So I asked our team: How do you keep showing up, even when it’s emotionally challenging? Here’s what they said.
As a physician and a parent, I often have moments of grief and fear about climate change. In these moments, I think of the millions of people worldwide who are fighting alongside me—the scientists and engineers, the activists and policymakers, the doctors and nurses, and all the people of goodwill who know that climate action will create a more fair and compassionate society.
After reading the IPCC report, I thought of Dr. King’s quote — "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice" — and also of everyone pulling the arc towards justice, and towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C celsius. The Civil Rights movement probably did not seem possible until there were breakthroughs, and I deeply believe we are close to having a societal breakthrough.
I muster my working-class, milltown roots to push for solutions because the world doesn't have time for me to feel sorry for myself. I also find it inspiring (perhaps even a privilege) to work on pressing problems where there is the potential to make a difference, and I take that opportunity seriously. Lastly, the camaraderie of working with people who are also committing their time, ideas, and energy helps to keep morale up when things seem hopeless. Staying in positive, open-hearted dialogue is one way to tap into that human potential that can also help keep us focused and energized.
No one denies that it’s hard to stay optimistic, but when I get overwhelmed I take a deep breath and try to focus on the exciting innovations like EVs and renewable energy. We have been in tough situations before but we are resilient and the fact that there is awareness of the reality of climate change will lead to a more swift response to fixing the problem. Sometimes you just need to tune out the doom and gloom and focus on the opportunities and solutions ahead.
Writing this newsletter is medicinal—every day I comb the news for meaningful climate action, and every month I find more than I can fit within the word count. That’s a lot of good news! But cultivating optimism still takes grit and persistence. When it comes to my own contributions, I pace myself. I give myself permission to pick up one project at a time, work on it, then put it down until I’m ready for the next one. Over time it adds up, and I know I’ve done what I can to keep this planet livable for my kids’ future.
I focus on small wins. I am an architect, so I work in a field that, by definition, makes change happen. Even though I get frustrated when projects don’t go the way I would like or when bureaucracy or regulations stand in the way of innovative approaches to design, there is always a piece of the project I can work on that makes a difference. Even poorly constructed buildings can be retrofitted to improve their impact on fossil fuel emissions, the urban heat island, etc.
I have always been stubborn, and I am the same way when it comes to climate change. I refuse to accept defeat. I will keep on doing my part, trying to move the boulder up the hill. My commitment to act is further strengthened by my desire to give my kids the best world possible. Working to raise awareness for climate action helps me feel like I'm making a difference.
I try to remind myself that we have the ability to choose. I've always loved this quote from Gina McCarthy in All We Can Save: “I refuse to sit around being angry and anxious all the time. I am not going to be a dead woman walking. I am staying hopeful and energized. Why? Because I can. How? I choose to be. Let’s turn the chaos of the day into actions that will strengthen our democracy, empower the powerless, and build healthier communities today and a more sustainable tomorrow. Stand tall, stand together, speak up, and get active.”
The answer to this question is deeply personal. For me, it is eternal hope. As a follower of Jesus, my ultimate hope rests in Him. He called me to this work to serve others, fight for equity and justice, and care for the planet that was entrusted to us. With my faith as my foundation, I am confident that love triumphs and light overcomes the darkness. Action on climate change can be the unifying event that heals our divisions, our health, and our planet. I am watching this unfold and grow; small actions by one person join those of others to catalyze massive, swift change. My daily hope is continually renewed by being a witness to that. Thus, inspiration is all around me. Onward, together.
