A note to the climate conscious: Reflections from the students of UAU207M Sustainable Futures

The issue of climate change is one that seems insurmountable. Wherever we go, we are reminded of the impending doom brought about by humanity’s choices and our own powerlessness to stop it. While there is truth in this sentiment, it is the wrong way to look at it. Humans are natural problem solvers; perhaps the best the Earth has ever seen. That is how we have managed to build our civilisations and alter the very face of our planet. Now we are faced with perhaps the biggest problem in our history, and instead of resigning to its scale we have to think of solutions. Those of us finishing our studies and entering the job market now might feel it is unfair that we have to solve the problems created by the generations before us. Unfair as it might be, it is in our power, who are knowledgeable on climate issues, to make the difference in the climate fight. 

The students of UAU207M Sustainable Futures

On a societal level there are many things we can do. For us to effectively fight climate change all of humanity has to understand the issue at hand. It is the duty of those of us knowledgeable in the environmental field to educate those around us. It is important to educate not from a place of ego. Common understanding is only reached by providing people with the tools to understand issues and put the pieces together themselves. It will not be reached by lecturing people and berating them for their lack of knowledge, but by being a role model for sustainable living. We can create a good setting for environmental discussions by opening up our doors to conversation and planning talks and collaborative events with our communities. Even more imperative is fostering the curiosity of children currently learning how the world works. To break our unsustainable patterns, it is vital to teach and learn from them to live harmoniously with nature and treat our planet with respect. As environmental role models we also have a part to play in changing the playing field in the public and private sector. The young generation has the power to change the agenda and goals of companies, implementing a sustainable, human-centric approach, instead of one dominated by growth. Our generation also holds the politicians of the future, which will have to focus their efforts in fighting our collective threat of climate change by collaborating across political parties and countries. NGOs will also have a big role fighting the issues brought about by climate change and they will need to be led by climate conscious people.

A lot of pressure will be put upon the younger generation to fundamentally shift humanity’s trajectory. Navigating this pressure is hard, and climate anxiety is already a rising problem, especially among youth. We do not have the power to tackle environmental issues without ourselves being in a good place mentally. The cultural shift that is required to face climate change means we must all practice self-assessment to find compatibility with our ways of life and sustainability. We must also practice self-compassion and recognize when we act sustainably. There are a multitude of things we can do to be more sustainable, like slowing down our consumption and repairing instead of replacing. Most importantly, we must slow down our minds, define our priorities, and ask ourselves whether our consumption-heavy lifestyles are really making us happier? A greater and truer happiness and mindfulness can come from connecting to nature, forging bonds with those around us, and finding contentment in our everyday lives. Since the dawn of the Industrial Age, humans have become increasingly far removed from nature. By connecting ourselves more deeply with the nature around us, we could reach a deeper appreciation for the Earth and greater fulfillment with ourselves and our place in the world.

The impending fight to save our climate will be one of the toughest challenges humanity has faced. To overcome it, we must alter our lifestyles and face the consequences that come with it. We must also take care to be compassionate towards ourselves and each other. The scale of our collaboration will need to be greater than ever. This is why, as leaders of the future, we must lead the way with kindness and compassion.