Tag: repair

Eco-anxiety is defined as “the distress caused by climate change where people are becoming anxious about their future” (Coffey et al., 2021). This is a very real concern and cause for anxious thoughts for many people, especially given the escalating issues our planet is experiencing as a direct result of human-driven climate change. Here’s the thing, though: we are not helpless. We don’t have to resign ourselves to the ultimate demise of nature, mankind, and our planet. Read on to find out how we can take steps to make a difference, positively impact our future, and lessen our eco-anxiety.

The planet is getting warmer due to the greenhouse effect. Carbon emissions over time (from the use of coal, natural gas, and oil) have created a dome that prevents the sun’s heat from being released out of our atmosphere and into space. The increase in temperatures is affecting ecosystems and spaces – like coral reefs, the rainforest, and ice fields, for example – and creating imbalances in nature, which then affects incredibly important items such as biodiversity and the planet and its inhabitants as a whole.

We, as humans, are affected by biodiversity changes from climate change in the form of food supplies being impacted by heat, drought, diseases and pests, as well as loss of clean water sources. Biodiversity problems also often result in extinction of species. So many things on our planet are intricately connected, so much so that damage or destruction of one system creates a domino effect that eventually reaches us in negative ways.

In addition, deforestation of trees and other vegetation creates more issues for the planet with issues such as erosion, flooding, and the release of stored carbon into the earth’s atmosphere.

Severe weather systems will become more prevalent with the worsening of climate change. Heat-related illnesses and deaths will increase. Food shortages and lack of clean water will become more wide-spread. Some medications, such as certain cancer-fighting drugs, may become more difficult to produce because they come from threatened species such as corals and other natural spaces.

Climate and environmental scientists have been raising the alarm about climate change for decades now. The fact is that we humans have not, on the whole, truly been listening or doing much about it. And time is running out for us to make a difference for ourselves and our planet. We have every reason to feel anxious about this situation. Without a healthy planet, every living thing on earth is at risk. The fact of the matter is, though, that we as a species possess the tools for positive action and change.

Here are some ideas that we can all consider in our daily lives:

Taking time to understand climate change and how it can be halted.

Save energy at home. Turn off those lights when they aren’t necessary, upgrade to energy-saving appliances, etc.

Walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever possible.

Eat more vegetables. Plant trees.

Consider your travel. For example, emissions from planes are significant contributors to climate change.

Try to minimize waste.

Implement the 4 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair.

Think about different sources of energy for your home, such as wind and solar power.

Make your money count by purchasing products from companies who are using resources and energy responsibly. We, as consumers, have the power – through our choices – to influence the actions taken by large corporations when it comes to what they produce and the processes they use in production.

Speak up and take action. Shout it from the rooftops if you’re so inclined. We need to advocate for our planet and our future. Talk to people about climate change and how each of us can make a difference individually and collectively. There are so many misconceptions or just plain lack of awareness and knowledge that drive climate change inaction. If global, mass social movements can be created, major progress will happen. But it all starts with each of us taking steps on an individual level first. (United Nations, 2023)

I would also suggest watching some of the ecological and nature shows that Netflix or other providers have to offer. I highly recommend ‘Chasing Coral’, ‘Seaspiracy’, ‘Our Universe’, ‘Our Planet’, ‘Our Great National Parks’ with Barack Obama, ‘A Life On Our Planet’ with the great David Attenborough (actually, anything with David Attenborough is recommended), and so many more.

We don’t have to stand idly by and watch climate change move beyond its tipping point. There is still time to halt this process. We all need to look at the big picture because there is no Planet B. And in taking action for our planet, we also take steps to empower ourselves, lessen eco-anxiety, and improve our future.

Until next time,

Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter

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