Moral licensing is a cognitive bias that can make it harder to change our behavior. It's the tendency to use a positive action to justify a subsequent harmful action, and it is a possible roadblock to maintaining a habitable planet. There are various examples of moral licensing, and there are ways to challenge this psychological barrier to improve climate action.

**We All Do It - Knowingly or Not**

The majority of the public is [aware of climate change](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2025/apr/23/climate-action-public-support), cares about environmental protection, and expects governments around the globe to take increasingly urgent action. As wildfires worsen and heat domes threaten the health and safety of people and communities around the world, more people are realizing the danger of our current trajectory. We put humanity at risk by continuing to burn oil, coal, and natural gas and extract and consume more resources than the Earth can realistically regenerate. 

As a result, people are increasingly taking meaningful action in their daily lives - installing solar panels, heat pumps, composting, buying EVs, rewilding their yards, buying second-hand, and actively participating in the gift economy (see the [Articles](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/) section for coverage of all these topics and more). 

All of these actions are crucial and part of the solution. However, if we are going to succeed at stabilizing the climate, we can’t solely rely on taking environmentally friendly actions. We also need to reduce or eliminate any action that harms the environment. Until aviation fuel is sustainable, for example, effective climate action means we have to cut back on or stop flying in planes. Even if we logically understand that some actions harm the planet, moral licensing often steps in to excuse these behaviors.

Carbon offsets become a form of moral licensing when they are used to justify environmentally harmful behavior. They are used by individuals, companies, and governments:

- An individual might calculate the carbon footprint of a round-trip flight and then fund a tree-planting or solar project.
- Some tech corporations offset the environmental impact of their data centers by funding global renewable energy grids. 
- While governments roll out solar and wind power, they are simultaneously subsidizing the fossil fuel industry and permitting new fossil fuel projects. 

While emissions in 2026 might end up being [slightly lower ](https://www.csofutures.com/news/climate-trace-q1-data-suggests-global-emissions-are-finally-declining-in-2026/)than 2025, they aren’t dropping [quickly enough](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/04/ipcc-report-mitigation-climate-change/). Meanwhile, global warming is [accelerating](https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2026/03/global-warming-accelerated-past-decade-study/), putting humanity at increased danger.

**Is moral licensing locked in?**

Behavioral scientists actively debate how embedded moral licensing is in our psyche.

A [study](https://www-2.rotman.utoronto.ca/facbios/file/Green%20Products%20Psych%20Sci.pdf) by Nina Mazar and Chen-Bo Zhong published in _Psychological Science _found that people who purchased green products were more likely to subsequently take environmentally harmful actions. However, the scientific community did not successfully replicate their results.

Later [research](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494418304225) found that buying green products did not necessarily lead to environmentally harmful behavior. Many people were morally consistent and one environmentally friendly action led to another. 

The science suggests that moral licensing can be challenged and is not a permanent fixture in our psychology. As climate threats deepen and temperatures continue to rise, fear for ourselves, our children, and future generations may also prevent us from slipping into actions that harm the natural world. 

**Moving past business-as-usual **

Climate scientists and activists argue that [carbon offsets](https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_problem_with_carbon_offsets) and other forms of moral licensing serve as an excuse to continue with business-as-usual. Instead of making a rapid transition away from coal, oil, and natural gas and protecting critical ecosystems, moral licensing allows carbon-intensive and environmentally harmful habits to continue.

Each summer, the intensity of wildfires reached levels that shocked and frightened climate scientists and the public, building on the levels of shock from previous years. The need for climate action is urgent. We must attempt to recognize our own moral licensing and other cognitive biases and actively refuse to participate in behaviors that harm planetary health. 

We must remember our individual and collective power: When even one person takes action to protect the environment and refuses to participate in activities that harm the environment, they can inspire friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to do the same. Individual actions can help shift social norms, build momentum for the larger systemic changes we need, and remind us that meaningful change begins with everyday choices.


Being Good Sometimes Makes Us Worse for the Planet

_This is the fourth in a series of occasional articles on organizations fighting climate change. Earth Hero’s previous interviews are: [Scientist Rebellion](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview-scientist-rebellion/), [As You Sow](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview--as-you-sow/) and [Climate Justice Alliance](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/earth-hero-interview--climate-justice-alliance/)._

Even as the amount of installed residential solar energy increases around the United States, only so many homes can fit a full photovoltaic system. That’s where balcony (or plug-in) solar comes in.

A single unit can be placed in an apartment on a balcony, railing, wall, or other location that is exposed to the sun. It can then be plugged into an outdoor outlet to provide a small amount of clean energy — generally 400 or 800 watts, enough to help juice appliances and lower a home’s energy bills as it pulls less electricity from the grid.

Plug-in solar has proved exceptionally popular in Europe, with over 1.5 million systems deployed across Germany alone,[ according to the organization Sun Hours](https://sunhours.app/blog/balcony-solar-panels-usa). Yet remains a work in progress in the United States, where under 50,000 units are in place.

The nonprofit organization Bright Saver wants to change that. Through a membership program costing as little as $29 annually, participants get access to plug-in solar kits at market cost (currently $285.30). Bright Saver is also advocating for legislation in all states to promote deployment of the technology. These laws are needed to exempt plug-in solar from the interconnection regulations designed for significantly larger systems, barring them from ([per Solar.com](https://www.solar.com/learn/guide-to-balcony-plug-in-solar/)) sending electricity back into residential outlets, said Cora Stryker, co-founder of the California organization. 

To date, [10 states have passed this legislation](https://www.brightsaver.org/is-plug-in-solar-legal): Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia. Legislation remains active in five other states.

“In Germany, you have this incredible thing where you can go to IKEA or even a grocery store, a local hardware store, buy balcony solar for a few hundred euros, bring it home, plug it in, and that's it. We will never get there unless we pass these laws that make it that easy,” Stryker told Earth Hero.

In the following interview, Stryker discusses Bright Saver’s background and mission, the case for plug-in solar, and the outlook for these systems as more states pass interconnection legislation.

The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

**Tell us about Bright Saver's background and its mission.**

[Bright Saver’s](https://www.brightsaver.org/) a nonprofit. We started Jan. 5, 2025. It's been this meteoric ride. We started with this vision of, hey, solar is the cheapest energy on the planet. Let's make it accessible to everybody.

We're climate change people and tech founders, and we always saw balcony solar as the tip of the spear into wider clean energy awareness — a lot of people don't know it's cheaper than the alternatives — and growing from there into a broader clean energy movement, both on a consumer and a policy level. So that's our vision: We want everyone to have access to solar energy, particularly renters and folks who don't own their roofs.

**Talk about the nuts and bolts of your work, your operations and what you would say are the central accomplishments in the organization’s early existence.**

I'll answer that by talking a little bit about the story, where we started, where we are now. We started with this idea of starting small, like a hundred households. We're based in the Bay Area, so we imagined Cal students and folks in trailer parks. We imagined this small, 100-household proof of concept, showing that people save money, showing that there's an interest, and we imagined it growing slowly from there.

The fascinating thing is that, to our surprise, a couple months into that proof of concept, we got an email from PG&E [Pacific Gas and Electric Company]. It was not a legal threat, but it very firmly said, hey, even though these balcony solar systems you're installing have no interactivity with the grid, never feed electricity back, you still need an interconnection agreement. And it was one of these light-bulb slash roadblock moments. I think I went home and cried a little bit. I was like, oh my god, what are we doing, how are we gonna do this? And then, simultaneously, we saw that our hero [state Rep.] Ray Ward in Utah passed interconnection reform for balcony solar unanimously through Republican-led chambers.

Those two things happened at the same time. And that's where we thought to ourselves, ah, we need to repeat what happened in Utah. We thought a year ago, maybe we'll get two, three states to introduce legislation doing what Utah did. In the end, it was 35 states plus D.C. that introduced legislation.
But that has been just, honestly, the greatest thing that could have happened for this movement, because it gave us a movement to build, and it built very quickly, millions of people getting excited about this, for a number of reasons

Many of us in the climate movement, it seems so dismal, we're so depressed. We fought so hard for the [Inflation Reduction Act] and then the administration changes. Suddenly we no longer have the biggest investment in clean energy around the globe. So, what do we do? We think this balcony solar movement has captured the attention of a really frustrated group of people who care about climate. We've been crying Chicken Little, we've been waving our hands, and we don't understand why so many Americans aren't joining us and taking climate action. Balcony solar is the way in, because it expands the climate movement beyond longtime environmentalists to people who frankly don't care about climate or think they don't care about climate because they think they can't afford it. So that has been our central mission from the beginning: lower people's energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions, and build this huge movement, sort of the AARP of clean energy meets the Costco of clean energy.

**What new or different laws are required to advance plug-in solar? And how is Bright Saver trying to help with that mission?**

We're a nonprofit, so primarily we're educators. We educate policymakers, fellow advocates, on the technology, on the policy trade-offs. I don't think it's too much to say we're leading the movement. We're the people who put this on the map, and we are the ones driving it forward in collaboration with a huge number of climate groups.

That's our role in changing the policy, which is the first necessary step. It's that interconnection reform. It says for these little systems, you don't need to go through the same process you would for rooftop solar for systems five to 20 times as large. It means submitting technical diagrams, applying for an interconnection. Sometimes it takes months.

In Germany, you have this incredible thing where you can go to IKEA or even a grocery store, a local hardware store, buy balcony solar for a few hundred euros, bring it home, plug it in, and that's it. We will never get there unless we pass these laws that make it that easy.

**What makes balcony solar particularly advantageous for consumers and as a resource against climate change?**

A couple things. Number one, if you get rooftop solar in this country, about half of the cost is what we call soft costs: cost of installation, cost of permitting, cost of this technical inspection. And we find that to be an atrocity — and we love rooftop solar. We think this interconnection reform should be the beginning of wider interconnection reform in the solar industry writ large in this country.

Here's why balcony solar is so revolutionary—the cost to you and me, the cost to consumers, is lowered to the actual cost of the technology, which is about half what it is in this country for rooftop. Because you're installing it yourself so you're just paying for the technology. That's what Bright Saver is doing. We are, as a nonprofit, selling this technology. I don't even like the word sell; we're offering it at exactly what it costs us. Why does it cost less to us? 

Because we do bulk purchases, we negotiate much lower prices for our members. We've already started building this movement, but this is the next step to really codifying this movement into a consumer block that shapes clean energy markets, starting with balcony solar, but not ending. And at the same time shapes and drives the clean energy policy that is going to make these clean energy technologies affordable to everyone and accessible to everyone.

**How many of the units has Bright Saver sold?**

Today's Monday. We started last Monday. We're at about 100 to 200 today, with no advertising, with no paid anything. It's just word of mouth. [At the time of writing, membership had grown to 1,000.]

Bright Saver's vision is that we build this huge membership in the millions, as formidable.as AARP, and we sell the cheapest clean energy options there are, like Costco, and simultaneously build the movement beyond those of us who have been waving our hands, screaming Chicken Little, of which I've been one.

**What will it take to meet your vision for the future?**

Let me say something else about the membership. We thought people would join because they want the cheapest balcony solar unit. Guess what? It's about three to one. More than half the people who join the membership don't buy the thing. We are kind of scratching our heads trying to figure it out. And honestly, I think it's because people believe in this vision, this self-sustaining vision, this market-driven solution to climate change that advocates like us just have to push over the edge.

The economics are in our favor, the technology is in our favor, but we have to fight the powers that be that want to slow down the clean energy transition. That's really what Bright Saver's doing, and that's really what this huge membership we are working on building does. We need tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions to really stand up and say, hey, we need this both to reduce our energy prices and also to save ourselves from climate change.

**How does the United States compare in uptake of these units to countries like Germany?**

We're super behind. Germany's been at this for 10 years; it started as kind of a DIY guerrilla solar movement. It started without legalization, sort of similar to how the rooftop solar movement in this country started. Because it started that way, it took 10 years to get to where we are now, which is 4 million of these units in Germany. One in 10, almost, Germans has these. But it took 10 years, and we don't have 10 years when it comes to climate or energy affordability.

We're trying to speed this up. If this year has been any indication, it's that we feel more hopeful than ever that we will move much faster than Germany, even without subsidies, even without policy that supports this, because it is simply the cheapest option for energy in general.

