SOOTHE ‘DOOMERISM’ WITH CLIMATE OPTIMISM

Climate anxiety, or Eco-anxiety, is a reality that we now live with. It’s a state of heightened anxiousness over the impending consequences of climate change, and it’s hard to find hope in the face of what feels like an oppressive doom tainting our vision of the future.
It’s easy to look at the news around climate change and think that it’s too late to do something – that there isn’t much an individual can do. But I argue that the most important thing we can do as individuals concerned about climate change is to stay optimistic. Yes – the greater responsibility is in the hands of the corporations and the government bodies in power to tackle climate change. But believing we can still fight this is important.

Here’s how to get into that mind state:
Learn about the progress being made to fight climate change, and share that information with your community.

“The Highlight” by Vox is a series specifically “Against doomerism,” that explores how “doomerism” and climate pessimism can be unproductive in the fight for our future.
The Climate Optimist is monthly newsletter out of the Harvard School of Public Health that covers this issue in depth.

Read the Advocate’s recommended Book of the Month.

“Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World,” by Zahra Biabani. A climate activist, influencer, CEO and writer, Biabani’s book and her article published on Teen Vogue asserts that despair isn’t an option. She uses examples of changes being made to support the argument of optimism in the face of climate change, and provides actionable information that can help sooth eco-anxiety.
Follow climate optimism activists on social media.

One activist to follow on social media is Alaina Wood, @thegarbagequeen on Tiktok. Wood provides resources for learning, for direct action, as well as shares positive climate change news regularly to help combat doomerism.
It’s a tough time to be optimistic, but Earth Day is an opportunity to have these conversations and explore these resources. Integrate climate optimism into your daily feed and let’s work on being hopeful for our future together. Check out page 8 for an Earth Day bingo card activity!