The full passage is worth context; I think hard times are coming, when we will be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now, and can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies, to other ways of being. And even imagine some real grounds for hope. We will need writers who can remember freedom: poets, visionaries-the realists of a larger reality. Right now, I think we need writers who know the difference between production of a market commodity and the practice of an art. The profit motive is often in conflict with the aims of art. We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings. … Power can be resisted and changed by human beings; resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art-the art of words. I’ve had a long career and a good one, in good company, and here, at the end of it, I really don’t want to watch American literature get sold down the river. … The name of our beautiful reward is not profit. Its name is freedom.
Let me tell you, convincing boomers to go green is no easy task. My mother was easier to get on the side of glass Tupperware and silicone sandwich bags because I went with the "it'll save money route" and tote bags to the grocery store because I bought some that she thought were cute and she agreed that they held more items than plastic. She's still on the fence about thrifting so baby steps. My dad still doesn’t get the concept of tote bags let alone "you can make this at home instead of consuming plastic containers of food over and over again". Good luck to you all convincing your boomers!
It took all 27 years of my life to convince my parents to stop buying water bottles and get a filter. The moment I moved out they started buying bottles again bc it was too inconvenient to have to wash the pitcher for the water filter 🤦🏼♀️
@@saradrake5621 i found it incredibly inconvenient to carry bottles from the store... or to clean filters... so I drink straight from the tap lol. Thankful that this is possible in western europe 🙏
Thrifting is potentially a way you can find things that are typically worth a lot but they’re being sold for cheap. Especially true with clothes. I’ve found some expensive designer brands in cool designs, in my size, for sale cheap at second hand stores. So if the cheap angle has worked before then present it that way potentially
I think that all you pretty much have to do to convince gen xers and boomers (at least American gen xers/boomers anyway) to have environmentally friendly habits is point out how the self-reliant you'll be by doing these things (it especially works if they fear the government controlling them or something). My grandpa is pretty conservative and doesn't believe in climate change, but he has solar panels, a composting toilet, and his own vegetable garden in his home because he likes the idea of being self reliant. It's like he accidentally became more environmentally friendly than most people I know. It's so ironic how so many people who despise the idea of going green due to their political views and who deny climate change are actually more green than most people who do believe in climate change. But hey, if it works, it works.
I call my eco anxiety "The Dread" ex: "The Dread is strong today" or "i opened my windows and wildfire smoke from 3000 miles away made me start choking on the air so i had to lay down on the floor and feel my Dread for a few hours"
I’m in my early twenties and the “it’s a hundred corporations fault” arguments are super common among my friends and peers. I’ve struggled to know how to respond to that argument but I really like how Leena addressed it. It’s more important to implement solutions than wait for those at fault to take responsibility themselves
I see that a lot - the reality is that there's no one big solution to climate change. Instead there are thousands and thousands of smaller ones. Consumer demand does have a part to play, both in creating alternative options and in pressuring companies to reassess their impact/chains of production/use of resources etc. Everyone can do something that will help, no matter how small it may seem on the larger scale.
I’m usually the person to say that. I understand how frustrating it may be because I am frustrated too but I just hate that most companies have switched their tactics to greenwashing (ie. another tactic for ignoring you) and pretend as if this is not their responsibility to take care of their businesses’ actions and consequences. Also, seeing stuff like the tyre graveyard being on fire in Kuwait and then minutes later finding a corporate ad that tells you to be more environmentally conscious truly feels like a massive smack in the face. I’m not throwing away my reusable straw just yet but I sure am angry and very upset. Not sure what to think of it.
I read this quote that was like "every white man's idea of a dystopia is already what many BIPOC people have been experiencing for decades." I think the eco anxiety definitely fits in with how we feel for other people in worse positions. That being said, it just makes me want to act more.
hold up. "if fear is a reaction to a clear threat then anxiety is a reaction to an unclear one." i need a moment to process this one. holy shit things just started making sense
Will Smith once said “just because something isn’t your fault, doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility” and I really try to hold onto that in all aspects of life
That's a really good quote. Unfortunately, we can't expect everyone who does wrong to clean up their own messes, because it just won't happen, realistically speaking. They caused it for a reason. They don't care. There's a very small chance that they will change and undo their own damage. We can't rely on the people on top to fix the problems they caused. We have no choice but to try our best to fix it for them, because things will get worse and future generations will suffer from it.
Lena, you've outdone yourself - exquisite. *chefs kiss*. that last point really hit home. Yes, some things might be fucked but at least we can honour those who came before us by not just lying down in a hole to die!
