Joining a climate activist group is one of the most effective climate actions. Unlike voting for climate-focused parties, climate activist groups try to accelerate political action by putting pressure on leaders. Sometimes it can feel that climate activist groups want to "take something away" from people. The truth is, they follow the scientific consensus and try to find ways to avoid the worst effects of climate change (which will derail the global economy and life as we know it if we don't act). When you look closely, many of the sustainable alternatives needed for a sustainable and just world like great public transport everywhere, long-distance high-speed trains, heat pumps or even bike friendly cities will improve the life for everyone. Just and fair also means that these changes are made step by step and with low income households and rural areas in mind. They will most likely get more support. There are multiple activism groups to choose from. Some try to disrupt the status quo, some create momentum via political advocacy campaigns or referenda and others try to increase dialogue or try to advance climate solutions on a community level, many have a specific focus like mobility or climate action. ALL of the groups are useful and move the needle in important ways. Choose your pick:)
Horizon
National Book Award-winner Barry Lopez explores humanity's quest for meaning across six global regions in his immersive work, Horizon.
About Horizon
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: THE NEW YORK TIMES • NPR • THE GUARDIAN From pole to pole and across decades of lived experience, National Book Award-winning author Barry Lopez delivers his most far-ranging, yet personal, work to date. _Horizon_ moves indelibly, immersively, through the author’s travels to six regions of the world: from Western Oregon to the High Arctic; from the Galápagos to the Kenyan desert; from Botany Bay in Australia to finally, unforgettably, the ice shelves of Antarctica. Along the way, Lopez probes the long history of humanity’s thirst for exploration, including the prehistoric peoples who trekked across Skraeling Island in northern Canada, the colonialists who plundered Central Africa, an enlightenment-era Englishman who sailed the Pacific, a Native American emissary who found his way into isolationist Japan, and today’s ecotourists in the tropics. And always, throughout his journeys to some of the hottest, coldest, and most desolate places on the globe, Lopez searches for meaning and purpose in a broken world.
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Climate actions
Steps this helps you take.
Voting is one of the most effective (climate) actions for people in democracies and it's super simple too. Climate-focused parties will try to renew the economy into a low-carbon, sustainable and just world for everyone! Sometimes it can feel that these parties want to "take something away" from people. The truth is, they follow the scientific consensus and try to find ways to avoid the worst effects of climate change (which will derail the global economy and life as we know it if we don't act). When you look closely, many of the sustainable alternatives needed for a sustainable and just world like electric cars, great public transport everywhere, long-distance high-speed trains, heat pumps or even bike friendly cities will improve the life for everyone. Just and fair also means that these changes are made step by step and with low income households and rural areas in mind. They will most likely get more support. Please use your political voice to bring about a sustainable and just world.
Flying is one of the activities where no direct sustainable alternatives are available. The best you can do is to limit intercontinental flights to as little as possible. Best once in a few years until we get zero-emission intercontinental flights. The second best option is to stay longer or combine the trip with additional activities like a workation, to get the most out of it.
Supporting local climate strikes is a low hanging fruit to start your climate activist journey. In 2019 Fridays for future strikes increased global awareness of climate change, pressured governments to act, empowered youth activism, influenced climate policies, and created a worldwide movement for climate action. Even though it feels like it has died down a bit, it is more important than ever, and the activism forms have evolved. It is also a great way to meet other climate-concerned individuals.