Climate Optimism – How to be Hopeful Amidst a Bleak Future

I like to call myself a climate optimist.

I mean, I certainly wouldn’t be pursuing a degree in Environmental Sociology and Earth Science if I was pessimistic about an “unsaveable planet”.

I find myself being excited about proposed solutions that will help save our planet and heal the earth.

But sometimes (a lot of the time), it is difficult… and I find myself descenting into a downward spiral of despair and pessimism where I envision a Wall-E like future of a desolate planet rife with bygone life and decrepit infrastructure.

I spend 12+ hours a day talking and learning about the environment when accounting for my classwork, work-work, and leisure time (which I typically spend engaging with more sustainability material).

A lot of the learning is not necessarily encouraging. So trust me, I KNOW how difficult it is to remain a climate optimist.

So if you struggle with this mindset too sometimes, I wanted to provide some actionable tips on how to overcome climate anxiety and embody a mindset of climate optimism.

How to be a Climate Optimist

1. Tap into Communities That Give You Hope

If you’re regularly engaging in online communities regarding climate change, it’s likely that many of the conversations that are held are revolved around raising awareness for climate injustices and (unfortunate) climate projections.

I am in NO WAY suggesting that you disengage from these spaces, because it is essential that we are aware of injustices and what is going on in order to best address and remediate them.

BUT, you can be a part of these communities and conversations as well as those that are more revolved around climate optimism- there are people out there who want to talk about solutions and good news!

For example, my friend Kathryn (@going.zero.waste) on Instagram, inspired me by her weekly #goodnewsfriday series and now I too promote positive climate news every Friday through feel good dancing videos.

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A post shared by Zahra Biabani - Soulful Seeds (@soulful_seeds)

In addition, my friend Isaias (@queerbrownvegan) on Instagram and I are creating a club on Clubhouse, the new group podcast application, that will have a weekly room that talks about positive climate news. If you’re interested in joining this, follow me on the app (just search @soulfulseeds)!

2. Learn about Cool New Technologies and Innovations

There are many community leaders, innovators, and big thinkers currently working on unique solutions to combat the climate crisis.

Learning about these amazing innovations definitely encourages me, especially knowing how many people are motivated to find solutions to the climate crisis.

Threads like this one on Reddit often include conversations about said technologies.

3. Find and Engage in a Hobby in Nature

Why do you love nature? Why are you an advocate for the health of our planet? Think about what fuels your activism and environmental advocacy. In addition to a moral imperative, your “why” will probably include some appreciation for beauty in nature and outdoor activities.

Maybe it’s surfing, hiking, birdwatching, skiing, painting in nature, or any other activity. Find one that feeds your soul while situating you in nature and the environment.

4. Find and Engage in a Hobby Unrelated to the Environment

I realize the irony in that this is basically the opposite of the last tip BUT it is so important to not have every single thing you’re involved in being centered around the climate/environment.

I fall into this trap SO often and then always end up breaking down in some way because of the overwhelming amount of information that is often cautionary and bleak regarding the future of our planet. What else are you interested in? Maybe it seems “trivial” in comparison to issues of environmental racism and injustices, but we all need to engage in activities and hobbies that aren’t deep/nuanced/and heavy at times.

I’m still working on finding my non-eco passion. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments!

5. Diversify Your News Sources with Positive Outlets

We all know that news likes to capitalize on the bad. There’s a phenomenon called the negativity bias describing how news is more enticing when it is framed in a negative light.

Fewer people pay attention to stories that aren’t infused with drama and shock factor. It’s simply easier for our brains to latch onto.

Check out these resources that I frequent for positive and uplifting climate-related news:

Wrapping Up

I really hope this piece gave you some valuable advice that you can use to combat climate anxiety and to channel climate optimism. We need people like YOU convicted that the fight for our planet is not only necessary, but also possible. Thank you for being here. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, leave them down below or drop me an email!