**What do you think will be the pace of legalization and the pace of deployment of plug-in solar?**

We wrote a white paper, we released it in November of last year, and we saw ourselves following the German adoption curve. If you follow that, you're looking at about 60 million Americans having these by the end of the decade. We actually think that's going to happen faster. The reason we think that's going to happen faster is because we already have 10, maybe 11, states where this legislation has passed. More than 30 are already coming to us saying, hey, we want to do this again next year or we want to do this for the first time. So, we think the demand is so clear that it's not going to take that long.

Now, there are other headwinds we face in this movement that we didn't expect. But we believe that with this combination of pressure on policymakers to pass the clean energy policies that benefit us and shaping consumer markets by standing together as a negotiating block, we think that's the way to make it happen much more quickly than it would otherwise. You know, we have been rather astonished at the speed of this movement. And when we take stock of the last year, we actually think the most meaning we have made, the biggest dent we've made, is not in the gigawatts of balcony solar that are already and will be added to our production, it's actually in this coalition of strange bedfellows — Republicans, Democrats — uniting across the ideological spectrum behind this no-brainer idea that the cheapest energy to produce should be the cheapest to you and me.

You don’t know what you don’t know, but we’re looking at that target, 60 million Americans, even faster than 2030.

The best indicator of whether you're going to get rooftop solar is do your neighbors have it? So, we see this really profound contagion that happens where you live in a neighborhood where no one has rooftop solar. Your neighbor gets one of these balcony solar units. You start talking to them. They talk about how their energy bills are going down, while yours are still going up. That is the tipping point. That's how people who think they can't afford, literally, to care about climate, adopt clean energy en masse. But someone has to be the organizing force.

**What have been those headwinds, both anticipated and unanticipated?**

Maybe naively, when we first started this, we thought, hey, utilities maybe will be psyched about this. There's no net metering agreement. You're completely exempted. You're giving them free electricity — a little bit, not a lot — we're taking load off the grid, they're delaying costly infrastructure updates. Turns out, surprise, surprise, that's not true. In some places it is – In New York, the biggest utility, Con Edison, did support this legislation, but generally they didn't.

We knew that was a possibility. There are other entities that just don't want to see this happen because they're not thinking about the benefit to you and me. They're thinking about the benefit to their bottom line.

So, we've got some barriers to knock down. We've got renter's rights. Germany did this in two legislative waves. The first one is what we're seeing this year, it's interconnection reform. But a couple of years later, they did renter's rights, saying you can't prevent your renter from installing these, except under very particular circumstances like it's a historical building. If you talked to me a year ago, I would have thought it would be impossible for any U.S. state to do that in one fell swoop. Guess what? Colorado did it, Virginia did it, New Jersey just did it last week. I think the most forward-thinking states have the power to make this go even faster.

**When it comes to the solar kit itself, what should consumers be thinking about when it comes to cost, installation, or other issues?**

Retail, the cheapest one costs around $499, $500. Because we're a nonprofit, we're offering it at $285.30, that's exactly what it costs us to buy it in bulk. We do it at a loss, because we have folks working very hard to make this happen, and we have to pay them so they can feed their families. Plus, a $29 a year membership. That's important, because if we don't build the membership that lasts beyond this year then we have a shorter runway of transforming the clean energy market and availability in this country.

It's very simple to set up. If you order one of these, it'll be shipped to your doorstep. You just open the box, you take it out, you connect the inverter to the solar panel, and you plug it in. That's all it is.

**Big picture, what can individuals be doing other than buying a unit to advance this vision?**

The most meaningful thing you can do actually is become a member of Bright Saver. As I mentioned earlier, less than half of the people who become members in the week we've been doing this, actually buy the kit. That makes us really hopeful because what it tells us is that it's not transactional necessarily, or rather it is for 30% to 40% of people, But that's who we want to reach – we want to reach the people who don't care. The most meaningful thing you can do is support the movement, support the big vision, become part of this collective negotiating block that will shape policy and consumer markets because this goes way beyond balcony solar. We are going to do this with clean energy technology after technology.


Earth Hero Interview: Bright Saver

Deforestation is often discussed in terms of biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions. However, removing forests also changes the local climate in ways that can directly harm human health. Tree loss can raise ground temperatures and intensify heat stress, creating particular risks for communities that depend on tropical ecosystems for water, food and livelihoods.

Deforestation is therefore not only an environmental problem but also a public health and development challenge. Evidence from tropical regions shows that forest loss increases local warming, while forests help keep temperatures lower through evapotranspiration and other surface processes. Protecting forests can provide both mitigation and adaptation benefits.

**Evidence: Forest Loss and Temperature Rise in the Tropics**

A study published in [Nature Climate Change in 2025](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02411-0) examined deforestation and temperature changes across the Amazon, the Congo and parts of Southeast Asia. Using about 20 years of satellite observations, researchers compared areas that retained forests with those that lost tree cover. Forested areas warmed by about 0.2°C, while deforested areas warmed by about 0.7°C (Reddington et al., 2025). This suggests that forest removal can significantly amplify local warming.

Satellite research in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea reached a similar conclusion. Deforestation was found to heat some local areas by as much as 4.5°C, while warming extended into undisturbed forests up to six kilometers away (Thompson et al., 2021). Forest loss can therefore create hotter zones beyond the land that has been directly cleared.

**Why Forests Cool: Evapotranspiration and Surface Heat**

Forests regulate temperature mainly through _evapotranspiration_. Trees absorb water from the soil and release it as vapor through their leaves. This works much like sweating: evaporation uses heat, which cools the surrounding air and surface. Forests also provide shade, protect the soil from direct sunlight and help it retain moisture. Their effect on _albedo_, or the amount of sunlight reflected by a surface, also influences the local energy balance.

**A Public Health Risk: Heat Stress and Vulnerability**

Higher temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and greater strain on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Low-income communities, outdoor workers, children and older adults are often most exposed because they may have limited access to cooling and healthcare. The 2025 Nature Climate Change study associated tropical deforestation with around 28,000 heat-related deaths each year (Reddington et al., 2025). This shows that forest loss can cause preventable human harm, not only environmental damage.

**Beyond Heat: Livelihoods, Agriculture and Food Security**

Forests support local water cycles, soil moisture and rainfall patterns. When trees are removed, water systems can become less reliable, harming farmers and weakening food security. These pressures can compound: rising temperatures increase health risks, while disrupted ecosystems threaten income and crop production. Communities already affected by poverty, limited healthcare and dependence on climate-sensitive agriculture face the greatest danger.

Deforestation can also create a feedback loop. Cleared areas become hotter and drier, increasing the risk of further degradation and making forest recovery more difficult. Over time, this can contribute to more frequent heat extremes and continued ecosystem loss.

**What Has Been Done So Far?**

The [United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)](https://www.undrr.org/) has developed a [web-mapping tool](https://www.preventionweb.net/news/deforestation-can-raise-local-temperatures-45-and-heat-untouched-areas-6km-away) that shows how forest loss can influence local temperatures in Southeast Asia. It can help decision-makers connect forest protection with lower CO2e emissions and immediate heat benefits (Thompson et al., 2021). Brazil is also setting up a fund intended to reward countries that protect tropical forests.

International funding, however, remains uneven. Some European countries have supported related facilities, but substantial commitments outside Norway have been limited. Treating forest loss as a distant problem overlooks its cross-border consequences, including migration pressure, air pollution, biodiversity decline and disruption to food supply chains.

**What Else Can We Do to Stop Deforestation?**

Reducing meat consumption and shifting towards more plant-based diets can reduce pressure for agricultural expansion. A Nature modeling study suggests that replacing 20% of beef consumption could reduce projected deforestation by about 50% (Humpenöder et al., 2022; FAO, 2022).
Supporting Indigenous Peoples and recognizing their forest rights is another cost-effective approach. Evidence cited by the [Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)](https://www.fao.org/home/en) suggests that strengthening Indigenous stewardship and land rights can reduce deforestation by 20% or more, making this one of the most cost-effective approaches available (FAO, n.d.).

Companies must also check whether commodities in their supply chains are linked to forest loss. The EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products is designed to require stronger checks on traded goods. This matters because international commodity trade is connected to roughly 40% of tropical deforestation (FAO, 2022; European Union, 2023).

Protecting forests is an immediate investment in public health, livelihoods and food security, as well as a long-term response to climate change.

**References**
- European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2023). Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products. <http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1115/oj>
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2022). Global agricultural supply chains, deforestation and responsible sourcing. <https://www.fao.org/markets-and-trade/areas-of-work/emerging-trends-challenges-and-opportunities/global-agricultural-supply-chains--deforestation-and-responsible-sourcing/en>
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). Forest governance by Indigenous and tribal peoples: How can Indigenous and tribal peoples help combat deforestation? <https://www.fao.org/americas/priorities/indigenas-gobernanza-bosques/how-can-indigenous-and-tribal-peoples-help-combat-deforestation/en>
- Humpenöder, F., Bodirsky, B. L., Weindl, I., Lotze-Campen, H., Linder, T., & Popp, A. (2022). Projected environmental benefits of replacing beef with microbial protein. Nature, 605, 90-96. <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-04629-w>
- Reddington, C. L., Smith, C., Butt, E. W., Baker, J. C. A., Oliveira, B. F. A., Yamba, E. I., & Spracklen, D. V. (2025). Tropical deforestation is associated with considerable heat-related mortality. Nature Climate Change, 15, 992-999. <https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-025-02411-0>
- Thompson, S., Corrêa, D., Duncan, J., & Crompton, O. (2021, November 15). Deforestation can raise local temperatures by up to 4.5°C - and heat untouched areas 6 km away. PreventionWeb/UNDRR. <https://www.preventionweb.net/news/deforestation-can-raise-local-temperatures-45-and-heat-untouched-areas-6km-away>



Deforestation and Rising Temperatures: A Double Threat

While the world continues to focus on global climate summits like the [Conference of the Parties (COP)](https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/supreme-bodies/conference-of-the-parties-cop), a parallel conversation is emerging elsewhere. In Santa Marta, Colombia, countries gathered to discuss a deeper and increasingly urgent question: How do we actually move beyond fossil fuels? It becomes an increasingly urgent question as burning fossil fuels overheat our planet and drive climate change. 

In a geopolitical landscape shaped by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, energy remains central to global power dynamics. Oil dependency still influences economies, political alliances, and even conflicts themselves. The timing of the Santa Marta conference could not have been more symbolic: it unfolded during one of the most fragile energy moments in recent history, where the challenges of fossil fuel dependency are becoming impossible to ignore.

Following COP28 and the first official mention of the need to “transition away from fossil fuels,” countries such as Colombia and the Netherlands decided to open a different kind of climate conversation: one less constrained by veto power, lobbying pressures, and the slow pace of international negotiations. The countries participating in Santa Marta represent nearly one-third of global GDP and one-third of the world’s fossil fuel. This means that despite the absence of major emitters such as China and the United States, a different vision for the future is beginning to take shape.

**The Significance of Santa Marta**

What makes Santa Marta particularly significant is that it was led by Colombia itself, a country historically linked to coal and oil exports. The summit became a space for countries genuinely interested in building practical pathways toward a post-fossil economy, while openly acknowledging the contradictions tied to such a transition. The challenge is not simply environmental. Entire economies, public revenues, jobs, subsidies, and trade systems are still deeply connected to fossil fuels.

For this reason, discussions extended beyond emissions targets. Three major areas of work emerged during the conference: 

- Developing national roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels.
- Addressing macroeconomic dependencies on oil and gas.
- Improving cooperation between producing and consuming countries. 

Financial systems also became a central issue. Many countries in the Global South continue to face high debt costs and limited access to investment capital, making renewable transitions significantly more difficult. Santa Marta highlighted that climate transition is not only technological, but also economic and political.

**Beyond the Conference**

At the same time, the summit exposed the fragility of traditional fossil fuel alliances. While cooperation between countries seeking to accelerate the energy transition appears to be strengthening, major producer blocs such as OPEC have increasing internal tensions. The decision of the United Arab Emirates to distance itself from OPEC reflects a growing awareness that the long-term profitability of fossil fuels may no longer be guaranteed.

Ultimately, the crisis triggered by tensions around Iran once again demonstrates how insufficient current decarbonization efforts still are. Every delay in renewable energy investments increases global exposure to geopolitical shocks and economic instability. 

Santa Marta may therefore represent more than another climate conference: it could become one of the first real attempts to rethink energy transition outside the traditional boundaries of international climate diplomacy.


