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:)
The Road
A post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy about a father and son's survival journey through a desolate America. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
About The Road
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • A searing, post-apocalyptic novel about a father and son's fight to survive, this "tale of survival and the miracle of goodness only adds to McCarthy's stature as a living master. It's gripping, frightening and, ultimately, beautiful" (_San Francisco Chronicle_). A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other. _The Road_is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, "each the other's world entire," are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.
Related on Climesumer
Everything else on the site connected to The Road.
Climate actions
Steps this helps you take.
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.
Some people rely on a car e.g. in rural areas or people with special needs. If you can afford an electric car and don't have a shared alternative available to you, go do the switch. While you are at it. Advocate for more shared options like public transport, bike infrastructure or car sharing. Living car free has a bigger impact than going electric with many side benefits. This will help create a fair and just world for all.
In the Climate Guide
The lessons that put this in context.
The whole guide →