‘OK Doomer’ and the Climate Advocates Who Say It’s Not Too Late https://nyti.ms/37R4NR4
A growing chorus of young people is focusing on climate solutions. “‘It’s too late’ means ‘I don’t have to do anything, and the responsibility is off me.’”
‘OK Doomer’ and the Climate Advocates Who Say It’s Not Too Late https://nyti.ms/37R4NR4
With evidence of the climate crisis growing every day, along with the rise of authoritarian governments, war and other tragedies, it can be hard to stay motivated to keep working for what’s right, for a sustainable, livable, safe planet, for everyone.
In development and sustainability circles, a phrase that is often heard is
Individual action is a great place to start, but a terrible place to end.
And it’s true, in certain ways. We absolutely need strong government action on many things. At the same time, the downside to phrasing our work like this is the somewhat implied apathy, which can lead to
It doesn’t really matter how much or little I try to change my own life, my own actions, how much I try to influence my circles or institutions to change. Someday, some bigger agent than me is going to swoop in and fix everything, so I’m off the hook. I can try a little bit, and then stop when it gets hard or inconvenient.
Here’s the catch. Big systems changes are needed, and we have to keep working for them AND those changes if/when they happen will simply accelerate the changes that, in many cases, we can already make now, for ourselves, without waiting.
For example:
| Goal | Government/High Level Action | Individual Action/What We Can Do Right Now |
| Reduce emissions from travel | Carbon taxes, disincentives for frequent flyers etc | Stop flying. Don’t fly south for a holiday winter. Don’t fly to Europe for a vacation. Don’t fly to a meeting that you could join remotely. Don’t do one more big trip now that Covid restrictions are lifting, even if it’s tempting. |
| Reduce emissions from food | Gov’t change to food systems, better food guides etc | – Switch to 100% Whole Foods Plant-Based diet (or as close as possible), starting now – Convince your local cafeteria at your work/school etc to significantly reduce or eliminate animal products as soon as possible – Encourage your local faith groups/community groups that you are a part of to switch events to plant-based |
| Reduce emissions from transportation | – Significant investment in clean public transit – Significant investment in EV chargers – Absolute end to fossil fuel subsidies | – Get rid of any gas vehicles in your household (now or as soon as practically possible) – Use public transit as much as possible – If owning a vehicle is in your plans, switch to an electric |
| Reduce emissions from housing | – Increased high density housing and investments in housing affordability | – Sell any properties other than primary (if applicable) eg cabin, cottage etc – Downsize primary property (if applicable) to reduce heating etc costs/emissions of a larger-than necessary property. (Bonus benefit – that will open up that housing unit for a family unit that needs the extra space for more people) – Live near as many amenities as possible, to walk (or at least eliminate long drives) for groceries, errands etc. |
| Others (Too many to fill in here) | – Reducing or eliminating plastics, single use items, take out coffee cups, buying better quality clothes instead of cheap fashion and so many others -Anti-racism, ant-discrimination etc work is also critical, but not directly related to emissions reductions. Not specifically in this category, but too important not to mention 🙂 |
So, while we continue to advocate for massive government intervention, which changes can we – individually and in our circles (extended family, faith group, community groups etc) make today? Which changes are you ready to make today? Which changes are we each prepared to make, even if nobody else does it with us?
In the comments below, let’s share which changes we are ready to make today. Which might we be ready to encourage others to do with us? What steps are we taking, today, for a better tomorrow?
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