Is Oil Fueling Our Wars? Colombia Is Starting a Different Conversation

It may sound confusing, but global warming can actually cause very cold weather in some places. This is happening more often, and it has to do with two important systems in the atmosphere: the polar jet stream and the polar vortex.

Burning oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that drive global warming, but the effects go beyond rising temperatures. This is because the Arctic is warming much faster than the rest of the planet, disrupting the jet stream, a fast-moving current of air that normally acts like a barrier, keeping cold Arctic air in the north. As this barrier weakens and becomes more wavy, it allows glacial air to spill south into places like Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe. This is why, even in warm territories, some countries can experience sudden and extreme cold, often linked to what is known as the “polar vortex” **—** a band of extremely cold air that normally stays contained around the Arctic.

How did this happen? Research from Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that the burning of oil and gas releases greenhouse gases that heat the Earth and accelerate climate change, resulting in “Arctic amplification,” where the Arctic warms faster than other regions of the world. At the same time, the polar vortex can become unstable. When this happens, freezing air escapes southward into other regions, bringing unusually harsh winter conditions; See[ explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex](https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex).

But the effects go beyond colder temperatures alone. The disruption of atmospheric systems such as the jet stream and the polar vortex has now been associated with a range of devastating social and economic consequences. According to reports from CNN, when freezing Arctic air is pushed into regions that are not prepared for such extreme conditions, the impacts can be severe and far-reaching; See, “[The Polar Jet Stream and Polar Vortex](https://climate.mit.edu/explainers/polar-jet-stream-and-polar-vortex)”.[ ](https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/03/world/extreme-cold-arctic-polar-vortex-climate-intl)

Just a couple of examples of this phenomenon:

- The 2021 Texas winter storm led to massive power outages, water shortages, transportation shutdowns, economic losses, and many deaths.
- Parts of Asia and Europe have also recorded unusually harsh winters in recent years, disrupting daily life, damaging infrastructure, affecting energy supply, and increasing pressure on healthcare systems.

These events highlight how the effects of global warming extend beyond rising temperatures. They can also trigger extreme weather conditions that place serious strain on human lives, economies, and public infrastructure.

Addressing these challenges requires more than simply reacting to extreme weather events after they occur. Governments, industries, and individuals must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting dependence on fossil fuels such as oil and gas and investing more in cleaner energy sources. At the same time, countries need stronger infrastructure, better emergency preparedness systems, and more climate-resilient energy and water networks that can withstand unusual weather conditions. Public awareness and research will also play a major role in helping societies adapt to a changing climate while reducing the risks of future disasters.


When Global Warming Brings Extreme Cold

In the world's hottest cities, where summers are brutal and reliable air conditioning isn't a given, the heat at home has become hard to escape. The sun no longer just passes through; it lingers in the glass, the walls, and the spaces between rooms. The air turns heavy and warm, and by noon the thermostat reads what feels like unbearable heat.

In these parts of the world, the question is no longer about the weather outside, but how much of it is being trapped inside. Much of this is driven by the Urban Heat Island Effect, which can raise local temperatures by 5 to 10°C above surrounding areas, especially during heat waves ([UNEP's Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025](https://www.unep.org/resources/global-cooling-watch-2025)). As the planet continues to warm because of burning oil and gas, it becomes an issue that more of us have to face.

**Rising Heat Waves**

Heat waves, as we already know, are becoming a more severe natural hazard. For over a decade, there have been approximately 489,000 deaths every year due to heat stress alone, according to the World Health Organisation. Health-related costs are projected to reach around USD 2–4 billion by 2030.

Rising heat reflects failures to mitigate climate change, making adaptation increasingly unavoidable. For many people, that means relying on air conditioners to keep homes cool. As a result, the number of installed air conditioners could triple by 2050, leading to emissions of 7.2 billion tonnes CO₂e, even with energy-efficiency improvements and refrigerant phase-down policies. But many households worldwide cannot afford or obtain air conditioners. The real challenge, then, is how to adapt to the unbearable heat at home while protecting both livelihoods and the environment.

The answer may lie in sustainable solutions such as passive cooling strategies.  The strategies include changing the building orientation, shading, window sizing, and natural ventilation.

**Building Codes**

Building energy codes help ensure that passive cooling elements are built into structures from the start. These measures include optimized building orientation, double glazing, external shading, and cool roofs.

Pakistan and Kenya have revised their building energy codes, introduced mandatory energy-efficiency measures and emphasized passive cooling (Global Cooling Watch Report, 2025). In fact, optimizing the building envelope and orientation alone can yield energy savings of up to **37%** and reduce energy needs by up to **4.5%** (World Bank, 2025).

Simple things like planting trees and requiring them with new construction also reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect. Trees provide shade, cool the air, and help absorb heat that would otherwise build up on streets, sidewalks, and buildings. When neighborhoods have more trees and green spaces, they can feel cooler and more comfortable, especially during hot days.

**Windows**

Upgrading windows—for example, switching from single glazing to double glazing, can cut GHG emissions by 0.07 tCO₂e per m² per year, while improving thermal comfort (Project Drawdown analysis).

**Cool and Green Roofs**

**_Cool Roofs_**
Using highly reflective roof colours, such as white or other light shades, can reduce roof surface temperatures. This can also lead to energy savings of 15% for newly constructed buildings (Santamouris et al., 2022). In Ahmedabad, India, a cooling plan helped 7,000 low-income households paint their roofs white (UNEP, 2024). California’s updated building code in 2023 also mandated cool roofs for new buildings to reduce heat-island effects.

**_Green Roofs_**
Green roofs and green walls can cool buildings while sequestering carbon through photosynthesis, and they can reduce surface temperatures by about **3°C** (Wong et al., 2021).

Other passive cooling measures include building shading, optimized window sizing, and the use of water bodies. For example, the Cheonggyecheon Stream in South Korea has reduced surrounding temperatures by 3–5°C, according to the [World Economic Forum](https://www.weforum.org/).

**Energy Efficient Solutions**

**_Heat Pump_**
Heat pumps cool efficiently by moving heat rather than “burning” fuels, which can reduce emissions from fossil-based heating and refrigeration. Many countries are already incentivizing heat pumps; for example, the UK aims to install **600,000 heat pumps by 2028** (Zahiri & Gupta, 2023). Canada’s adaptation plans also recommend heat pumps to reduce heat-wave morbidity, according to the [Canadian Climate Institute](https://climateinstitute.ca/).

**_Hybrid Cooling_**
Another energy-saving approach is combining ceiling fans with an AC set at an optimal temperature. In Singapore, using a ceiling fan and setting the AC temperature to 26°C led to 32% energy savings while improving thermal comfort (Kent et al., 2023).

**Changing Habits to Beat the Heat**

To beat the heat, start with habits you can control at home. Open windows strategically to create cross-ventilation and reduce reliance on AC. During the hottest hours (around noon), use blinds to reduce solar heat gain. Add simple, natural support like aloe vera to improve comfort. With hybrid cooling, overall energy consumption can drop by 30% (IEA, 2025), and passive cooling can reduce AC load by up to 80%.


Beating the Heat In Our Homes

They tear up our gardens, invade our homes, and spread disease. We may refer to them as vermin, rodents, pests, or nuisances, but what if we have overlooked their ecological benefits? Each creature is equipped with traits adapted through evolution. With these evolved characteristics, they interact with certain elements of the natural world through symbiosis, which can be categorized into [parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism](https://www.wildlifeact.com/blog/symbiosis-commensialism-mutualism-parasitism-neutralism-competition-predation).

You may view them as parasites, feeding off of your hard work in the garden or nibbling on your freshly painted baseboards from last month. But let’s just pause and consider the mutualistic benefits of some of these critters.

**What is a pest, and why are they a problem?**

Any organism, insect, weed, fungus, or animal is socially categorized as a pest once they cause harm, damage, or any major annoyance to humans. Pests are a problem because they cause harm to economic or ecological systems, such as a farmer’s crops. 

**Rats**

Despite their reputation, rats actually do a bit of good in their natural ecosystem. In the wild, they are [seed dispersers](https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70013). While they are skittering about, they are eating nuts, seeds, and fruits. They deposit these seeds in new locations through their droppings. This, in turn, spreads more plant species and supports diversity in ecosystems. Rats break down organic materials and help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. 

**Mice**

Mice are burrowers, which in the wild is beneficial for the ecosystem. Their digging [aerates the soil](https://biologyinsights.com/what-role-do-mice-play-in-the-ecosystem/), increasing air and water flow, and promotes the decomposition of organic matter. In turn, they encourage a more nutrient-dense soil for plants to grow. Like rats, mice are also seed dispersers; they store and collect seeds near their burrows. Mice are an important food source for several predators such as birds of prey, reptiles, and larger mammals. They play an integral role in maintaining predator-prey relationships. 

**Prairie Dogs**

An icon of the Great Plains is the small but mighty prairie dog. Prairie dogs are a keystone species, as their burrows [provide habitat for over 120 species](https://cpw.state.co.us/living-prairie-dogs), such as the burrowing owl, black-footed ferrets, and other arachnid and insect species. Their influence on the ecosystem promotes better digestibility, protein content, and productivity of grasses near their sites, with some cattle even [preferring to graze near prairie dog sites](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118602#sec007) because of the growth of nutritious plants. 

**Raccoons**

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, which is just a fancy way of saying that they eat whatever is readily available. This includes birds, insects, small animals such as mice and rats, and even dead animals. They are actually great for pest management; by eating dead animals, they help slow the spread of disease. They also act as seed dispersers, which helps encourage local plant growth. 

Despite their ecological roles, these animals can still pose challenges for property owners. Rather than resorting to inhumane traps and dangerous poisons, consider preventative measures like properly storing food and securing waste bins. Maybe even consider yourself an ally to these critters by [cultivating a biodiverse yard and garden](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/make-your-yard-a-refuge/). By promoting a healthy ecosystem, pest populations are kept in check, turning a nuisance into a functional part of your local environment. For inspiration, check out other Earth Hero articles, such as [how to make your yard a refuge](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/make-your-yard-a-refuge/). 

_Also see these Earth Hero articles:_
- [Make Your Yard a Refuge](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/make-your-yard-a-refuge/)
- [Growing Change: How Local Urban Agriculture Initiatives Can Transform Communities](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/growing-change-how-local-urban-agriculture-initiatives-can-transform-communities/)
- [Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/building-climate-resilience-where-function-meets-fun/)



The Unexpected Role of Pests

Did you know that some of the most innovative architectural designs and technological breakthroughs have come from simply observing nature?

Imagine facing a problem that feels impossible to solve. You try to think outside the box, but the routines of everyday life and the communities that we have become so accustomed to often keep our thinking confined to familiar patterns. Our ideas circle around the same solutions, trapped within the logic of the structures we have built.

So you step away. You take a walk in a forest, a park, or near a lake. You slow down, listen, and begin observing the plants, animals, and ecosystems around you. Gradually, something shifts. You start noticing the subtle yet powerful mechanisms that allow nature to survive, adapt, and thrive.

And in that moment, you begin to see connections you hadn’t imagined before.

This way of learning from nature, observing it, understanding it, and translating its strategies into human solutions, has a name: biomimicry.
Biomimicry is the practice of studying nature’s strategies and applying them to human challenges. Over 3.8 billion years of evolution, life on Earth has developed highly efficient and resilient ways to solve complex problems, approaches that scientists, designers, and engineers continue to reinterpret and translate into innovation.

**When Nature Inspires Innovation**

If the concept still feels abstract, some well-known examples show just how powerful this approach can be.

1. **Velcro and burr seeds**. One of the most famous biomimicry stories began with a simple observation: Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed burr seeds sticking to his dog’s fur during a walk. Curious about how they attached so effectively, he examined them under a microscope and discovered tiny hook-like structures — an insight that led to the invention of Velcro.
2. **The bullet train inspired by a bird**. Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen bullet train once faced a major issue: loud noise when exiting tunnels. Engineers found a solution by studying the beak of the kingfisher bird, which dives into water with minimal splash. The redesigned train became quieter and significantly more energy efficient.
3. **Self-cleaning surfaces inspired by lotus leaves**. Lotus leaves naturally repel water and dirt thanks to their microscopic surface structure, which prevents particles from sticking. This mechanism has inspired self-cleaning materials now used in architecture, paints, and solar panels.
4. **Buildings inspired by termite mounds**. Some termite mounds regulate temperature through natural ventilation systems. Architects have applied these principles to design buildings that maintain stable indoor climates while drastically reducing energy consumption.

