Why We Need Climate Optimism

The climate crisis can feel like an insurmountable challenge, and for activists (particularly young people) this burden of carrying the weight of the crisis on their shoulders can make navigating these spaces overwhelming. Despite the challenges faced, it is more important than ever for activists to turn to joy and optimism in their work, to foster resilience, and move towards a state of climate optimism.

In her podcast, ‘Who Cares Wins’, Lily Cole interviews Christiana Figueres who has been at the forefront of international environmental policy, including as the lead negotiator of the historic 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. In the episode, Figueres shares her insight into how to maintain climate optimism. She suggests that optimism doesn’t have to mean being naive, or denying the reality of the problem we face. Rather, she defines optimism as moral courage and strength in the face of adversity — to be apprised of what is happening, and taking action from that place. It made me realise the importance of optimism in activism and advocacy work; especially the possibilities of what can be achieved if those doing the work prioritised hope and joy.

As activists and advocates for environmental and social justice, it is all too easy to put our well-being to the side. However, as Jack Adam Weber, the author of Climate Cure states, “Climate cure means we not only heal ourselves, but also help the rest of the planet flourish as much as possible. In this sense, climate chaos is a catalyst, an opportunity for regeneration, similar to other heartbreaks!’. It’s essential that well-being and personal healing is at the root of what we do, not only for others and the planet, but for ourselves. There is the resounding phrase that gets thrown around, ‘you can’t give from an empty cup’ — and it’s true. Having the capacity and resilience to work on such hard-hitting topics requires young activists to tend to their well-being, and find time to nourish themselves in order to give back in the work they do. Like a garden which must be tended to in order to flourish, we must be prioritising well-being to make the work that feels so demanding, a conduit for joy and optimism.

Educational institutions are one of the first places we should be developing resiliency in the face of the climate crisis. Our education systems are in need of a revival in their capacity to support and inform their young people of the climate crisis. Specifically, in creating spaces for young people to express their concerns, while also offering them the tools they need to see their potential to make change and create solutions.  Teach the Future’s campaign advocates for climate education, and serves to embed sustainability into all spaces of learning. As activists, we are reimagining our educational systems, one where young people feel empowered to create a sustainable and regenerative world, while also feeling nourished and supported to do their activist work.

In response to this need of revival within our education systems, Force of Nature has created a Discussion Guide, which is made up of 4-modules designed by young people trained to talk about eco-anxiety. The aim of the guide is to help educators facilitate conversations about the climate crisis, while safeguarding the young people they are serving. This is an example of fostering emotional resilience, and creating spaces for young people to share their climate emotions — something which is desperately needed in educational spaces. If we can also promote joy and optimism into this process, then we can support those who are doing the necessary advocacy work to protect both people and planet.

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