Polls repeatedly show that the majority of people around the world are very concerned about climate change: how it is impacting our lives and the greater impacts our children and grandchildren will have to confront if we fail to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
If my life was a football game, I am living in the final quarter. My grandchildren are still in the first quarter but their future is fraught with uncertainty. The least I can do is try to do something meaningful. If everyone tried to bring about even a small change that inspires hope, we might be surprised by how much of a positive change can result.
In 2018, I was one of about 100 people who came together in Sarnia to share our concerns about climate change. Out of that gathering, Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton (https://www.climateactionsarnialambton.ca) was formed. CASL is a diverse group of volunteers who are committed to raising awareness and understanding of climate change in the community, advocating for greater political action, and supporting various environmental initiatives.
In 2019, we advocated for City Council to adopt a “climate emergency declaration” which they did, joining hundreds more municipalities across Canada and around the world. The government of Canada declared a “National Climate Emergency” which was supported by all parties except the Conservatives. Sarnia followed up by developing a “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan” to put in place measures to protect citizens and businesses from the worsening impacts of climate change.
CASL has, with the support of the city and financial support of a number of organizations, led tree plantings in several city parks. We have also organized public rallies and sponsored a “Winter Speaker Series” for the last 3 years, offering a variety of important environmental topics, presented by knowledgeable speakers.
Katherine Hayhoe is a leading Canadian climate scientist who reminds us that one of the most important steps we can take is to talk about climate change with family and friends. We owe it to our children and youth, who may look to the future with fear and a sense of hopelessness, to offer them support and understanding and the knowledge that there are many ways out of this crisis.
Climate change is already having widespread mental health effects on those who have experienced out of control wildfires, flooding, heat stress or other serious and traumatic events made worse by climate change. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and even suicidal tendencies are being increasingly documented.
Even in those not directly impacted, mental health issues are a growing concern. Many children and youth, for example, now experience “Eco-anxiety,” a feeling of dread about the future which leads to despair and depression. It is vital, therefore, that parents and educators reach out to our children and youth with empathy and engage with them to inform, educate, build hope, resilience and a positive mind-set.
“Hope” is not wishful thinking. Hope is an action word that leads to meaningful actions and progress.
“Hope” begins with being honest with children and youth about climate change without causing undue alarm and fear (“climate doomerism”). Check out Alaina Wood, a sustainability scientist in Tennessee whose TikTok videos debunk extreme examples of “doomerism” and is part of a group called “Eco-Tok”. Their hashtag #ecotok has so far amassed over 200 million views!
Parents can help cultivate in their children a love and respect for the natural world in many ways. If you need some ideas check out “Outdoor Project” https://www.outdoorproject.com.
Parents can also find support by joining online groups such as “Science Moms” https://sciencemoms.com and “Climate Dads” on Facebook. Grandparents can communicate with other seniors across Canada by joining “Seniors for Climate Action Now” https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org
Parents and teachers can access teaching resources at CLEAN (Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network) https://cleanet.org
There are many other excellent resources but certainly a good option is to create personal connections with like-minded groups in your community. Did I mention Climate Action Sarnia Lambton? You can connect via our website. We also have hundreds of followers on Facebook.
Our children need to be reassured that they will have a future that they can believe in. We owe it to them to encourage and mentor them to become involved in constructive ways to effect real change. Today’s generation deserves a future that will offer them the opportunity to raise their own children in a world which will be in balance again with Nature.
Allan McKeown is a member of Climate Action Sarnia-Lambton