Biomimicry can also be understood at different levels: At a first level, designers mimic the form of natural elements, like the structure of a leaf, a shell, or a bird’s wing. A second level focuses on behavior, exploring how organisms interact with their environment, such as how termites regulate temperature. The most complex level is ecosystem biomimicry, where entire natural systems inspire solutions designed to function in balance with environmental cycles. Across these levels, nature can influence every aspect of design, from form and materials to processes and overall function.

**An Ancient Idea, A Modern Opportunity**

Although the term biomimicry gained prominence in recent decades — particularly through biologist and author Janine Benyus, who defined it as _“the conscious emulation of nature’s genius”_, the concept itself is not new. The term appeared in scientific literature as early as 1962, but humans have always looked to nature for inspiration.

What is new is our growing awareness that nature’s billions of years of evolution represent an extraordinary library of sustainable solutions. Today, startups and researchers are increasingly exploring how biological strategies can help address systemic environmental challenges, from sustainable materials and regenerative agriculture to climate-resilient infrastructure.

**More Than Innovation: A Shift in Mindset**

Biomimicry is not only about technology or engineering. It invites us to rethink how we approach problems altogether. Natural ecosystems operate through balance, cooperation, and circularity, where nothing is wasted. By observing these systems, we can begin to design solutions that work within planetary boundaries rather than constantly pushing beyond them.

In this sense, biomimicry also offers a new way to communicate and experience the climate crisis. Nature has a unique ability to reconnect us emotionally to the living world, something that data and statistics alone often fail to achieve. Learning from nature means learning to observe more carefully, think more creatively, and design solutions that are not only efficient, but regenerative.

After all, the planet has been solving complex challenges for billions of years. Perhaps the smartest innovation we can make is simply learning how to listen.

Also see, “[Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/building-climate-resilience-where-function-meets-fun/)”.


Learning From Nature: How Biomimicry Can Help Us Rethink Climate Solutions

​The climate crisis is sometimes framed as a sudden catastrophe, a freak accident of history that caught humanity off guard. However, a more holistic view reveals a different truth: climate change is the cumulative result of decades of intentional decisions. It is the physical manifestation of a global civilization that, for over a century, has prioritized speed, scale, and convenience above all else.

From the way we produce our food to the fast-fashion cycles that clog our landfills, our modern systems are built on a philosophy of constant, carbon-intensive growth. This has led us to a polarizing crossroads: must we retreat into the past to save the planet, or continue our reckless sprint toward a precarious future?

​Between these two extremes lies a potential "third path" - one that does not demand a regression to pre-industrial living, but instead calls for a radical redefinition of progress. By leveraging the very technology that helped create this crisis, we can ride the natural and economic cycles of our society toward a more balanced and sustainable existence (see, for example, “[The Sun is Not Setting on Solar](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/the-sun-is-not-setting-on-solar/)”).

**​The Industrial Legacy and the Digital Solution**

The advanced technological landscape we navigate today is a relatively recent development. Much of the infrastructure of the digital age cloud computing, high-speed automation, and global telecommunications has matured only within the last few decades. While these tools were initially used to accelerate extraction and consumption, they possess an untapped potential to enhance human productivity while simultaneously reducing our ecological footprint.

​One of the most profound opportunities for climate mitigation lies in the normalization of remote and flexible work. For over a century, the "industrial" model of labor dictated that productivity was synonymous with physical presence in a centralized office. This model created the daily commute, a massive driver of global carbon emissions and urban congestion. Today, however, we have proven that physical presence is no longer a prerequisite for meaningful output (see, “[Alternative work arrangements: Individual, organizational and environmental outcomes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023091077)”).

The shift toward a "work from anywhere" model offers a direct pathway to emissions reduction. Every worker who stays home or works from a local hub represents a decrease in fuel consumption and a lower demand for energy-intensive office infrastructure (see “[Remote Work: Making it Work for the Environment](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/remote-work-making-it-work-for-the-environment/)”). Beyond the environmental data, there is a human element: time once squandered in traffic is reclaimed for rest, creativity, and community connection, fundamentally improving the quality of life.

**​The Rise of Generation Z and the New Value System**

​This transition is being accelerated by the shifting values of Generation Z. Unlike previous generations that may have accepted environmental degradation as a necessary trade-off for economic gain, Gen Z is increasingly unwilling to separate their career aspirations from their ethical standards. This cohort prioritizes well-being and demands transparency and accountability from the institutions they work for and buy from. ”[The Vital Role of the Young Generation in the Transformation of Indonesian Agriculture towards a Brighter Future](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v2O8-xQSNSTzLi148WTLAcWvjwNfAucQ/view)”

​As companies adopt distributed work models to attract and retain this talent, we see a ripple effect across urban planning. When employees are no longer tethered to expensive, overcrowded megacities, they gain the freedom to relocate to smaller towns or rural areas. This redistribution of the human population eases the immense pressure on urban energy grids, water systems, and transportation networks, allowing cities to "breathe" and redesign themselves as sustainable hubs rather than congested transit points.

**​Reconnecting with Ecological Cycles**

​The redistribution of labor also facilitates a deeper, more personal reconnection with nature. In the traditional urban sprawl, gardening or local food production was a luxury of space. In a more distributed society, these activities become accessible again. This isn't about a forced return to survivalist farming; it is about a conscious choice to participate in ecological cycles (see “[Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/building-climate-resilience-where-function-meets-fun/)”).
​
Modern technology can act as a bridge here. Smart systems, such as integrated waste management and hydroponics, allow households to create closed-loop ecosystems. For example, fish-waste-rich water can nourish plants, which in turn filter the water back for the fish. These technological applications make sustainable living not just possible, but efficient and integrated into a modern lifestyle.

**The Corporate and Economic Imperative**

​From a corporate standpoint, embracing this "third path" is not just an act of charity; it is a sound economic strategy. Remote and distributed models reduce operational overhead, accelerate digital transformation, and foster a culture of trust rather than rigid, top-down control. It humanizes the workforce by focusing on outcomes what is actually achieved rather than the performance of being "busy" in a cubicle.

​Even sectors often criticized for their environmental impact, such as telecommunications and logistics, can be reimagined. A telecommunications sector that invests heavily in remote connectivity enables education and economic opportunity in underserved areas, turning mobility into a tool for real needs rather than a byproduct of inefficient routines.
**​**
**The Canvas of the Future**

​Admittedly, these shifts are not easy. They require more than just the right software; they demand a significant change in political will, corporate coordination, and ethical frameworks. Technology alone is not a "silver bullet" for the climate crisis, but it is a powerful accelerator for better choices.

Young people are often told that they do not yet hold the "levers of power”, they do not sign the treaties or control the multinational supply chains (see “[Urban Evolution: How Jakarta Can Lead Indonesia’s 2045 Vision Through Sustainable Living and Smart Mobility](https://climatecardinal.com/urban-evolution-how-jakarta-can-lead-indonesias-2045-vision-through-sustainable-living-and-smart-mobility/)”) . They are often viewed by policymakers as a "canvas" to be painted upon. However, a canvas is also a space for vision. By redefining what productivity looks like and leveraging technology to rebuild our relationship with the planet, this generation can imagine and implement a future that does not leave the Earth behind.

​Riding the cycle means acknowledging that growth and restraint are not mutually exclusive. True progress does not mean endless expansion into the natural world; it means the smarter use of what we already have and the courage to choose a path of restoration over destruction. The choices we make today, guided by these new tools and values, will determine whether our technological power saves us or hastens our decline. Fragment by fragment, we can move forward without losing the world in the process.


Rethinking Progress: Technology, Remote Work, and a Third Path to Climate Resilience

Climate anxiety (also called eco-anxiety) is the human stress response to climate change: wildfires, floods, heat waves, and the nagging sense that the future feels shakier than it should. The American Psychological Association has described eco-anxiety as a “[chronic fear](https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/eco-anxiety)” about environmental harm, and you do not have to be “overreacting” to feel it. But take heart - you can take your feelings seriously without letting them run your life, and you can take action without burning out.

**If You Only Read One Section…**

Climate anxiety eases when you do two things at the same time: regulate your nervous system and reconnect to agency. Start small and specific (one habit, one conversation, one civic step), and treat consistency as the win. Aim for “enough” action that you feel aligned, [not so much that you collapse](https://mhanational.org/resources/coping-with-climate-anxiety/).

Here’s a small menu of actions that does not require a personality transplant:

- Choose one “repeatable” climate habit (less food waste, talk about climate to others, a home energy tweak) and do it weekly.
- Join a local group once a month (mutual aid, neighborhood resilience, conservation, climate advocacy).
- Call or email an elected official about one specific policy issue you support.
- Move one account you follow from doom to solutions (science communicators, local organizers, clean energy updates).
- Have a “two-sentence” climate conversation with someone you trust: what you are feeling + one thing you are doing.
- Donate (even a small amount) to a high-impact organization.

**Pathways to Action and Relief**

You can start with personal actions like reducing food waste, improving home energy efficiency, or taking fewer flights. These habits reduce your individual footprint while influencing those around you, which helps build personal steadiness through a routine. Moving into the community lane, participating in local tree care, mutual aid, or school initiatives builds shared capacity and local preparedness. This shift is vital for mental health because it converts feelings of isolation into a sense of belonging.

Civic engagement, such as voting, calling representatives, or [signing petitions](https://nationbuilder.com/petition_guide_new+), targets system-level levers. Engaging in these activities is a direct way to turn abstract worry into concrete agency. In your work or skills, you can scale your impact through institutions by pursuing climate-aligned projects or [volunteering your professional expertise](https://getzelos.com/volunteer-opportunities). This makes climate action a part of your identity rather than just a chore. Finally, financial choices like aligning your banking and investments or making targeted donations influence capital flows and incentives. Taking these steps can specifically help reduce the "I’m complicit" spirals that often trigger deeper distress.

**Turning Values Into a Livelihood (Without Greenwashing Yourself)**

One way people channel climate concern is by starting an eco-friendly business: repair services, refill shops, energy audits, climate-smart landscaping, low-waste products, or local logistics that cut emissions. If you go this route, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can have practical upsides, including limited personal liability, potential tax advantages, and flexibility in how you run the business (often with less paperwork than a corporation). Regulations and fees vary by state, so it’s smart to verify your state’s rules before you file, especially around naming, registered agents, and annual reports. The [IRS website](https://www.irsetax.com/ein-apply/) offers info and FAQ’s for getting started.

**Common Questions People Don’t Say Out Loud**

- **Is climate anxiety “normal”? **Yes. Many people report worry about climate change, and it can range from mild background stress to something that affects daily life.
- **How do I know if I need professional support? **If anxiety is disrupting sleep, relationships, work, or you feel stuck in dread most days, it may help to talk with a licensed mental health professional.
- **Does personal lifestyle change matter, or is it all systemic? **Both. Personal choices can reduce emissions and influence social norms, while civic and community actions help change systems.
- **What if taking action makes me feel worse? **That can happen when you take on too much, too fast—or only consume grim information. Pair action with rest and boundaries.

**A Practical Reset You Can Use on a Bad Day**

Below are a few things you can do to address feelings of climate-related anxiety:

- **Name it:** “I’m feeling climate anxiety right now.” ([Labeling helps reduce overwhelm](https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-main-causes-of-stress-3145063).)
- **Body first:** Six slow breaths, longer exhale than inhale.
- **Micro-move:** 20 squats, [a short walk](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20485587/benefits-from-walking-every-day/), or stretching—anything to discharge tension.
- **Boundary:** Pick a time limit for climate news today (example: 15 minutes).
- **One next step:** Choose one action you can complete in under 10 minutes (email, sign-up, donation, calendar a meeting).
- **Close the loop:** Write down what you did. Proof beats vibes.

**A Resource Worth Bookmarking When You Need Solutions**

If you’re craving clarity on _what actually helps_, Project Drawdown’s solutions database is a solid place to land. The Drawdown Explorer [walks through climate solutions](https://drawdown.org/explorer) across sectors - food, energy, materials, buildings - so your next step can be grounded in evidence instead of vibes. It’s also useful when you’re stuck in “everything is pointless” thinking, because it breaks the crisis into specific levers. You can browse it casually, pick one solution to learn about, and then decide whether to act personally, locally, or politically.

