It is understandable to feel anxious about an uncertain future that may be marked by crises and changes. There are some psychological “tricks” to cope with this anxiety, such as taking a break from climate news or talking to someone. A more practical approach is to focus on (positive) possibilities. Sometimes people talkin terms of TINA (TINA = There Is No Alternative), but that is not the case – there are countless alternatives and possibilities. We can find these possibilities by learning about, and participating in, alternative ways of organizing society and our lives. For example, through community-supported agriculture (CSA), staycations, upcycling, item-lending libraries, downshifting, clothing swap events, carpools, beach clean-ups, soup kitchens, solar or wind cooperatives, and so on. All of these examples can also have a real impact, here and now.
In addition to being a practical way to gain insight into how we can meet our needs in alternative ways, a common feature of these activities is that they are done together with others. Research has shown that collective actions, such as cleaning up a beach together, can help counteract negative feelings about climate change.
Here is a list of more things you can do if you are struggling with climate anxiety.
About author:
Sara Skarp
Postdoc, Department of Sociology at Lund University
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology at Lund University. Within Mistra Sustainable Consumption, my research focuses on sustainable tourism, nature tourism, and leisure. I collaborate with initiatives that work to promote sustainable tourism and leisure, specifically examining how they address challenging questions around understanding what constitutes sustainable tourism. My current and past research falls within the broader framework of societal engagement for and with sustainability. I earned my doctorate and continued working in England, where I focused on societal transition, small-scale sustainability initiatives and their role and potential, as well as travel and vacationing during the pandemic in relation to sustainability gains.
