What Do We Do Now?
The challenging case for optimism
I’m a realistic optimist.
That’s how I’ve kept researching and writing about climate impacts, the decline of nature, pollution, and other environmental ills for 30 years. I want people to know what is happening around us so that we can make things better.
We humans are optimists at heart. It’s why we have thrived and developed countless civilizations and technologies.
Optimism is also why we so often underestimate risks of all kinds. For example, driving a car is far riskier than staying at home or doing a hundred other things. Even if we consider the possibility of an accident when we get behind the wheel, we drive anyway. Optimistic, right?
That said, pessimism isn’t very helpful. It often leads to cynicism and paralysis. We all have moments of doom and gloom. However, too much of that leads to feelings of helplessness and a belief that nothing will change.
Need-to-Know: Optimism comes from knowing things could be better
Optimism in our present moment isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about possibility and about knowing things could be better.
In knowing things can be better, a realistic optimist doesn’t wait on the sidelines for things to improve but takes steps to make things better.
So, at this moment when everything seems to be going wrong, what can we do?
Be aware of what’s happening but don’t get caught up in the chaos and angst.
Make sure you are going in a positive direction and keeping to your values in the stuff you do and the decisions you make.
Connect with people, not to complain, but to enjoy each other’s company and find simple ways to work together to better your community.
Spread simple truths. For example, the cost of clean energy is low, and it keeps falling, making it easier and easier to install more of it.
If you are compelled to take action against the Trump administration or other illiberal governments, here is some advice from Bill McKibben:
Our basic job is to make what he’s doing deeply unpopular, because that will stiffen the backbone of the courts and any remaining moderate Republicans, and set us up for possible gains if and when we next have elections. So: witness, communicate, ridicule, amplify strong voices.
It’s defense, and in a moment like this defense is crucial.
Like many people, I struggle to stay positive and, yes, optimistic these days. However, I intend to keep on keeping on. I hope you do, too.
Until next time, be well.
Stephen