A meme a day keeps the doctor away

On using humour for catharsis and change

Mōrena, and happy Tuesday!

As an elder Gen Z, I’m chronically online, so humour, and memes specifically, have long been a part of how I see and interact with the world. I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the role of humour in the climate crisis, and it seems it’s how many of us cope with the weight of it. Exhibit A: the meme below that didn’t quite make it into last week’s newsletter.

Memes like this are funny in that way that only incredibly dark things are, a laugh with a little ‘oh 🙁’ at the end. In many ways these can be deeply cathartic—a necessary survival tactic that breathes levity into dark times and connects us to each other via shared incredulity at absurdity (a lot of that going on at the moment!). Of course when taken too far, they can also lead to a sense of disconnection with the world around you, and a cultural desensitization to serious problems. (I’m definitely no stranger to using jokes as a way of ignoring my mental health.)

However, humour is also a powerful way to create social change. It illustrates your perspective, lowers social barriers and resistance to ideas, and when done well, swaps tense conversations for sincere discussions about the things that matter to us. At Climate Club’s last end of year zoom party, we finished with everyone sharing their favourite memes—both ones that encapsulate the genuine horror of some current events, and ones that give us hope. I, who collects memes like someone might collect stamps, had an absolute ball of a time. We’ll drop our favourites in the comments—add your favourites that help you cope with the existential angst of climate change and/or invite meaningful social change!

What can we do today?

The most clicked link last week was a tie between our list of climate organisations and the Zopeful Climate courses! We’d love to know how it went if you contacted any organisations - let us know!

🐝 5 minutes: Hey, we’re still mad about the Fast Track!

• Taranaki: The government’s Fast-Track Bill could allow seabed mining from Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR), which weakens ocean ecosystems, and can compromise the natural ocean’s role in carbon capture. TTR’s previous consents had been rejected due to environmental concerns, and inadequate consultation with impacted communities. This community-led petition is gathering signatures to show their opposition.

  Action: Sign the local petition supporting concerned communities against seabed mining (different from last week’s!)

🐇 15 minutes: Submitting and Cycling

• The Government is currently taking submissions on the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, which looks to make key changes to the resource management system, before they look to overhaul the RMA later in their term. The Resource Management Act is the central legislation for planning, infrastructure and development, and environmental concerns, so any amendments to this bill are incredibly influential.

  Action: Make your voice heard using our guide! Due 11:59pm on Monday 10 Feb

• Climate action with joy (and fitness)! Join the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. For the month of February, individuals and organisations (like your workplace or school) will compete to see who can get the most people on their bikes.
  Action: Register your workplace/organisation or as an individual - it’s free, and there are prizes! You can join multiple groups - like our Climate Club group!
  Bonus, Auckland, Thursday morning: Join Bike Auckland’s monthly Bike Breakfast to connect with bike-minded people. Join their mailing list also for so many incredible community events!

💃🏽 30+ minutes: Waitangi Weekend

• It’s Waitangi Day this Thursday. There is so much potential for a better future, for both Māori and non-Māori alike when it comes to the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and that potential is under threat. Solidarity with indigenous peoples is more important than ever, especially when indigenous folks are more likely to be negatively impacted by climate change, are at the forefront of climate action, and their traditions often have a lot to teach us about connection to nature and post-growth living. Here are some ideas for commemorating this foundation document for a thriving future for all:

  • Head to a local commemoration event: search “Waitangi day [your region]”

  • Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn, listen, and organise.

  • Wellington, 10am: Tiriti Action Group Pōneke are going to hīkoi from Pukehau to Waitangi Park. More info here.

  • Learn about the treaty, the treaty principles, co-governance, how to have tricky conversations, and more with this amazing list of resources & videos for tangata tiriti (non-Māori) compiled by Common Grace Aotearoa. Have a quiet reflection, or start a reading group/watch party with friends!

• Online, Monday 10 Feb, 12pm: In November last year, the Government released two Discussion Documents proposing to reform the conservation management system, including charging for access. Submissions close on the 28th of Feb, and the Environmental Defence Society is running a one-hour webinar with Senior Policy Researcher Dr Deidre Koolen-Bourke and Policy Director Raewyn Peart, to critique the reforms and identify key issues for submitters to focus on.
  Action: Register for EDS’s submission writing webinar to learn & have your say on the proposed changes to conservation

Upcoming Events

• Ōtautahi/Christchurch,Thu 13 Feb, 7pm: Join a cohort on a seven-week journey to strengthen your capacity, intention and enthusiasm to act for positive change. Active Hope is a framework that draws upon evidence-based insights to help people not only cope with the changes in the world, but to become an active force in shaping them. Rock up to Cherish Community Centre to join the Active Hope 7-week course

• Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Tue (today), 5:30pm: System Change Aotearoa is hosting a screening of the gem film, Pride (2014). We need solidarity more than ever at this present moment in history, not just within the environmental movement but also across the whole general public who want a fairer, safer future. This movie’s guaranteed to have you inspired. Free entry! Head down to Kingsland for snacks & this classic tale of solidarity

• Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Fri 14 Feb, 8am: Come along to Daily Bread at Britomart to join the Auckland Climate Crew meetup, for people interested in climate!

In case you missed it!

• News feel overwhelming? Getting involved is the best way to combat climate anxiety and despair. Here’s a list of climate organisations that you can get involved with. The climate movement needs all hands on deck; what’s more, action is the best antidote to despair. If you’re feeling unsure about reaching out, feel free to email us by replying here, or email us with your details if you want us to help match you up.

  Action: Have a look through the list and contact the organisation you’re most interested in volunteering with. 350 Aotearoa in particular have put a call out for new volunteers!

• The Government’s new climate targets are in and have been described as “shockingly unambitious” (are we really shocked though?). Now would be a great time to email your local MP or the Climate Minister with how you feel about this using our handy template if you haven't already.

  Action: Email a politician about strengthening our climate pledges

Wins!

• Fonterra has announced it is converting two of its North Island gas boilers to electricity, lowering its total fossil gas use by around 38 percent due to external consumer pressure. Just goes to show that as consumers we do have power to enact change by putting pressure on larger actors.

• A court case against the development of a massive new oil field in the UK has been successful! It’s amazing to see the hard earned success of an organised campaign for a liveable future, and to see what people can accomplish when they work together.

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That’s all for today, folks 👋🏽 Thanks for taking action. Enjoy this video series on comedians translating climate science.

See you next week,

Jodie & the Climate Club team

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