Climate anxiety is painful, but it can also be a signal: you care, you notice, and you want to protect what matters. Start by calming the body, then pick one action that’s small enough to repeat. Let the community carry some of the weight. Over time, the combination of a steadier nervous system + steady agency is what turns dread into direction.


Climate Anxiety: Keeping Calm While Addressing the Problem

When we talk about climate change, it's tempting to look for _the_ solution: Solar panels. Electric vehicles. Tree planting. Carbon capture. Pick one, scale it up, problem solved - right?

Not quite. Each of these solutions matters, but none works on its own. Climate change isn't a single problem with a single fix. It's a systems problem, and it needs systems thinking.

Engineers are trained to understand complex systems and how changes to one component ripple through the whole system. Climate change works the same way. It's shaped by how we produce energy, design cities, grow food, manage water, and use materials. When we treat these areas separately, we risk missing the bigger picture and sometimes even create new problems.

**Climate Change Is a Systems Problem**

Take renewable energy, as an example. Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electricity is essential for reducing emissions, but energy doesn't exist in isolation. Where materials come from, how infrastructure is built, and how much energy we use all matter. A clean grid paired with inefficient buildings or rapidly rising demand still leaves significant emissions behind ( IEA, 2023; see References below).

The same is true for nature-based solutions. Restoring forests, wetlands, and soils can remove carbon while supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. But poorly planned projects can increase wildfire risk, strain water resources, or displace communities (IPCC, 2023). Good intentions aren't enough; context and coordination also matter a lot.

Systems thinking helps us evaluate solutions across their full lifecycle, including environmental, social, and economic impacts. We should not just ask, "Does this reduce emissions?’’ We must also ask, "What else does this affect, and who benefits or bears the cost?"

**The Limits of One-Solution Thinking**

Focusing on a single climate solution creates blind spots.

Renewable energy alone cannot meet climate goals if global energy demand continues to rise without proper efficiency measures (IEA, 2023). Carbon capture may play a key role in hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel, but these technologies are energy-intensive and cannot replace rapid emissions reductions (UNEP, 2023). Tree planting and ecosystem restoration are powerful tools, but there isn't enough land on the Earth to offset unlimited fossil fuel use (IPCC, 2023).

When climate solutions are framed as substitutes rather than complements, progress slows. Climate action becomes polarized—technology versus nature, mitigation versus adaptation, individual action versus systemic change. In reality, these approaches are strongest when they work together.

**How Integrated Climate Action Works**

Integrated climate action recognizes that solutions are most effective when they reinforce one another.

Clean energy paired with energy efficiency reduces emissions faster while lowering household costs. Climate-resilient agriculture combined with ecosystem restoration improves food security while increasing carbon sequestration. Cities designed around public transit, green spaces, and efficient buildings reduce pollution and improve public health (Rockström et al., 2017).

Education and public awareness are equally critical, as well. Teaching climate literacy at an early age helps shape a generation that understands planetary boundaries, resource limitations, and the consequences of unsustainable growth and consumption. When young people learn these concepts in school, they're more likely to adopt responsible lifestyles, question harmful norms, and lead future decisions differently.

This is a shared responsibility. Civil society, educators, and policymakers all play a role in embedding climate education into school curricula. Equipping young people with systems thinking and environmental awareness creates future leaders prepared not only to respond to climate risks but also to prevent them.

**Why This Matters for People**

Systems thinking isn't just about technology; it's about people.

Climate solutions that ignore affordability, access, and local realities often fail. Clean energy projects that raise energy bills can deepen inequality. Adaptation plans that overlook community knowledge may miss practical, low-cost solutions already in place. When people are part of the design process, solutions tend to be more durable, equitable, and effective.

Effective climate action happens when policies, financing, technology, education, and behavior change move in the same direction. Governments, businesses, communities, and individuals all play a role. When these efforts align, climate action delivers more than emissions reductions; it supports healthier communities, stronger economies, and a fairer transition (UNEP, 2023).

**From "Either–Or" to "Both–And"**

The climate crisis is too complex for one-dimensional thinking. We don't need to choose between clean energy or conservation, technology or nature, individual action or systemic change. We need all of them.

Integrated climate action moves us beyond false choices towards smarter solutions that work together. No single climate solution will save us; but many solutions, designed as part of an interconnected system, just might work magic!

_Nazwa W. B. Salim is an Independent Sustainability Consultant specializing in climate-aligned infrastructure, ESG strategy and clean energy transitions. Her work advances systems thinking, equitable decarbonization, climate storytelling, advocacy, and the governance of complex infrastructure to support climate-smart, community-focused development._

**References:**

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report. Geneva: IPCC.

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2023). Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. Paris: IEA. <https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050>

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2023). Emissions Gap Report 2023. Nairobi: UNEP. <https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2023>

Rockström, J., Gaffney, O., Rogelj, J., Meinshausen, M., Nakicenovic, N., & Schellnhuber, H. J. (2017). A roadmap for rapid decarbonization. _Science_, 355(6331), 1269-1271.


The Power of Integrated Climate Action

Climate change is accelerating global poverty. According to a [World Bank Group report](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/10/07/global-action-urgently-needed-to-halt-historic-threats-to-poverty-reduction), climate change poses an ongoing threat to poverty reduction and is projected to push between 68 million and 135 million people into poverty by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions, where most of the global poor reside, are particularly vulnerable. Rising food prices, deteriorating health outcomes, and the increasing frequency of floods and other natural disasters disproportionately affect low-income populations, exacerbating existing inequalities.

But poverty is not just a consequence of climate change; it is also a major barrier to solving the broader climate change problem. Poverty restricts access to the very tools and systems needed for climate resilience. In many vulnerable regions, communities lack basic infrastructure, such as clean energy, reliable transportation, climate-smart housing, and other factors that would allow them to reduce emissions or withstand environmental shocks. Without financial security, people are forced to make short-term decisions that often harm the environment, such as overharvesting natural resources or settling in flood-prone areas. This is evidenced by a World Bank report, which revealed that the poorest countries contribute less than 10% of global emissions, yet they suffer the most from climate disasters (see [For the Poorest Countries, Climate Action is Development in Action](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2023/12/02/for-the-poorest-countries-climate-action-is-development-in-action)).

Traditional practices, such as bush burning used in hunting and land clearing, are still prevalent in some regions. These activities contribute to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions that remain in the atmosphere for centuries. Without providing people with alternatives and awareness, these damaging practices will likely continue, making global environmental goals harder to achieve. Also, many of the lifestyle changes and technological adaptations needed to combat climate change come at a cost that the world’s poorest cannot afford. In many of the least developed countries (LDCs), firewood and charcoal remain primary sources of energy for cooking, either because people are unaware of the environmental impact or because cleaner alternatives are unaffordable. 

Education also plays a pivotal role. Rural inhabitants in many parts of the world are often unaware of the concept of climate change, largely due to a combination of low literacy levels, limited access to information, and inadequate infrastructure (see[ ](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey)[Climate Change Remains Top Global Threat Across 19-Country Survey](https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2022/08/31/climate-change-remains-top-global-threat-across-19-country-survey/)). A Pew Research Center report also found that in several countries, people with more education tend to express greater concern about climate change than those with less education. This underscores the need for climate literacy initiatives to accompany poverty alleviation efforts.

Furthermore, as the world shifts towards more sustainable technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), another layer of inequality becomes clear. While EVs are widely promoted for their role in reducing carbon emissions, their high costs make them inaccessible to low-income groups. Countries leading the EV revolution tend to have higher standards of living and better infrastructure, leaving LDCs far behind in the transition to greener alternatives (see [Electric cars: lower-income countries fall behind, with uptake linked to GDP per capita](https://www.acea.auto/press-release/electric-cars-lower-income-countries-fall-behind-with-uptake-linked-to-gdp-per-capita/)).

Poverty is more than just a social or economic issue; it is a barrier to environmental sustainability. Without addressing poverty, especially in the most vulnerable regions, efforts to combat climate change will be limited in scope and effectiveness. Policymakers, environmentalists, and global development agencies must acknowledge this connection. Empowering the poor with education, affordable technology, and sustainable alternatives is not just an obligation for major economic agents. It is a strategic necessity in the fight against climate change.


Poverty: A Silent Obstacle to Climate Action

The search for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging is intensifying. While many innovative concepts have emerged, one solution looks really promising: leaf packaging. It is already a common practice in nations like China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and others, but it has not really been embraced by developed nations. The challenge therefore lies not in its newness, but in its widespread adoption by global corporations and consumers.

**The Urgent Need for Change:**

Conventional packaging is glamorous - focused on customer attraction and shelf appeal - making it the default choice for captivating consumers and enhancing brand visibility.  Its health and environmental costs are however undeniable. Research has found a significant relationship between the use of chemically processed packaging materials like nylons and polythenes, and an increase in cancer-related cases (see[ Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-Plastic-Planet](https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/%20Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-Plastic-Planet-February-2019.pdf) and [plastics-and-health](https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/plastics-and-health/)).

Plant leaves are nature’s alternative. They can make for good packaging because they repel water, do not impart harmful substances into food, and can be attractive in their own right. Not all leaves are created equal, though. Below are some identified leaf varieties with promising packaging potential:

\- Banana Leaves: Renowned for their flexibility, water-resistance, and ability to impart a subtle flavor to food, banana leaves have a long history of use in tropical cuisines.

\- Lotus Leaves: Known for their natural water-repellent properties and aromatic qualities, lotus leaves offer a unique and elegant packaging solution.

\- Water Hyacinths: Researchers are exploring this fast-growing plant for packaging. Its initial laboratory results confirm it is uncontaminated and safe for use.

Leaves are of course biodegradable, naturally decomposing without releasing harmful substances. Their decay process enriches the soil with nutrients, making them an excellent source of compost, a double win for sustainability. Also, using leaves at scale could significantly reduce pollution levels caused by plastics, particularly in landfills and oceans.

A common concern surrounding leaf packaging is the potential for deforestation. The counter-argument is that trees are naturally regenerative, and the harvesting of leaves doesn't necessitate felling entire trees. Sustainable harvesting practices can ensure a continuous supply of packaging materials without compromising forest health.

The key to widespread adoption lies in bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern consumer expectations. Innovators will need to focus on developing leaf packaging that is not only environmentally friendly but also visually appealing and functionally comparable to its plastic and paper counterparts. This requires research and development into techniques that enhance the durability, aesthetics, and versatility of leaf-based packaging  (see[ packaging-made-plant-leaves](https://biooekonomie.de/en/news/packaging-made-plant-leaves) and [nigerias-street-food-adds-to-the-plastic-problem-green-leaves-offer-a-solution](https://theconversation.com/nigerias-street-food-adds-to-the-plastic-problem-green-leaves-offer-a-solution-203618)).

Leaf packaging is more than a return to old-world practices; it is a forward-thinking step toward a sustainable future. By embracing innovation, addressing concerns, and promoting collaboration between researchers, businesses, and policymakers, we can unlock the vast potential of leaf packaging and create a healthier, more environmentally responsible world.


Packaging with Leaves: A Forward-Thinking Concept

The words “climate-resilient towns and cities” may not immediately bring to mind pictures of playgrounds, skate parks, or climbing walls. Yet, rethinking how human spaces are designed to address climate change also opens the door to creating dynamic, interactive environments. Around the world, cities are seizing opportunities to transform climate adaptation efforts into a chance to inspire joy and outdoor exploration.

By strategically integrating climate-smart features—like permeable surfaces, natural shading, or greenspace into parks and recreational areas, these spaces can mitigate flooding and help manage urban heat. Making places more walkable also reduces transportation carbon pollution. Plus it can enhance local biodiversity. It is a great opportunity to invite people to actively engage with nature, fostering a sense of stewardship for our environment.

**[Growing Up Boulder](https://www.growingupboulder.org/), Colorado, USA**
Parks and playgrounds are central to childhood, yet how often are children invited to imagine what they would like to experience in these spaces? The nonprofit _Growing Up Boulder_ empowers children to co-design parks in their community. From bold requests for zip lines to whimsical nooks for plants and insects, the children’s visions result in engaging play areas alongside valuable lessons in civic involvement. Children who see their ideas take shape gain a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a new generation of engaged, conscious citizens.

