Actions You Can Take

Two things can be true at the same time: we need systemic change, and we should continue to take individual action/ do  the “little” things. It’s understandable to feel anxious or a range of emotions regarding the climate crisis, but climate emotions can be used to motivate us (Cheng, et. al 2022). 

Here are 5 specific things you can do that will help:

1. Vote

   1. Your vote is your voice (in the climate crisis, but really all the time). 

2. Talk about it

   1. In the words of Katharine Hayhoe, you need to talk about climate change! Try talking to people who you have shared values with, whether that be at your church or at the dinner table. You can frame the climate crisis in terms of your shared values (like caring for your community) to help them realize that they do have a stake in the climate crisis (Hayhoe, 2018). Check out her TedTalk, linked down below!

3. Call or write to your representative

   1. Your representative works for you. It’s not your personal responsibility to enact new policy, but your representative is part of a bigger system that can effect change.

4. Join Sunrise Movement

   1. I am grateful for the community I found in my rural small town’s chapter of Sunrise Movement. Connecting with other young people who also worried about the climate allowed me to feel less alone. We planned collective action events, and I was excited and proud to participate.

5. Attend protests

   1. Protests can provide a sense of solidarity and allow you to process the emotions you feel about the climate with others. 

6. Fly less

   1. If possible, try taking the train- at least your bag won’t get lost (a sore spot for me)

An action hosted by Sunrise advocating accountability on climate policy following the 2020 election!

References:

Cheng, S. (2022, December 21). Moving the climate crisis from our heads to our hearts Britt Wrays’ Generation Dread. With Many Roots. https://www.withmanyroots.com/blog/generation-dread/.

Hayhoe, K. (2018, November). The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: Talk about it. TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/katharine_hayhoe_the_most_important_thing_you_can_do_to_fight_climate_change_talk_about_it?subtitle=en.