New studies show proof of climate optimism

... and other insights that might surprise you!

One of the biggest issues with climate change is that most of us live with the belief that others don’t care. That is a big issue because it means we’re not motivated to take the action that we ought to. We feel like it’s us against the world and that therefore, our actions won’t matter. And even if I bring my own bag to the grocery store and stop flying, what does it matters if others don't care?

As Andreas Karelas puts it so beautifully in his book:

“In order to get energized to solve climate change, then the public needs to feel empowered to make a difference.”

But what if we’re much more empowered and supported in our actions than we think? And what if all we have to do to activate that power is to openly talk about it so that others feel empowered too?

A recent article in Bloomberg Green shares some interesting findings about the public perception of climate change and — *drumroll* — how optimism seems to be the way to solve it!

Research psychologist Elke Weber studied how local farmers thought about climate change and what stood out to me the most, was this:

“Faced with any new threat, people are motivated to do whatever they can to make anxious feelings disappear — even if the response is just the first thing they thought of or not particularly effective.”

(Weber later called this effect the “single action bias.”)

The article continues:

“One of the implications of this bias is that scaring people about climate change can lead to one-time, inadequate responses. Approaches that emphasize positive changes and pride may lead to more productive results.”

Approaches that emphasize positive changes and pride may lead to more productive results.

Let me segway you into climate optimism. Because, truly, I believe it’s the only way forward. To be a climate optimist does not mean that you think everything is going to work out nor does it mean you never get to worry. Climate optimism simply means that you act from a place of curiosity and excitement with the belief that what you do matters.

I’ve been saying it for a long time and it glads me to finally have studies to back my claim — fear will never lead to long-term, sustainable change. In order to enact the surmountable changes needed to pave the path toward a different kind of world, we need to infuse people with a sense of optimism, curiosity, and pride. We have to drop the shame and blame and use our energy on focusing on the world we want to create next. And the most exciting part is that on that quest, we all get to be heroes.

When I was little, my mother would often tell me: “Honey, you can’t carry the world on your shoulders.”

Of course, she was right. I used to believe I could change the world and even more so — that it was my responsibility to do so! I know better now. I can’t change the world, but I can change my world, and when I start to change my world, the worlds of the people around me will begin to shift as well, with ripple effects I can’t even imagine.

If we continue to approach climate threats by finding the easy way out of that uncomfortable feeling, all while hoping that someone else will step in and save us, we will not have a chance. The way forward is recognizing that all of us have a part to play and trusting that claiming agency over our own worlds and actions will lead to that desired, positive change.

Your opportunity to create the most impactful change is right outside your doorstep, if not inside your home. It’s with the people you already know and connect with, people who you may not think care about these issues, but probably do. Because here’s another interesting fact for you, as also observed by Weber:

“Nearly all Americans have created for themselves a ‘false social reality’ in which their beliefs about what their compatriots think about climate change are dead wrong. Surveys show that Americans believe about 40% of the public supports clean-energy policies. The actual figure is “a supermajority” of 66% to 80%, the authors write. The study is based on a sample of 6,119 people surveyed in the spring of 2021.

— Bloomberg Green

If most of us care more than the next guy thinks, maybe it’s about darn time we open our mouths and hearts and get very clear on the world we want to see next. Let’s activate our bold hearts, dream bigger than big, and find inspiration for positive change in everything we do. Let’s be proud of what we can accomplish and make sure others get to feel pride too. Let’s do all we can to turn this crisis on its head and make it the absolute most exciting journey we could ever dream of.

Ladies and gentlemen and everything in between — it’s time for change.

If you want more inspiration on how to activate empowerment in your own life and direct worlds, get excited for The Climate Optimist Handbook — going into print soon!

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A Dose of Climate Reality

Pakistan raised $43 million to prepare for glacial floods. It wasn’t enough

Read the article here

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Climate Optimism

• Washington joined California in banning gas cars by 2035

• The first 100% hydrogen passenger trains are now running in Germany

• Animals are returning to New York waters (think whales and dolphins!)

• Recovery of rare species in China

• Tigers in Nepal come back from the brink of extinction

• This tech company is aiming to plant 500 billion trees by 2060 – using drones

“In these troubled times, we need the local courage, energy, and optimism. With climate threats, war in Europe, and great concern about rising costs, it can be easy to see the future a little darkly. We must stand together and try to give each other strength to face the challenges. Then we need inspiration not to give up.”

— King Harald of Norway