**[Underpass Park](https://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/our-projects/underpass-park), Toronto, Canada**
In Toronto, a gray, unremarkable underpass has been transformed into a playground hidden beneath the city’s highways. Basketball courts, skateparks, and public seating bring people together to relax and play in a spot that used to be full of dust and shadows. A mirrored art piece suspended on the bottom of the overpass reflects light and colors, brightening the area. The project integrates permeable surfaces to manage water runoff, reducing flood risks and protecting Lake Ontario’s health. As the success of Underpass Park shows, no place is beyond redemption.

**[CopenHill](https://www.copenhill.dk/en), Copenhagen**, **Denmark**
Wondering where to go for a day of skiing, hiking, and climbing? Residents of Copenhagen, Denmark visit their local waste-to-energy plant. Once an industrial area avoided by locals, the roof of CopenHill has been converted into a ski slope and the sides have been transformed into a huge climbing wall drawing people to visit this spot for a day of outdoor adventure. The original design’s 100 plant species have doubled, thanks to seeds carried by foraging birds. As a naturally flat country, Denmark’s first ski slope provides a novel, local opportunity for an exhilarating and sustainable experience.

**[The High Line](https://www.thehighline.org/), New York City, USA**
Urban expansion often leaves little room for new green spaces, but New York City's High Line shows how even the constraint of tight spaces can be overcome using a little creativity. This 1.4-mile park is built on an abandoned elevated railway, offering a lush walking path with over 500 species of plants, spots to rest, different views to enjoy, and unique art installations. The High Line park is practical as well as beautiful, incorporating sustainable water management techniques and ecologically mindful landscaping. Between pollinators and pedestrians this railway is alive with activity again - a reminder that even neglected infrastructure can transform into a community treasure.

**[Gardens by the Bay](https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/), Singapore**
Few places embody the fusion of nature and technology as seamlessly as _Gardens by the Bay_. Its towering Super trees, vertical gardens which rise up to 50 meters, collect rainwater to store as a resource for potential droughts while generating solar energy for the park’s needs. Ranked among the world’s top attractions, the Gardens reflect Singapore’s commitment to an enjoyable present and a resilient future. This urban landscape is a harmonious balance of beauty, utility, and sustainability.

**Creating Climate-Resilience**
Resilience is not limited to large-scale projects—individual actions can spark meaningful change. Here are practical steps you can take to foster sustainable design in your community:

**1. Engage Locally:** Attend community meetings and advocate for sustainable, inclusive green spaces. [Research and vote](https://www.earthhero.org/act/287-research-and-vote-accordingly/) for candidates in your area who will support climate resilience.

**2. Collaborate Across Generations:** Involve children, seniors, and people with disabilities in planning [discussions](https://www.earthhero.org/act/168-talk-about-climate/).

**3. Promote Sustainable Design:** Support initiatives featuring [renewable energy](https://www.earthhero.org/act/78-switch-electricity-to-clean-energy/), [regreening your area](https://www.earthhero.org/act/711-re-green-your-area/), and water-efficient landscaping.

**4. Volunteer Your Expertise:** Artists, engineers, gardeners, and organizers can play pivotal roles in transforming spaces.

**5. Host Events:** Create opportunities for community engagement through workshops, cleanups, and outdoor gatherings such as a [sustainable BBQ](https://www.earthhero.org/act/763-host-a-sustainable-bbq/).

**6. Support Resilient Infrastructure:** Advocate for public investments in stormwater management and renewable energy solutions.

**7. Celebrate Wins and Take Time for Whimsy**: It’s important to [turn off the bad news](https://www.earthhero.org/act/861-take-a-break-from-bad-news/) sometimes and make intentional space for fun.

By reimagining community spaces, we can weave joy into the ways we address climate challenges making our neighborhoods more resilient, exciting, and full of life.


Building Climate Resilience: Where Function Meets Fun

Earth Hero Interview: Scientist Rebellion

Ever finish eating while in a vehicle and wondered, "Where do I drop this trash?" This dilemma reflects a broader issue: the absence of simple waste management systems integrated into our vehicles. While vehicle manufacturers have initiated the idea of recycling old vehicles to reduce metallic waste and promote a sustainable environment, not many vehicle manufacturers have considered integrating waste management features into vehicle designs. Sophistication, comfort, and physical attraction often dominate design priorities, leaving practical solutions for everyday waste disposal overlooked.  However, integrating waste management features into vehicle designs can be a low-hanging fruit and a big deal in defining class and innovation.

**The Growing Waste Problem**

According to the United Nations report, municipal solid waste is predicted to rise from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050 (See [global-waste management-outlook-2024](https://www.unep.org/resources/global-waste-management-outlook-2024)). Another report by the World Bank reveals that in 2020, an estimated 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste were generated globally, equating to an average of 0.79 kilograms per person daily. This problem is intensifying, with projections indicating a 73% rise by 2050, resulting in an annual total of 3.88 billion tonnes (See [Solid Waste Management](https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management)). These costs manifest not only as direct waste management expenses but also through hidden costs such as environmental pollution, deteriorating public health, and climate change. Mismanaged waste contributes to pollution, poor public health, and environmental degradation, with oceans bearing the cost of plastic contamination. To address this, innovative solutions are urgently needed and the redesigning of vehicles to accommodate waste disposal can be a part of this answer.

**Rethinking Vehicle Design**

While manufacturers focus on sophistication, class, and comfort, few have considered how vehicles could directly contribute to solving environmental crises. Adding waste management features like waste bags, buckets, or simple hanging spaces could revolutionize how we tackle waste disposal on the go.  Public buses could also have separate compartments for recyclables, biodegradable waste, and general trash, reducing landfill contributions.
Imagine vehicles equipped with waste management systems designed to simplify and encourage proper disposal.

These features could include:

**_Built-In Waste Bins or Bags_**
Small, discreet waste compartments in passenger vehicles could provide convenient places for passengers to dispose of trash without littering. These bins could be removable for easy cleaning and replacement.

**_Hanging Waste Spaces_**
Adding hooks or designated spaces for waste bags inside vehicles whether private cars or public transport would address the "where do I drop this" dilemma. A simple addition like this would go a long way in reducing roadside litter.

**The Environmental Benefits**

In an era where sustainability is critical, incorporating waste management features represents a forward-thinking opportunity. Beyond comfort and performance, vehicles can embody environmental responsibility.** **Adding waste disposal features to vehicles could significantly reduce litter in public spaces, improve recycling rates, and lower the environmental burden of waste mismanagement.

Consumers could also play a role in this transformation by demanding sustainable vehicle features and using them responsibly. Governments and regulatory bodies can also incentivize manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly designs, including waste management systems. Public-private partnerships could pilot waste-friendly vehicle designs in cities, especially in areas grappling with waste crises.

By redesigning vehicles with waste disposal systems, we can shift from viewing vehicles solely as transport tools to seeing them as agents of environmental preservation. We can make vehicles part of the solution, one waste bag or bucket at a time.

For other waste management ideas, see [From Waste to Wealth: Paid Waste Returns Could Be a Double Win for Developing Countries](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/from-waste-to-wealth--paid-waste-returns-could-be-a-double-win-for-developing-countries/). 


Driving Out Waste: Designing Vehicles with Built-In Disposal Features

Cities are built for people, but we aren’t the only ones living there. As climate change disrupts traditional habitats, many species are migrating to urban areas to find food and shelter. Cities and towns worldwide are reimagining what it takes to become more resilient and inclusive of biodiversity.

**3D Printing for Habitat Creation**

[Urban Reef](https://www.urbanreef.nl/), a design company in Rotterdam, uses advanced 3D printing technology to create crevice-covered structures inspired by the complex geometrical shapes of natural coral formations. These habitats are made of clay or mycelium\* (the “roots” of [fungi](https://www.earthhero.org/act/757-learn-about-and-support-fungi)) and have surfaces for moss and mushrooms to grow, cavities that can be used by nesting birds, and indentations for insects.\*\* 

Once installed and given time to flourish these urban reefs host plants that absorb pollutants and produce oxygen. The vegetation supported by urban reefs can lower a cities heat island effect by providing cooling through transpiration (the process by which water moves up from the roots through the plant’s internal pathways and is released as water vapor), creating more comfortable living conditions for city residents.

Urban-Reef’s vision is to make cities more “bio-inclusive,” that is, supportive of both human and non-human life. Designers and policymakers taking a bio-inclusive approach would consider how their decisions affect wildlife and people, being mindful that our well-being is interconnected. When a diverse range of species thrive, humans benefit by living in a more stable and resilient ecosystem with natural climate regulation, pollination, pest-control, and increased mental health benefits.\*\*\*

The people at Urban Reef are not the only ones leveraging technology to build habitats that support biodiversity. Many organizations use 3D printing in their efforts to restore [coral reefs](https://www.earthhero.org/act/394-adopt-coral-fragments). For example, [SECORE International ](https://www.secore.org/site/home.html)creates what they call “seeding units”, which are 3D-printed foundations that provide stable surfaces for coral larvae to settle on. The seeding units are placed inside of incubators with coral larvae. Once the larvae settle onto the seeding units, they are gradually transferred to an outdoor aquarium and eventually to the ocean. These seeding units do not need to be installed in the ocean by hand which saves a lot of human labor and cost.\*\*\*\* Instead, they are sprinkled over natural reefs where they land and hook into existing crevices. 

Healthy coral benefits nearby cities and towns by improving water quality, preventing erosion and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Reefs offer habitat for a wide range of species making coastal cities more attractive for anyone who enjoys snorkeling and diving. Sustainable fisheries supported by healthy reefs provide locals with a source of food and economic opportunities.

Other cities are using different methods to achieve more bio-inclusivity. Portland, Oregon restored a single block using a natural spring and native plants to be more like the landscape that existed before the city, while New York City repurposed a railway line to become a narrow walking park, and Ohio made more space for native plants and animals on the Scioto River.

**Rolling Back the Concrete**

Tanner Springs Park in Portland offers a glimpse into the natural history of the area. This block-sized natural oasis is inspired by the landscape as it existed before the city was built, while also including pathways and benches for visitors to enjoy. The park features native plants and a natural wetland area, offering a sanctuary where wildlife in the heart of the city can access water. Residents can experience close encounters with nature without leaving their neighborhood. Tanner Springs Park is cared for by local volunteers who tend to the plants and make efforts to control and remove invasive species. 

**From Rails to Trails**

The High Line Park in Manhattan was built on a disused elevated railway track, and features diverse plant species creating a green corridor that weaves between the brick buildings and loft apartments of the West Side. The park provides habitat and connectivity for birds, insects, and other wildlife, while also offering recreational space for residents and visitors. The High Line can be seen as a model for transforming neglected urban infrastructure into vibrant green spaces.

**A Buffer Zone Between Land and Water**

The Scioto Mile project in Columbus, Ohio added 5.4 acres of “riparian” (or waterfront) habitat, equivalent to four football fields, creating a lush corridor along the water's edge. The riparian edge serves as a natural buffer between the river and urban development. Widening this area and increasing the diversity of native plants provided habitat for wildlife, improved water quality through natural filtration processes, and offered recreational opportunities for the community.\*\*\*\*\*

**Bring Bio-inclusivity to Your Neighborhood**

In order to preserve biodiversity and make our communities as resilient as possible in the face of climate change, we will need to innovate more unique ways to include nature in urban spaces. Here’s how to get started:

**1. Get Involved Locally:** Participate in biodiversity projects or support similar initiatives in your area. [Encourage local governments](https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives/) to incorporate green infrastructure and biodiversity-friendly policies into urban planning by [commenting on regulations and policies](https://www.earthhero.org/act/197-comment-on-government-regulation). Help [elect climate leaders](https://www.earthhero.org/act/808-help-elect-key-climate-leaders). 

**2. Volunteer:** Join organizations working on urban greening, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and [building climate resilience](https://www.earthhero.org/act/233-join-a-climate-action-group). Get involved in [community science](https://www.earthhero.org/articles/embrace-nature--apps-for-connecting-with-the-great-outdoors).

**3. Advocate for better planning**: Work with others to influence city planners and how they design your area and the projects they focus on. Push for more green spaces and places that people can enjoy, which will naturally support biodiversity.

**4. Plant Native Species:** Contribute to urban biodiversity by planting native species [in your yard](https://www.earthhero.org/act/405-plant-a-pollinator-friendly-garden) or a [community garden](https://www.earthhero.org/act/474-start-or-join-a-community-garden). Turn life-less concrete or unnatural spaces into green ones where you can.

