On some days, watching the weather might feel like watching a real-life horror movie due to storms, flash floods, and unprecedented droughts.
The economy, the infrastructure, and our way of life are all suffering as a result of the increase in natural disasters brought on by climate change. But, it also compromises our mental wellness. According to the American Psychological Association, more than two thirds of us currently struggle with some form of climate anxiety. According to The Lancet Countdown, close to 60% of young adults (16 to 25) are extremely or very concerned about the future of our world.
According to medical professionals, eco-anxiety is real. "Climate change is a serious issue, so it's normal to experience worry and fear about the repercussions," Harvard Medical School reaffirmed. And we cannot let it control how we live. Making use of our tension to take action is a fantastic place to start.
Speak about it: We should strive to have fruitful discussions on climate change with our family, friends, neighbors, and political leaders rather than joining the clamor of "the world is falling apart." With children and teens who disproportionately experience the effects of climate anxiety, these conversations are especially crucial. They need to be reassured that even simple actions, like composting or calling their federal officials, can have a significant influence.
Minimize food waste: The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that food loss and waste equal the yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 42 coal-fired power units. This amount does not account for the methane that food waste produces once it is dumped in landfills. By regularly reviewing what we're eating in the kitchen, being more resourceful with our resources, and choosing reusable goods like stainless-steel water bottles rather than plastic, we can reduce the amount of waste we produce.
Take into account consuming less meat: For many of us, giving up our go-to burger or steak supper is unthinkable. Thankfully, we don't have to eliminate these foods from our diets entirely to see a difference. According to data, even cutting back on our meat consumption to just once or twice a week can make a big difference in lowering methane emissions.
Make changes to the property: According to the International Energy Agency, space and water heating account for roughly half of the energy requirements in buildings. We can lower our energy use and save money by purchasing energy-efficient weatherstripping, solar panels, or energy-efficient appliances, which are frequently eligible for federal tax credits.
It's crucial to keep in mind that the current climate catastrophe isn't the end of the world whether turning on the TV or scrolling through our newsfeeds. We can take action to protect our planet—and our peace of mind—whether we choose to follow one of the aforementioned suggestions or the number of others that are available.