'I feel like, why even pursue my dream career or find my dream man if we’ll all be living in bunkers in 30 years?' This week's AskPolly:
I feel very guilty that the developing world will pay most dearly for the carbon belched from us wealthy nations, but I also don’t want to give up plane rides to Italy, hamburgers, and cheap underwear made in Bangladesh.
I want to live with a mind-set of abundance in all aspects of my life while still being responsible in a time of climate change without turning my hair gray from worry. Can you please help me navigate all this with a healthier perspective?It’s exceedingly difficult to maintain a healthy perspective on a crisis that is likely to lead to the suffering and death of millions of people, not to mention many of the animals on the Earth.
It bothers me, lately, that there are so many voices “helpfully” speaking up and informing us that we’re chumps for doing the one small thing that we do, or the three or four small things we do, because it will never make a bit of difference. You don’t have to believe that regular people will triumph over status-quo-loving, polluting profiteers to do these things. You just have to believe that it’s healthier than feeling guilty around the clock.
In the past few months, I’ve seen an uptick in letters about the climate crisis. To me, that’s a good sign. Outspoken climate crisis activists like Greta Thunberg and everyone involved in the school strikes for climate and the Sunrise movement are starting to make a difference in how we experience this rapidly unfolding catastrophe. Just watching this video about young activists coordinating their efforts around the world might help.
So existence on this planet has taken on a warped, surreal quality for many of us. Just going to an outdoor mall and walking around, watching a fountain spray water everywhere, watching people eat sushi and meander around with big bags of stuff they just bought, feels like living in the past. It feels odd to buy new things. It feels recklessly decadent to sit down to a meal of food that’s been flown in or shipped in from a few different locations far away.
We all know that there’s no personal route to being absolved from all sins, past and future. I don’t even think my small things will make a damn bit of difference, honestly. I just think it’s fucking embarrassing not to do every single thing I can do at this point. That’s my personal stance, as a privileged white person who has the time and energy to make choices instead of just dodging one enormous wave of bullshit after another in order to survive. We all do what we can.
We have to feel sad, and cry, and worry a little, and then we have to go back to our plans, over and over again, and revise them: I will vote, and I can commit to driving someone to the polls, too. I can eat a little less meat, I think. I can read a new book about industrial farming and think about my habits on that front. I can save a tiny bit every month for an electric car. I can donate a tiny bit more to an organization fighting climate change.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Adrift in Iraq: Deportees from U.S. describe fear and isolationSince being deported from the United States in January, Hani al-Bazoni has spent...
Consulte Mais informação »
This Knife Means You'll Never Fear Cold Butter Again🎶Don't fear cold butter, take this knife in hand 🎶 - Blue Oyster Cult, in the kitchen.
Consulte Mais informação »
'Fear The Walking Dead' Season 5, Episode 15 Review: The Worst Episode Of The SeasonSomehow, Fear The Walking Dead gets worse each and every week. Sunday night's episode may be the worst of the season.
Consulte Mais informação »
Dermot Kennedy Reveals 2020 Without Fear North American TourIrish musician Dermot Kennedy has announced 2020 North American tour dates following his sold-out dates in October.
Consulte Mais informação »
Vulnerable Democrats fear impeachment messaging stumblesA group of Democratic lawmakers say that the House's impeachment inquiry needs to stay focused on concerns with Trump’s threat to national security
Consulte Mais informação »
The Fear Fund: Nancy Davis’ ETF Aims To Protect Investors From Scary Stuff, Like Recession And InflationThe veteran trader has a contrarian view: investors, all too complacent, are in particular need of insurance against financial trouble.
Consulte Mais informação »