Climate change is a very real and very imminent threat to our way of life as we know it. As the COP26 summit in Glasgow approaches steadily, eyes all over the world will be turning towards Scotland in the hopes of meaningful change being enacted.
We’re living in a stressful time. As individuals, it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of an adversary as colossal as climate change- especially when the solutions we’re waiting for rely on the cooperation of huge, faceless corporations.
The fact that these feelings are so widespread, however, means that none of us are alone. Climate awareness is permeating further and further into public consciousness with each passing day, and that’s something that should be considered a huge success.
One way to alleviate the restless feelings of anxiety associated with climate change is to get involved in a good cause. Join activist groups dedicated to lobbying and protesting the large corporations responsible for the majority of the human race’s CO2 emissions- collective action is the surest way to inspire attention.
Not only will you be helping make the world a better place, but you can feel better knowing that you’re contributing to the cause. You’ll be giving yourself a chance to express agency in the fight to tackle climate change: it’s a win-win. There are a plethora of different ways you can get involved with something to suit every lifestyle. Whether you’re suited to admin work, poster creation, or taking it to the streets in protest, every little contribution helps.
While personal lifestyle changes are still dwarfed in comparison to the level of emissions cultivated by large corporations, they do still help. Reducing consumption and waste, wherever possible, can help to stop the harmful cycles of landfills and pollution.
Small efforts, such as shopping second-hand, re-using old materials, and avoiding unsustainable brands can result in a considerable personal reduction in harmful habits. You can also help the climate by planting native plants from a local nursery, such as the Te Wai Mauri plant nursery, because native plants help to restore the soil and maintain the balance of ecosystems.
Additionally, trying a vegetarian or vegan diet can have an incredible impact both on the environment and your own personal health. If it’s not something you’d previously considered, you’d be surprised at the level of versatility plant-based cuisine can offer. As always, make sure that you consult with a doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes. Don’t sacrifice your personal health whilst trying to help the greater good!
At the end of the day, one individual can’t reverse the effects of climate change. That’s something that requires a huge, collective effort. While we should do everything we can to enact these group initiatives wherever possible, sometimes it’s worthwhile to take a step back.
If you find that climate stress is weighing on your mental health considerably, make sure that you reach out for support, or support the community around you who may be feeling the same way. There are a wide variety of online resources available to you, such as community drives, support groups, or even hypnotherapy training courses.
