From Climate Distress to Action

December, 2024

The November 5th presidential election has left many climate activists dazed and discouraged.

But -- we know how to do this.

We know how to transform climate distress into action.

Here's how:

Pay attention not just to disasters in the news -- but also to climate activist successes around the world.
Be inspired by others taking action and making a change.
Seek out leaders who are taking action, so you can join them.
Recognize our stories and thinking which limit our actions.
Negative energy travels fast -- and so can positive energy. Find things that make you joyous. Express positive emotions.
Find time each day to be present. Connect to the world.
Share your grief regarding society and the climate.
The point of all of this is to build yourself up -- to build your sense of agency and self-efficacy -- so that you can take action.
"Action absorbs anxiety."
Select one initiative.
Work with others in collective action and community.
Small local changes add up to quantum changes.

(The above ideas are from a University of California Climate Resilience course, as reported by NPR.)

Fortunately --- now through December 13th, anyone in the State of Michigan with access to the internet can access Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility.

And -- on Wednesday, December 4 there will be an in-person discussion of this book led by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovation and U-M Sustainability staff.

Remember the concepts of positive energy? And being inspired by others who are taking action? And being with other climate activists in community?

This event, and any of the other events this month -- and every month -- can serve this purpose. We can't do it by just staying home and working on our own. We need each other to be strong.

Wednesday, December 4

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Not Too Late: A2 Climate Possibilities Roundtable

The climate movement needs all of us. Especially you! Inspired by the Not Too Late book and community read, join the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovation and U-M Sustainability staff as we ask: what is the future we want? What is possible? And how do we get there together? You do not have to read the book in its entirety to meaningfully participate in this event, as discussion questions are framed towards what we hope our future could be and the good work already underway.

Now through December 13th, anyone in the State of Michigan with access to the internet can access Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility edited by Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua. The book offers a wide range of perspectives from a variety of communities from around the world, who all have in common an unwillingness to accept prewritten narratives of climate despair. Access the book here. Light refreshments and further resources will be provided. U-M Literature, Science and the Arts Building, Room 1040. 500 S. State St. Free. Click here to register.

At the bottom of this newsletter are "Not Too Late" Extras.

Wednesday, December 4

6:30-8:00 p.m.

Save Money & Save the Planet

Learn about home energy efficiency & electrification, how they’ll reduce your energy costs and the multitudes of incentives – federal, state, local & utility – that will lower the cost of your investments. Argus Farmstop Café Meeting Room, 1200 Packard (corner of Packard and Dewey). Free. Click here for (optional) preregistration. annarbor@citizensclimatelobby.org 503-341-9798

Thursday, December 5

7:00-8:00 p.m.

Ann Arbor Solar Stories

One-hour virtual event hosted by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Come hear from Ann Arborites who have gone solar, and have a chance to ask them all your questions! Zoom. Free. Register here.

"Not Too Late" Extras

Visit the Not Too Late website, which invites newcomers to the climate movement, and provides climate facts (including an FAQ!) and encouragement for people who are already engaged but weary.
Download the "Not Too Late" study guide.
Download the booklet "What Can I Do About the Climate Emergency?"
Listen to Rebecca Solnit on Why It's Not Too Late.

Promotional Partners

The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA calendar of climate action events is brought to you by the same people who present the A2 Climate Teach-in .

The Ann Arbor: Climate Action City, USA website, which includes a list of local climate action organizations; action steps individuals can take; and past issues of the newsletter can be found here.

For information or to submit calendar events: info@climateactioncityusa.com