EcoPsychological Strategies for Meaningful Climate Action

1. Reduce.

Reducing our carbon footprint is essential. This doesn’t just mean green energy, electric vehicles and reducing flight travel and animal protein from our diets. It is just as fundamentally about reducing our overall participation in a consumeristic culture that is leading to climate change.

2. Conscious Consumption.

When purchases are necessary, consider the environmental, social and ethical impacts of what you’re buying. Support products and companies that illustrate the values you believe in, that lead to a healthier planet.

3. Contentment.

A simple lifestyle not only reduces our carbon footprint, it also can bring greater greater happiness and meaning to our life. Less is often more. Practice finding contentment in life’s simple pleasures.

4. Service.

Nobody can do everything, but we can all do something. Find ways to give back and be of service. This ranges from practicing random acts of kindness to devoting some amount of your resources (time, money, etc) to supporting community and climate action.

5. Practice Kindness.

Many of the problems our planet faces stem from a lack of consideration. Kindness towards all things, including the Earth, opens our heart, promotes good will in the world, and also reduces the cycles of violence and harm that are too prevalent.

6. Choose Gratitude.

At countless moments throughout our day, we have a choice between focusing on what is missing or wrong in the world, or focusing on the many gifts and moments of beauty that exist. Choose gratitude. Gratitude is has an abundance of benefits to our lives, including inspiring us to take care of what we appreciate. Make time to be grateful for the planet we live on.

7. Promote Connection and Relationships.

Individual and planetary suffering arise when we disconnect: from ourselves, each other and the Earth. Embracing connection in all areas of our life–including people we don’t agree with and nature–is a foundational step towards the healing our world needs.

8. Educate Yourself.

It’s imperative we make climate choices that maximize impact. We must work hard and smart. Most of us are not fully aware of which actions are the most constructive and important for the planet. Therefore, it’s essential that we educate ourselves about what are the most harmful carbon behaviors in our lifestyle, and also what are the most meaningful changes we can make. There are many great resources, like Drawdown, that can make you more empowered and effective.