**5. Attend Workshops:** Take part in educational programs in your area or [facilitate a workshop](https://www.earthhero.org/act/682-engage-in-climate-change-education) yourself.

**6. Support Sustainable Materials:** Advocate for the use of biodegradable and recycled materials in urban planning.

Providing critical habitats for wildlife also enhances the quality of life for urban residents. By embracing bio-inclusive approaches and engaging local communities in conservation efforts, cities worldwide can continue moving towards more sustainable urban environments that benefit both people and the planet.

**Additional sources:**

\*Holland.com. (n.d.). Urban Reef. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from[ https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/get-inspired/bring-yourself/urban-reef-1](https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/get-inspired/bring-yourself/urban-reef-1)

\*\* Urban Reef. (n.d.). Blog. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from[ https://www.urbanreef.nl/blog](https://www.urbanreef.nl/blog)

\*\*\*National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). The importance of greenspace for mental health. _Scientific Reports, 13_, 12571. Retrieved from[ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663018/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663018/)

\*\*\*\*Nature Publishing Group. (2017). Seeding units: A novel approach to coral reef restoration using 3D-printed settlement substrates. _Scientific Reports, 7_, Article 17555.[ https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17555-z](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17555-z)

\*\*\*\*\*Landscape Architecture Foundation. (n.d.). Scioto Mile and Greenways. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from[ https://www.landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/scioto-mile-and-greenways](https://www.landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/scioto-mile-and-greenways)



Embracing Biodiversity Fosters Climate Resilient Cities

Roads and [railways](https://www.earthhero.org/act/13-take-train-or-bus-instead-of-plane) empower human mobility, but they also divide natural landscapes making it difficult for wild animals to move freely in search of food, water, shelter, and mates. Migratory species travel long distances seasonally for survival, and even species that do not migrate often need wide ranges to thrive. Shifts in habitats and food supply caused by climate change make it even more important for animals to access different environments. Wildlife crossings provide safe paths for animals to navigate a landscape increasingly altered by humans.

Green bridges are built over roads and highways and designed to look like the natural landscape. They are often covered with soil and native plants to encourage animals to use them. The Netherlands has constructed over 600 wildlife crossings\*. For example, the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo is a green bridge that people can [walk](https://www.earthhero.org/act/552-within-walking-distancequest-walk!) and [bike](https://www.earthhero.org/act/8-bike-instead-of-drive) across which also helps animals like deer and badgers move safely between sections of a nature reserve. Connecting otherwise separated populations of animals allows those animals to maintain a healthy population.

Australia has another kind of wildlife bridge that caters to the annual migration of millions of red crabs in Christmas Island National Park. These crabs travel from the forest to the beach annually to dig burrows for mating. Crab bridges assist them in crossing roads safely. Barriers are strategically placed along the crabs' natural paths to direct them towards the bridges, making their migration safer from vehicles.

Wildlife crossings can also be underground. The Henry Street amphibian tunnel in Massachusetts provides a safe passage under the street allowing salamanders to reach their breeding area. Before this tunnel was built, local volunteers carried the salamanders across the road in buckets. The volunteers helped the salamanders maintain a large breeding population until the amphibian tunnel was constructed.

When animals can select from a larger pool of mates, their offspring have greater genetic diversity. That diversity increases the chances that some individuals will have genes resistant to certain diseases or environmental stresses, helping maintain the overall health of a species. This allows populations to respond to changes, such as shifting climate and new diseases, keeping species robust and adaptable. A diverse gene pool also reduces the risk of genetic disorders caused by inbreeding.

The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Las Angeles California aims to be the largest wildlife crossing in the world when completed in 2026. This overpass will help mountain lions, deer, and smaller animals like bats and lizards move safely across the 101 Freeway. The project was inspired by a mountain lion named P-22 who garnered media attention by crossing 10 lanes of traffic on one of LA’s largest freeways. People were moved by the story of this creature whose range was so fragmented compared to his ancestors, and he became a local celebrity. Unfortunately, an injury from a collision led to his untimely passing. P-22’s story highlighted the need for safe wildlife passages and motivated the community to begin thinking of wild animals as their neighbors and [donate](https://www.earthhero.org/act/659-donate-to-an-environmental-cause) to the Wildlife Crossing project.

Keeping wild animals off the road is also safer and more cost-effective. The US Department of Agriculture estimated that wildlife collisions in the United States result in 26,000 human injuries and 200 human deaths costing Americans $8 billion per year\*\*.

**HOW WE ALL CAN HELP**
Support initiatives that will address the need for animals to cross roads. This will reduce collisions by lowering the chances of encountering an animal while [driving](https://www.earthhero.org/act/20-drive-more-efficiently). Slowing down when driving through wildlife crossing zones also lowers the risk of accidents.

We can also be wary of building new roads, especially because cars and roads take up so much space while cutting up our wilderness areas. Especially because [adding more lanes and roads does not improve traffic conditions](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/07/why-traffic-cant-be-solved-with-just-adding-more-highway-lanes.html). Plus it wastes our taxpayer money.

Another way to help wildlife move safely in your region is to support projects like the [Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing](https://101wildlifecrossing.org/supporters/). Community donations play a significant role in building and maintaining these connective pathways. One of the most important steps you can take is to advocate for policies that protect animals and request that wildlife crossings be included in local transportation planning. An easy way to start is by following conservation-focused groups from your country on social media. Often these organizations update their audience about pending laws and suggest opportunities to [reach out to lawmakers](https://www.earthhero.org/act/180-write-your-representatives/) or [comment on government regulation](https://www.earthhero.org/act/197-comment-on-government-regulation).

Wildlife crossings benefit both animals and humans by promoting safety, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing genetic diversity. By embracing these structures in your area, you can help ensure a healthier, more connected natural world for future generations.

\*“Wildlife Crossings.” [nationalgeographic.org](http://nationalgeographic.org), Accessed 22 June, 2024, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/wildlife-crossings/

\*\*“Highway Crossing Structures for Wildlife: Opportunities for Improving Driver and Animal Safety.” [Fs.usda.gov](http://fs.usda.gov), Accessed 22 June, 2024, https://www.fs.usda.gov/psw/publications/documents/psw\_gtr271/psw\_gtr271.pdf


The Road to Reconnection: Wildlife Crossings Address Habitat Fragmentation

33 Psychological Barriers to Climate Change Action

When was the last time you saw a butterfly? Not just a quick glimpse, but a real moment where you watched its colorful wings fluttering in the air. It's a question worth asking, because the fact that we see fewer and fewer butterflies tells us something is wrong with our world.

Since the 1970s, a lot of butterfly species have been disappearing. For instance, one famous butterfly, the monarch, is in big trouble. It used to be a symbol of nature across the globe but now it's struggling to survive because its homes are being destroyed and it's getting hotter. In just ten years, its numbers have dropped a lot, for instance, a report by the Centre for Biological Diversity revealed that over the past two decades, monarch butterflies have declined by 90% since the 1990s.

To further corroborate this, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2021, classified the migratory monarch butterfly as endangered and added it to the Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN's declaration of the monarch as endangered serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for action to safeguard these iconic butterflies. When experts say the monarch is in danger, it's like a big warning bell ringing. This tells us we need to act fast to save these beautiful creatures. It's not just monarchs in trouble; other insects are also struggling because of bigger problems with the environment.

The decline in butterfly populations is attributed to several interconnected factors. One, as we know, is climate change. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, primarily due to burning oil and gas, it affects the places where butterflies live, find food, and reproduce. This is especially tough on migrating butterflies like the monarch. In some places, it gets too hot and dry, making it hard for butterflies to survive.  This crisis might be our last chance to save some of the world's favorite butterfly species. But even though we know how important it is, some governments still haven't done enough to protect them and phase out oil and gas faster.

Human encroachment is also to blame. We are cutting down forests, building cities, and expanding farms, which harms butterfly habitats or destroys them altogether. Butterflies need specific places to live, lay eggs, and eat, so losing these habitats hurts their populations. When we upset the balance of nature by destroying habitats and changing the climate, it affects the variety of plants and animals in an area. Butterflies depend on a variety of plants for food and shelter, so when we reduce the number of plant species, it hurts butterfly numbers too.

The chemicals we use to kill pests and weeds also harm butterflies. They kill the plants their babies need to eat. For example, using weed killers can wipe out milkweed, which monarch caterpillars rely on for food. We therefore need to embrace sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and herbicides. 

Invasive Species are also a threat. When non-native plants take over an area, they can crowd out the plants that butterflies need to survive. This disrupts their homes and makes it harder for them to find food and shelter.

The monarch's struggle shows us a bigger problem of the broader challenges facing biodiversity worldwide. Losing so many plants and animals could threaten the services that ecosystems provide to humanity, such as clean air and water, fertile soil, and climate regulation.

But there's some hope. To tackle the decline of butterflies, we all need to take action on multiple fronts. We can help the monarchs by planting more of the plants they need to survive (see these Actions: [Plant milkweed](https://www.earthhero.org/act/455-plant-native-milkweed), [Plant a pollinator friendly garden](https://www.earthhero.org/act/405-plant-a-pollinator-friendly-garden) and [Start or join a community garden](https://www.earthhero.org/act/474-start-or-join-a-community-garden)). For instance, native plants such as milkweed, lavender, coneflowers, and other butterfly-friendly species can provide essential food and habitat for butterfly larvae and adults so we do not end up being the last ones lucky enough to enjoy their beauty.

Also, cutting down on greenhouse gasses, using land in sustainable ways, and spreading awareness about why butterflies are important in our ecosystems. By working together, we can help ensure that these beautiful insects stick around for generations to come.


The Missing Butterflies: A Silent Alarm for Our Future

Climate change is real and so is climate distress.

The condition is exactly what it sounds like – distress over climate change. It encompasses two related terms that are perhaps used more frequently: climate anxiety and climate grief, according to New Hampshire psychiatrist Dr. Robert Feder, a member of the steering committee of the [Climate Psychiatry Alliance](https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/).

“Climate anxiety refers to concern and worry about things that could happen in the future. Things that people are worrying about that are going to happen due to climate change,” said Feder. “And climate grief refers to grief and despair and feelings of loss over things that have happened. Losses that have already occurred in the environment due to climate change.”

The symptoms are also somewhat distinct, he noted. Similar to other forms of anxiety, climate anxiety can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, or difficulty falling asleep. The symptoms of climate grief are more like those of depression, including lack of energy or appetite, difficulty concentrating, or feelings of pessimism.

“If you’re really experiencing climate anxiety or climate grief, you know it,” Feder said.

Recognition of these specific conditions is relatively new. The term “climate grief” is largely attributed to researchers Ashlee Cunsolo and Neville Ellis in a 2018 paper published in the journal _Nature Climate Change_: [“Ecological grief as a mental health response to climate change-related loss.”](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0092-2)

“We argue that grief is a natural and legitimate response to ecological loss, and one that may become more common as climate impacts worsen,” the authors wrote.

Polling in the United States suggests these conditions are already common. Sixty-eight percent of adult respondents to a [December 2019 poll for the American Psychological Association](https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/02/climate-change) (APA) cited having some level of “eco-anxiety”. Among adults age 18-34, 47% reported that their lives on a day-to-day basis were impacted by climate change-related stress.

As the concept of climate grief is so new, much about it remains unknown, according to [a 2020 article from the APA](https://www.apa.org/members/content/climate-grief). Part of that is because it is not connected to a fixed point in time, in the way people grieve the loss of a loved one.

“Climate grief is different from the grief we experience in other circumstances. First, climate grief is usually more ambiguous. Uncertainties, such as not knowing specific impacts and when those impacts might occur, make it hard for us to emotionally tolerate a situation,” ecopsychology researcher Shawna Weaver, Ph.D. author of the book _Climate Grief: From Coping to Resilience and Action_, told Earth Hero. “Because climate change comes with a lot of ambiguity, it causes even more anxiety and a difficult path through the grief process, and also makes it easier for people to deny it (which is the first stage of grief),” she added.

There is also no “norm” to return to from climate grief, Weaver said. The changes to the planet, ultimately, impact all people.

