#61: Stubborn optimism

On finding motivation from a place of love, not fear

Mōrena, and happy Tuesday 🌱

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been grappling with a bout of climate anxiety. Climate change is scary, and working in this space means that I think about it a lot. I get into a cycle that is hard to break: because climate change is so big and urgent, it can feel hard to justify self-care, which leads to burnout and pessimism. This ends up making the problem feel even more overwhelming. Perhaps this is familiar to you, too.

It’s only when I give myself some space that I remember I’m just one person among a local and global community of climate advocates. I can also refocus on the fact that climate change can be “an opportunity — a chance to rethink who we are and what we desire.” (Rebecca Solnit, What if climate change meant not doom, but abundance?)

I’m told that this is the difference between being motivated from a place of love, rather than a place of fear. Choosing to bike to work not out of guilt, but out of love for the breeze, the endorphins, the feeling of zipping past traffic. Writing a submission not based on thinly-veiled anger, but an honest expression of our need for fairness and a sustainable world. I notice a huge improvement in my energy levels and the quality of my work when I draw from my love for this beautiful place we call home and my excitement at the world we could create.

I’ve been feeling better this past week thanks to this mindset shift. The change also came from kind people reminding me of the basics - food, sleep, hobbies, social connection. These form the foundations of sustainable activism. It allows this mindset of dogged optimism that motivates us to build a better world.

Hannah Ritchie @_HannahRitchie

I wrote a new article for @voxdotcom on why we need the 'right kind of climate optimism'. The people in the yellow box are the most effective in building a better world. "Optimistic but dissatisfied is the road to progress." vox.com/the-highlight/…

What can we do today?

The most-clicked link from last week’s issue was the petition to stop the government giving out more free carbon credits to our biggest pollutors 🔥

🐝 If you have 5 minutes: Let’s get specific about the Pacific

• Recently, Ministers from six Pacific nations released the groundbreaking Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific. Following two devastating cyclones in Vanuatu earlier this month, it shows how we can move towards a safe climate future. To walk the talk, they’re now challenging Aotearoa to live up to our words and endorse the call.
  Action: Call on Minister for Climate Change, James Shaw, to uphold our place in the Pacific and endorse the Port Vila Call

• Canterbury: Environment Canterbury Regional Council is developing a Climate Action Plan for the region. They’re keen to hear your thoughts on climate change, how you believe it may be affecting you and your whānau, and what actions or steps you think they should be taking.
  Action: Take this 2-5 minute survey before 5pm this Friday 31st March
  Action: Got ~10 mins? Fill out this brief feedback form on their overall Draft Plan

🐇 If you have 15 minutes: Grease the wheels for climate action

• Due 11pm tonight: The Auckland Council’s proposed budget would permanently cancel hundreds of buses, cut funding to local environmental projects, and sell all remaining shares in Auckland Airport (not to mention cuts to arts, culture, youth, social services, economic development, public spaces like libraries, and more). Submit on the budget against these cuts, or tell 3 friends if you’ve done it already!
  Action: Use this submission guide, which has both 5 and 15 minute options!

• Wellington: Wellington City Council have a neat website with all their transport projects that are up for public feedback. Check it out and have your say about a new route that makes it easier for people to walk, cycle, or scooter from the Botanic Gardens to the waterfront.
  Action: Have your say on the new cycle lane in town & sign up for updates on future transport projects

💃🏽 If you have 30 minutes or more: A pitch in time (saves nine) 

• 2025 is the year by which most scientists agree global emissions must peak. Know what else lasts until 2025? The terms of our current local councillors. They will hold power over a critical period, so why not choose this week to start forming a relationship with your local representative? They hear from a lot of people - make sure the voice of climate action is one of them!
  Action: Follow Auckland’s guide on how to call/write/meet with your councillor
  Tāmaki: While the councillors are considering our budget submissions, pack out the public gallery at the next council meeting, 10am Thursday 30th March, Auckland Town Hall! Rock up & bring your banners, or email us if you’d like more info.

Wins!

• We love seeing people do climate action in their niche. 120 lawyers pledged to not prosecute peaceful climate protesters. It’s especially awesome to see 6 King’s Counsel (KC) barristers using their position of privilege to protest the fossil fuel industry.

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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy scrolling through the winners of this year’s world nature photography awards 🌈 

See you next week, 

Jenny & the Climate Club team