Thinking about the climate crisis and global warming is often such an overwhelming thought that it can be near impossible to have a single positive notion about it. What do we do? Where do we start? How can I help? These questions tumble around our minds when we read headlines and reports which centre around our self-inflicted impending doom.
The climate crisis is, of course, a terrifying thing, and yes, we should be panicking but, we should also be constructive.
I’m here to tell you that there is one thing, and one thing only that you need to know about the climate crisis, and here it is:
You can do something about it.
That’s right. You, the one reading this article, YOU have the power to save the planet.
I know this might sound like an immeasurable task to take on, but you’re not alone. There are millions of environmentally-conscious people who are doing all they can to create a more sustainable world. This is shown by the existence of such charities and organisations as Greenpeace, Rainforest Alliance, Earthjustice and Ocean Conservancy – to name a few.
You might ask how these people can act with such confidence, how do they know that they have the ability and conviction and strength to take on this task? Well, the chances are they have realised one simple thing. They have realised that we, as individuals and as a collective, have the power to have a positive influence on the world and they have decided to act upon this. That’s all it takes; the realisation that we can do good.
It is becoming a convention when talking about climate change to issue blame for the state which we find ourselves in. Although understanding the issues around the climate crisis is crucial in inspiring change and establishing an understanding of the consequences of our actions, it is important that this isn’t the whole of our focus; yes, the issues must be mentioned but the solutions to these problems ought to be highlighted.
If change is ever to happen, we need to realise that we have the power, the knowledge, and the capability to have a positive impact on the world and start behaving like we have a choice.
By believing that we can have a positive influence on the planet, and by acting accordingly, the climate crisis doesn’t take on the form of a huge looming cloud of uncertainty. Instead, it appears to us as something we can work to solve, and if we work together to create an environmental equilibrium for ourselves and the planet, this solution can be found.
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be a challenge. By making small ecologically-conscious alterations to our life, we can create a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.
It is easy to think that the actions of one person will not have a great effect on the wellbeing of the planet overall. I’m talking about that voice in your head which whispers, “yeah, I could recycle but what difference will one plastic bottle make?”
When you start to think like this, I want you to remind yourself of one simple fact: if we are to work together, we must start with ourselves, we must begin with who we are, what we do, and how we want to act; because what is a collection of people if not a multitude of individuals?
You have the power to have a positive impact on the world and all those who share it, so, what are you waiting for?
