as she does if she walks the talk.
You CAN tell.
@GretaThunberg can only speak truth to power as she does if she walks the talk.
You CAN tell.
5. Ground yourself in some spiritual practice. I choose meditation. For me this is essential to keep from sinking into despair, but it’s more than that. It clarifies how we need to act out of fierce love. And it is an absolute prerequisite to any nonviolent civil disobedience.
6. Decolonize. Grow food, it leads to humility and gratitude, and it tastes great. Buy less stuff. Get to know the natural and indigenous history of your region. Get out of your bubble. Bike more. Did I say bike more?
7. Adopt an “all of the above” mindset. We need all hands, and all good ideas, on deck. Don’t latch onto one idea and present it as a silver bullet.
Vegans and nuclear power advocates - both are good ideas, but your one thing isn't going to fix this by itself.
Vegans and nuclear power advocates - both are good ideas, but your one thing isn't going to fix this by itself.
Time to stop the infighting and come together under the big umbrella of a #GreenNewDeal - all hands, all colors, all good ideas, all of the above.
This includes being kind. Let’s be more than civil to each other, let’s be kind. Let’s listen, and support each other, and learn from each other.
Action is the best antidote to climate anxiety and despair. Do all you can!
Action is the best antidote to climate anxiety and despair. Do all you can!
Note that of course atheists can participate in a spiritual practice, as well as theists! I don't consider myself to be a member of any organized religion. The reason spirituality is important is to prevent any possibility of reacting with hatred, or even violence.
