By Marcy Franck
The climate crisis is big and scary and most people either don’t know how to help, or feel too overwhelmed to try. This is certainly true in my social circle and, as it turns out, all across the United States. Are you in the 72% who are at least somewhat motivated to jump in and give it a whirl? Hey, how you doin’, this issue is for you.
Options read like the giant menu at the Cheesecake Factory. You can recycle, turn off lights, and opt for public transit—those items are found in the 18-page appetizer section. Maybe that’s all you have the appetite for, and that’s ok.
If you want to supersize your impact, you can flip on over to the entrée section to find and join groups pushing for more green energy, less pollution, and more sustainable services in your local area.
We’ve compiled some advice and opportunities to help if you're just getting started, looking to up your climate game, or want to bring an air of self righteousness to your next dinner party.
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FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE CLIMATE MOVEMENT
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Boldly go where no oil executives have gone before.
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It’s about persistence, not perfection: “We don’t need a handful of people taking perfect action; we need millions of people taking imperfect action every single day,” said my new #ClimateCrush Pattie Gonia. Behold the most glamorous pep talk you’ll hear all day.
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This Venn diagram is the Magic 8 Ball of climate action decision making: Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson suggests we find our way to the center of these overlapping questions: What is the work that needs doing? What are you good at? What brings you joy? And yes, my personal diagram did say I should write campy newsletters filled with puns, irreverence, and the occasional Rickroll. But you do you!
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Accountability is never far from home: 2021 was a banner year for decarbonizing buildings, and each effort opened opportunities for volunteers to keep it on track. In my hometown, concerned citizens show up to every public meeting deciding the fate of solar panels that were planned to top our school buildings but now may be cut for budget reasons—and the decision makers know we’re watching. This article's round up of action is a mood-boost and provides ideas for efforts to support near you.
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For more options: This website from the creators of the movie Don’t Look Up offers suggestions for taking action, and if you’re looking for a career change, @Climatebase posts jobs often.
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STUDENTS CAN BECOME CLIMATE LEADERS
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And reminisce forevermore about that one time at climate camp.
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We’re now accepting applications for our second annual Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health this July. In collaboration with Putney Pre-College, high school students will learn through workshops, field-based activities, and meetings with an incredible group of health, policy, and communications experts. Scholarships available.
Last year’s students made headlines, and yes we are totally bragging
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WE CAN ALL MAKE CLIMATE A HOT TOPIC
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The more we hear climate stories, the more we can find ways to become part of the solution. Here’s what that could look like.
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Health leaders: Staying hopeful, while also instilling hope in patients, can improve health and inspire action. This article on Hope, Health, and the Climate Crisis is compelling and worth the long read, from our advisory board member Howard Frumkin.
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Journalists: LA Times Columnist Sammy Roth offers reporters advice on covering climate change right: make it personal and focus on solutions.
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Entertainers: I loved the scene in The Incredibles 2 when the mom hopped onto an electric motorcycle and made a big deal about how fun and fast it was to drive. The industry can normalize climate solutions by working them into imagery and storylines.
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Everyone: Just talk about it already! In fact talking about it is the easiest, most accessible climate action we can all take every day, and it makes a difference. Here's why and how.
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STORIES TO HELP YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT
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Enough with the gloomy headlines.
Welcome to this edition of climate stuff going right.
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Funding for major climate action is underway.
That’s ‘Billion’ with a Capital B, Baby! Ain’t no clawing back these dollars.
If you’re hankering for a weekly fix of good news between Optimists, keep an eye out for Alaina Wood’s good news updates on TikTok.
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We could make awkward small talk around the water cooler! Just as soon as it's safe to work in person again.
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