The Future We Choose

1. The climate crisis demands urgent, collective action

We can no longer afford the indulgence of feeling powerless.

Time is running out. The world has until 2030 to halve global emissions and until 2050 to reach net-zero emissions to avoid catastrophic climate change. This requires unprecedented collective action from individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Everyone has a role to play. Climate change affects all aspects of life - health, economy, food security, and social stability. Therefore, addressing it requires action across all sectors of society. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint, businesses can adopt sustainable practices, and governments can implement bold climate policies.

Optimism is crucial. Despite the enormity of the challenge, a sense of "stubborn optimism" is necessary to drive action. This doesn't mean ignoring the gravity of the situation, but rather believing in humanity's capacity to rise to the challenge and create positive change.

2. Two possible futures: devastation or regeneration

We are already too far down the road of destruction to be able to "solve" climate change.

A stark choice. Humanity faces two potential futures: one of environmental devastation and societal collapse if we fail to act, or one of regeneration and thriving if we take decisive action now.

Devastation scenario. In a world that warms by 3°C or more:

• Extreme weather events become more frequent and intense
• Sea levels rise, submerging coastal cities
• Food and water scarcity lead to conflicts and mass migration
• Biodiversity loss accelerates, destabilizing ecosystems

Regeneration scenario. In a world that limits warming to 1.5°C:

• Renewable energy powers a clean economy
• Cities are redesigned for sustainability and livability
• Reforestation and regenerative agriculture restore ecosystems
• Technological innovations help solve climate challenges
• Societies become more equitable and resilient

3. Letting go of the old world is essential for progress

Focus on where you're going, not on where you've been.

Embrace change. Moving beyond the fossil fuel era requires letting go of outdated systems, technologies, and mindsets. This includes:

• Retiring fossil fuel infrastructure
• Shifting away from overconsumption and waste
• Abandoning the notion that economic growth must come at the expense of the environment

Resist nostalgia. The desire to return to a familiar past can hinder progress. Instead, focus on creating a better future that aligns with the realities of climate change and the needs of future generations.

Build bridges. Understand and address the legitimate concerns of those who may resist change, such as workers in fossil fuel industries. Ensure a just transition that creates new opportunities in the clean economy.

4. Facing grief while holding a vision for the future

We cannot hide from the grief that flows from the loss of biodiversity and the impoverished lives of future generations.

Acknowledge loss. It's important to recognize and mourn the environmental losses already occurring due to climate change, such as:

• Disappearing glaciers and coral reefs
• Extinct species
• Changing seasonal patterns

Cultivate hope. While grief is natural, it's crucial to balance it with a positive vision for the future. This vision serves as a "hook in the future," pulling us toward the world we want to create.

Take inspiration from history. Remember transformative moments in history, such as the civil rights movement or the space race, when humanity overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges through collective vision and action.

5. Defending truth in a post-truth era

If we can't agree on something as basic as a verified fact, our hands will be tied when it comes to the big stuff, and climate change is huge.

Combat misinformation. In an era of "fake news" and social media echo chambers, actively defending scientific truth is crucial. This involves:

• Critically evaluating information sources
• Supporting reputable scientific institutions
• Calling out climate change denialism and pseudoscience

Develop media literacy. Learn to distinguish between credible scientific information and propaganda or poorly researched claims. Pay attention to funding sources and potential conflicts of interest in climate-related studies.

Engage in respectful dialogue. When encountering climate skeptics, focus on understanding their concerns and finding common ground rather than attacking their beliefs. Use empathy and evidence-based arguments to bridge divides.

6. Shifting from consumer to citizen mindset

Consumerism traps us into thinking we can purchase personality.

Question consumption. Recognize how consumerism drives environmental degradation and climate change. Challenge the notion that constant consumption leads to happiness or fulfillment.

Embrace citizenship. Shift focus from individual consumption to collective well-being. This involves:

• Participating in community initiatives
• Engaging in local and national politics
• Supporting businesses and policies that prioritize sustainability

Redefine success. Move beyond materialism to measure success in terms of personal growth, community involvement, and positive impact on the environment.