Among those who may be at greatest risk for suffering from this form of grief, the APA article says: children and teens, who will live with the effects of climate change for decades; climate activists and scientists, whose daily lives are intertwined with the crisis; and people who work closely with the land and are more likely to notice negatives changes happening. Feder also noted climate refugees, who have personally experienced a climate disaster.

How, then, to face climate distress?

Weaver and Feder discussed similar approaches: focusing on relaxing, using techniques such as meditation; going into nature; exercise; maintaining social and familial connections; and particularly taking some form of action on the climate crisis.

“We increase our dopamine and endorphins by taking action, creating community, building on successes, accomplishing tasks, and moving our bodies,” Weaver said. “If you are experiencing climate grief or anxiety, find a local cause directly related to that anxiety, and get involved. It won't just help you emotionally, it will move the dial on the very source of that pain.”

On his [Climate & Mind](https://www.climateandmind.org/) website, Seattle psychotherapist Andrew Bryant discusses the value of therapy for people suffering climate grief, particularly providers who specialize in climate-related mental health issues. He acknowledges that the number of these therapists remains limited; the Climate Psychology Alliance North America maintains a directory of [”climate-aware” therapists](https://www.climatepsychology.us/climate-therapists).

While stating that there is no firm data, Feder guessed that the percentage of people suffering from climate distress who need professional mental help could be about 10%. That would be at the level where the condition is causing them to isolate from friends and family and impeding their ability to work, he said.

The Climate Psychiatry Alliance advocates for greater awareness of issues related to climate change in the mental health community, including by partnering with the Climate Psychology Alliance North America on a program to train psychotherapists to become [climate-aware therapists](https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/register-as-a-climate-aware-therapist). The organizations also hope this type of training will eventually be incorporated into all psychiatry residency training programs, Feder said.

However, there will never be enough mental health professionals to help everyone suffering from climate distress, he added. One alternative approach being developed is “transformational resilience”.

“This is really a public-health type of approach to the problem, where entire communities are treated in a proactive, preventative type of way, where they hopefully can get education about resiliency methods, prepare for what they can do or what to expect in their particular community about climate problems or disasters, and build up their own cognitive abilities and social abilities to be able to deal with these issues so they can prevent the more severe forms of climate anxiety and grief before they happen,” he said.

Legislation was introduced last year in the [Senate](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1452) and [House of Representatives](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3073/titles) to strengthen these programs, including by competitive grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both versions of the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act remain in committee.

Looking to get involved? Earth Hero encourages [actions](https://www.earthhero.org/act) to help fight the climate crisis, including through individual and group [advocacy](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/advocacy-and-choice). A simple action related to [getting outside](https://www.earthhero.org/act/category/outside) could be a great place to start.


Facing the Mental Toll of Climate Change

Scientists have [confirmed](https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/) that current global warming is human-caused and not a natural fluctuation in climate, and that the rate of warming is faster than anything seen in the previous 10,000 years.  

Human-caused climate change began during the Industrial Revolution when humanity began to burn fossil fuels - oil, coal, and natural gas - to produce more energy. Since the Industrial Revolution, we have been using increasing amounts of energy in order to keep up with consumer demand and sustain an economic system based on infinite growth. 

The gases from burning oil, coal, and natural gas are released into the atmosphere, trap heat from the sun, and in turn warm the planet. This is called the greenhouse effect. The most problematic gases are carbon and methane. They stay in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. 

As global temperatures rise, they are altering the conditions of the atmosphere, oceans, and other ecosystems. This will lead to increasingly frequent and extreme wildfires, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and extreme weather events. These are causing food and water shortages, climate migrations, and damage to infrastructure, which will worsen as long as we continue on with business as usual. Climate and ecological breakdown threatens the health, safety, and survival of human and nonhuman life. 

_Floods and Storms_

Earth's lower atmosphere is warming because of fossil fuel emissions. Because warm air holds more moisture, this is leading to increasingly extreme floods, storms, and weather events.

_Droughts_

While some areas will experience flooding, others will experience drought. It’s also possible for an area to alternate between periods of flooding and drought. Warmer temperatures enhance evaporation that dries out soils and vegetation. Changes in the jet stream from warming global temperatures are also reducing rainfall in certain areas. 

_Wildfires_

With worsening droughts, trees and underbrush are drying out. This process creates conditions that make wildfires easier to start, spread, and harder to contain. 

_Heatwaves_

Climate change is leading to more frequent, longer, and intense heat waves. It has increased the size of stalled high-pressure weather systems called "blocking events”, which can produce deadly and long-lasting heat waves.

_Sea Level Rise_

Warming temperatures from burning fossil fuels is causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt and break apart, with the danger of completely collapsing and elevating sea levels enough to destroy and displace island and coastal communities, including major cities like Miami. 

_Sixth Mass Extinction_

We are in the middle of the sixth mass extinction, the first mass extinction caused by human behavior. The current rate of extinction is tens to hundreds of times higher than the average over the past 10 million years. Its main drivers include destructive land and sea use, direct exploitation of plants and animals, global warming, pollution, and invasive species. The sixth mass extinction threatens the biodiversity and ecosystems that humans rely on for survival. 

**Tipping Points**

Human-caused global warming from the burning of fossil fuels is triggering the Earth’s tipping points. These include the melting of glaciers and sea ice, die-off of the Boreal & Amazon rainforests, melting permafrost, coral reef die-off, loss of aerosols & cloud cover, and warming, acidifying oceans. Healthy ecosystems either act as carbon sinks or deflect sunlight, and are necessary to keep the Earth cool. 

Once several tipping points are triggered, it could lead to a cascade effect, triggering other tipping points and irreversibly transitioning the Earth into a state of runaway heating that is outside of human control. This would lead to what climate scientists call an ‘uninhabitable hothouse Earth.’ 

Some tipping points have already been triggered by global warming, while others won’t be triggered until warming worsens. 

**Timeline**

Humanity has a limited window of time left to transition off fossil fuels before we trigger irreversible tipping points and lose the ability to avoid runaway heating. 

The goal of the Paris Climate Agreement is to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius and decrease atmospheric carbon below 350 parts per million (ppm), considered the safe zone for maintaining a safe and habitable planet. To do this we basically need to cut climate pollution in half by 2030. 

The Earth has already heated 1.3 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution. Extreme weather events and tipping points are happening faster and with more extremity than scientists projected, suggesting that we need to speed up our transition off fossil fuels and onto renewable sources of energy.

UN secretary Antonio Guterres is calling for First World countries to [reach net zero emissions by 2040](https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1n/k1n4wutrw2#:~:text=I%20urge%20governments%20to%20make,close%20as%20possible%20to%202050.) and countries who emit less to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

**Solution**

Although our situation is dire, we know the solutions and we [still have time](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/03/20/climate-change-ipcc-report-15/) to act. The solution to climate change is to stop burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and make a global transition to renewable energy. Renewable energy includes solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal. 

In order to avoid ecological collapse, which is as important to human flourishing as climate change, we need to protect at least 30-50% of the land and water, which are critical carbon sinks, and stop consuming more resources than the Earth can safely regenerate. 

We still have time to take collective action in order to maintain a safe and habitable planet. Humanity is being given the opportunity to create a green and flourishing world that considers all life.


Climate Change and Solutions

**The Amazon Studios documentary film Burning explores the sociopolitical, historical, and scientific causes of the harrowing Australian bushfires of 2019 and 2020, in what has become known as “Black Summer.” Directed by Academy and Emmy-award winner Eva Orner, the film opens with clips of climate change protests, smoke, fire, and a grim overview of the delicate state of the Australian bush. As the word “Burning” comes on screen, the audience is told that “the greatest tragedy of the Australian brushfire season is that we saw it coming.”**

The Australian director combines interviews with climate change activists, fire survivors, scientists, and politicians to contextualize how 59 million acres burned. Greg Mullins, the former Fire and Rescue Commissioner of New South Wales, says, “I feel like we’ve just been sleepwalking into catastrophe.” Mullins is a recurrent face and voice throughout, as is Marian Wilkinson, an author and journalist, who introduces the political sparring: “There has been a concerted effort to undermine the science of climate change.” Australia, as the largest exporter of coal and gas, has reason to undercut climate science. In August 2018, when a conservative government took power under the leadership of Prime Minister Scott Morrison (the antagonist and villain of the story), their first order of business was pushing aside the climate commission.

Mallacoota resident Jann Gilbert, a fire victim who lost her house, says, “I did not predict how brutal the fires were going to be as the summer went on. It rocked Australia to the core.” Images of the 200-foot flames blaze across the screen, along with newspaper headlines, photos of destruction, and satellite images of the smoke spreading across the continent. Foreboding music amplifies anxiety. “The biggest red flag went up when the rainforest was burning,” says Gilbert. “Those forests have never burned.”

There are moments when the film overdramatizes. The accounts themselves are powerful, as are the images and facts. But it is, unfortunately, a narrative about the horrors of climate change and the political forces at bay that has been told before. Orner’s major struggle is battling against a jaded and desensitized viewer.

The film shifts to firefighters and news reports. Thousands of tourists become trapped on a beach as the fire encircles them. Brian Ayliffe, who has been fighting fires for 60 years, says, “They attacked it with bombers, large air tankers. It didn’t matter what they did; [the fire] worked its way down the coast.” All of this unfolds as the Prime Minister vacations with his family in Hawaii. Orner emphasizes this by displaying Morrison’s family vacation photos. This, the viewer is reminded, is a political story. There is a face to blame.

The viewer is reminded, as ecologist Mark Graham says, that “we’re bearing direct witness to so many processes of change playing out around us. We’re essentially right in the middle of this stretch of some of the oldest forest on the planet, unchanged for tens of millions of years. Through continents splitting apart, asteroids hitting the earth, those trees have been like an ark through time and space…The fires of Black Summer burned into these ancient refuges.”

The residual trauma from the fires is apparent. The wind is a reminder to many victims: “You could hear it,” says one survivor. “It was like a dragon.” The soot came ahead of the fire in Mallacoota, which turned a morning sky black. Camera phone footage at 9:13 a.m. shows total darkness before the sky transforms into an intense red. “It was like being on a plane that was going down,” says another survivor. “The roar and the noise of it was horrendous. I just called it a vicious monster.” The psychological damage becomes clearer as Michael Harrington, from Cobargo, discusses flashbacks. Birds drop dead from the sky. Insidious smoke invades Sydney for months. New Year’s is celebrated while the Cobargo burns. Roads are littered with dead kangaroos. It looked “like a nuclear bomb has gone off.” Pregnant women had “grey, crumbly, disgusting placenta” from constant smoke inhalation. One woman says, “This origin of life is this canary in the coal mine.”

The film pans out again, emphasizing the scale of the fires, which formed their own weather systems as smoke columns went 10 to 12 kilometers into the atmosphere. The fires created their own thunderstorms, sending fire-starting embers up to 30 kilometers away. The audience is told that 21 percent of the Australian bush burned: “we’ve entered a new era.” The fires burned more than 10 times more than they had ever burned before. Driving through New South Wales for hundreds of miles, all you see is blackened earth—“like walking out into the apocalypse.” Prime Minister Morrison goes to Cobargo and starts taking selfies, smiling, until a local yells, “You’re not welcome you fuckwit!”

Just when the trauma, pain, and destruction begin to anesthetize the viewer, Orner changes the chorus by offering a glimmer of hope. Australians take to the street and demand change—the sentiment embodied in the young activist Daisy Jeffrey. As COVID hit, Australia declared a pandemic 12 days before world health organization. The right-leaning government seemed to become socialist overnight. There was hope that actions might be taken on climate change. Instead, Morrison spoke about a gas-led recovery.

Daisy Jeffrey’s story is a story of national change: her grandfather was a coalminer in a family of coalminers. The myth of a reliance on fossil fuels is challenged by her, and by tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, who describes climate change as “the existential crisis of the human race.” Cannon-Brookes is attempting to build the world’s largest solar farm in Australia and then export that renewable energy through a network of cables from Australia to Asia.

At the end, Greg Mullins comes back into view: “We’re having fires in Greenland, the Arctic Circle—places where we never had them before,” he says. “Climate change scares the shit out of me…We need to learn together again how to really manage this land at that very large scale. This is the critical moment for humanity.” The film ends familiarly: a black screen before the credits is the backdrop for the following in white lettering: “Prime Minister Scott Morrison declined to be interviewed for this film.”


Resilience

Adapt to climate impacts, care for your mental health, and help your community weather the future.