After over a decade as a climate optimist, I stand by this mission more than ever. Not because I have more evidence the world is on the right track (maybe I do, maybe I don’t), but because my belief in this practice is anchored in like trust in my bones.
In a world in growing despair, I therefore wanted to make a post about why I’m still a climate optimist — and what makes me one. Do you agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear your thoughts in comments.
And psst, if you like this article, please don’t forget to give it a like!
First off – no, I don’t know that things will be “fine”.
Climate research, with increasing accuracy, tells us the future is filled with unwanted feedback loops, increased stress on our ecosystems, and unimaginable experiences for humanity and other species.
👉🏼 We have created a world built on unsustainable promises, and unless we course-correct, we have every reason to be worried about our future.
So if anyone tells you not to worry about climate change, kindly dismiss, and run in the opposite direction. Denial and ignorance do not make you an optimist!
Secondly, if you ask me about hope, I want you to specify... Hope for what?
Will things go back to “normal”? Probably not... At least we must ask ourselves what we mean by “normal”.
Let’s lay the ground straight for a minute.
Due to human activity, we have raised global temperatures and placed a serious strain on ecosystems worldwide. Because of this, we’re hurtling towards tipping points – thresholds in the environment that, once crossed, we can’t go back on.
This doesn’t mean we can’t do anything about our warming planet – in fact, there is still time to act, and every degree matters.
👉🏼 However, the world will, in various aspects, continue to change beyond return.
This means ecosystems will continue to shift, species will (and this is the sad part) continue to go extinct, and humanity will have to adapt to whatever comes next. So, no, I don’t have “hope” that things will go back to how they were. In fact, much of my optimism is grounded in acceptance and understanding of what has and will be lost.
All this being said, I refuse to give up.
I decided to bring children into this world. Not just one, but two! This was an intentional choice, and even if I sometimes fear their future, I do my best to infuse it with as much optimism as I can.
👉🏼 For here’s the deal — we still have the power to shape what comes next.
In fact, our active participation, both individual and collective, has never been more important. So, amidst a climate-changing world – as a mother and concerned citizen – here’s what actually makes me an optimist.
1) I choose to be one!
Never before in human history has it mattered to live with such intention. Where our attention goes, energy flows, and it can easily drift in the wrong direction.
We must therefore ask ourselves:
Are we giving in to a world in defeat, or intentionally laying the foundation for what’s possible next? I choose the latter.
2) Our world can shift so easily!
Sustainable innovation isn’t just a far-off dream; it’s here. There are so many examples of human ingenuity and nature-based solutions that make A LOT OF SENSE – for climate and humanity. All we have to do is be willing to implement them.
What it really comes down to is our courage and ability to embrace change! I will never stop questioning the status quo, for this very reason.
3) Optimists are Winners
Then there is the obvious reason that both neuroscience and psychology point to:
👉🏼 Optimists are more successful in their pursuits, more likely to try new things, and more willing to collaborate with others. (The list goes on)
They also live longer, lead healthier lives, and (spoiler alert) find more joy in everything they do. And who could we all benefit from living long, healthy lives and being more successful? People who want to change the world!
4) Energy is infectious – and optimists change the world! (You sort of have to believe this)
👉🏼👉🏼 Remember: Our mission isn’t to fight the old world, but to passionately build a new one. So if I want to inspire others to lead more sustainable and intentional lives, I know I need to do so from a place that actually inspires. And I’ve learned I can care deeply and still lead with joy.
All this being said, I fully respect that it’s not always easy.
It isn’t lost on me that optimism is nothing less than a practice. It’s something you commit to and continue to show up for, just as you’d keep going to the gym to stay in shape.
👉🏼 If you want to believe there’s a bright future to look forward to, your commitment leads the way.
This doesn’t mean you’ll always go the extra mile to live more sustainably, or that every conversation needs to head into a “change the world” sort of direction. But it does mean you’ve taken a stance on who you want to be in this world and the narratives you actively choose to feed into.
The future is still being written. Being an optimist means living fully for the promises of that truth. Every day, in this sense, becomes a doorway to possibilities.
So…
What narratives are you feeding into? What do you anchor your hope in? And will you let yourself be guided by the possibilities of our future, or held back in despair over what’s been lost?
How we show up now matters more than we can possibly imagine. The world needs your light.
Thank you for this, Anne-Therese. I fully agree with you that we need to keep embracing what’s possible now, and now, and now. Thank you for being such an inspiring example.
Hanging on to this viewpoint can be so difficult in our current times. We must try to push forward and keep up the work!