7. Transitioning beyond fossil fuels to renewable energy

Stand up for 100 percent renewable energy.

Accelerate the transition. Rapidly shifting to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This requires:

• Government policies supporting renewable energy development
• Corporate commitments to clean energy
• Individual choices to support renewable energy providers

Embrace innovation. New technologies are making renewable energy increasingly cost-effective and efficient. Support research and development in areas such as:

• Energy storage solutions
• Smart grid technologies
• Sustainable transportation options

Address obstacles. Overcome challenges to renewable energy adoption, including:

• Outdated infrastructure
• Fossil fuel industry lobbying
• Public misconceptions about renewable reliability

8. Reforesting the Earth to combat climate change

In short, we could return the climate to how it was decades ago just by planting trees.

Harness nature's power. Reforestation is a powerful, low-tech solution for carbon sequestration. Trees absorb CO2, release oxygen, and provide numerous ecosystem benefits.

Scale up efforts. Massive reforestation projects are needed globally. Examples include:

• China's program to plant 100 million hectares of trees
• Ethiopia's campaign to plant 350 million trees in a single day

Support local initiatives. Individuals can contribute by:

• Planting trees in their communities
• Supporting organizations focused on reforestation
• Choosing products that don't contribute to deforestation

9. Investing in a clean, regenerative economy

Capital tends to flow toward investments that have worked in the past, as if the future will resemble the past in any meaningful way.

Redirect capital. Shift investments from fossil fuels and extractive industries to clean technologies and regenerative businesses. This includes:

• Divesting from fossil fuel companies
• Supporting renewable energy projects
• Investing in sustainable agriculture and circular economy initiatives

Redefine economic success. Move beyond GDP as the primary measure of economic health. Consider alternative metrics that account for environmental and social well-being, such as:

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)
• Gross National Happiness (GNH)

Support policy changes. Advocate for economic policies that incentivize sustainability, such as:

• Carbon pricing mechanisms
• Green bonds and sustainable finance initiatives
• Tax incentives for clean energy and regenerative practices

10. Responsible use of technology for climate solutions

AI is accelerating our decarbonization efforts in many other areas.

Harness AI and machine learning. These technologies can significantly advance climate solutions through:

• Optimizing renewable energy systems
• Improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation
• Enhancing climate modeling and prediction capabilities

Address potential risks. While embracing technological solutions, be mindful of potential downsides such as:

• Job displacement due to automation
• Increased energy consumption from data centers
• Privacy and security concerns

Promote ethical innovation. Advocate for the responsible development and deployment of climate technologies, ensuring they benefit all of society and don't exacerbate existing inequalities.

11. Building gender equality for effective climate action

Companies, countries, NGOs, and financial institutions all take stronger climate action when they are led by women or have a high proportion of women in decision-making roles.

Empower women leaders. Promote gender equality in climate-related decision-making positions across government, business, and civil society. Research shows this leads to more effective and ambitious climate policies.

Address gender-specific impacts. Recognize that climate change often disproportionately affects women, particularly in developing countries. Ensure climate adaptation and mitigation strategies consider gender-specific needs and vulnerabilities.

Support girls' education. Investing in education for girls and women has multiple benefits for climate action, including:

• Improved resource management skills
• Lower fertility rates, reducing population pressure on the environment
• Increased resilience to climate impacts

12. Engaging in politics to drive systemic change

If democracy is to survive and thrive into the twenty-first century, climate change is the one big test that it cannot fail.

Prioritize climate in voting. Make climate action a top priority when choosing political representatives at all levels of government. Support candidates with strong, science-based climate policies.

Participate beyond voting. Engage in various forms of political action:

• Join or support climate-focused organizations
• Attend town halls and public meetings on climate issues
• Engage in peaceful protests and civil disobedience when necessary

Hold leaders accountable. Continuously pressure elected officials to take bold climate action. This includes:

• Writing letters and making phone calls to representatives
• Using social media to amplify climate messages
• Supporting legal actions against governments and corporations failing to address climate change

Last updated: September 29, 2024