I think one of my biggest fears around climate change is having kids. I don't not want kids (sorry for the double negative), but I don't want to have kids if they have to live through worse than what we are living through and I also don't want to add to the stress on resources. I'm already a nervous wreck when it comes to the idea of my little sister (18 years my junior) living through this shit. I'm way off making the decision for definite but I hope I'm not alone in these fears❤
If all the people who don’t believe in climate science are the ones reproducing does that mean we’ll end up with a generation of non believers? Your kids might be able to be part of the change
You've just flipped a long held belief of mine, that humanity isn't worth saving, on its head. I can't thank you enough, this video has been immediately been put in my favourites videos
I feel like the worst part about climate change isnt how it’s going to affect me but how it’s going to affect vulnerable people especially in the global south. I feel like i can’t calm my anxiety for their sake, it’s not fair
Absolutely incredible! When I was younger I was burning with passion when it came to the climate crisis, but as I grew older and even my veganism and recycling/zero waste habits become mundane I felt more disempowered and too cynical to keep the conversations going and to act further. Thank you so much for this video reminder that it is indeed all worth it and we are in this together 🕊
Leena- as an anxiety-riddled 22 year old who has been feeling so deeply disillusioned as of recent - thank you so much for this video. Everything you’ve said here has helped me so much. So grateful for your words, wisdom, and kindness.
You talking about enjoying our ancestors and the gift of life they gave us, it just leads me to think about all the reasons I want to have my own children. Leena, I know it wasn't your intention but my mind went there 😅
If anyone is interested in hearing a really great discussion about the role of the media in climate change the most recent BBC World Service Climate Question podcast's latest episode is a great listen.
You are so mind-blowingly good at what you do. Seriously. You deliver consistently thoughtful content in a perfect balance between informative, relatable, funny and aesthetics, and I want to thank you for being a friend to my brain. Will be watching and sharing this pep talk again. Thanks for the good you bring into the world :)
I needed this. I just came down with shingles which happens when your immune system isn't working properly- which in young people is linked with stress. The main thing stressing me out is the climate crisis. I need to find a way to intellectualise that things are bad and need to change, while at the same time not having stress take over my physical body. Perfect video, just at the right time- thank you.
Great video! 👏🏻👏🏻 So needed! We are so easy to «fool». That worries me... Ex: Cuddly and beautiful animals are «easy» to motivate people to save... Insects going instinct? Meh.. Most people don’t care. And they are SO important in the ecosystems! Sad, but true... 😔 Concept translates to so many areas. Sigh...
It's quite a specific part but I would like to see nature recovery included in some of these to raise awareness around people like me who are rangers working on nature reserves with volunteers and chatting to people, engaging with the every day visitors and monitoring nature on the ground
you mentioned onshore wind specifically, which is fair considering how disruptive the installation of off shore wind turbines can be, but there's actually been some serious r&d around floating wind turbines. They sit on individual floating platforms or pylons, and are only ankered to the seafloor which chains or cables which is much less invasive and requires much shorter construction times than conventional off shore windfarms, reducing their negative impact on wildlife. also great point: we have all the solutions we just need to fucking get going and put them in place. climate change is only a matter of political will, not human ingenuity.
I tried to watch this two days ago but stoped quiclky because of, well, anxiety, but I finaly watch it today and I'm so glad. This is so good. As usual it's the perfect balance of realism, well argumentated hope and fact. I spend a third of my twenties in school, a third involved in the climate movement and the last third depressed, anxious and debilitated. Now starting my thirties I'm still trying to reconcile the part of me that is anxious to act and the part of me wich is anxious period and cannot handle activism like I use to. I find confort in your videos on positive panic and the way you don't shy away from the panic part. Thank you for that
Love how this is edited so much and you in the green beautiful world is so good. Yeah i remind myself that there are so many folks doing the good work and that gives me hope, we will persevere.
WOW. The part about "I need to have eco-anxiety" has flipped a switch in me. Incredible insight, so helpful to me!! "Sadness, responsibility, being anxious to act" and getting rid of undeserved guilt? So glad I found your videos, I appreciate your perspective on the climate crisis, thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Thank you for this. I struggle with my friends sometimes because they are all big eco-pessimists and I am trying desperately to stay optimistic and work out what to do :((
i am feeling many feelings and i’m glad you ended with the last point to kinda make me feel “well shit you’re right, why AM i wallowing? if this *is* the end of the world then shit we might as well enjoy it
Thank you! I was panicking earlier, and I really needed this. Your videos are often like a conversation with a cool and super knowledgeable older sister, and I really love them and appreciate you and what you do.
I didn't know eco-anxiety was even a term. i've been panicky since about the age 12, in the early '90s, when I heard about recycling but my town didn't have it yet. thank you for this video and the reminder to respect and appreciate what our ancestors have done for us. we don't do enough of that in our society and I think it shows.
Thank you so much for this video. Personally I am in my early 40s and work full time as a Sustainability Manager. I have been suffering from climate anxiety quite chronically for a number of months this video is fantastic. One key for me in your video (that actually brought tears to my eyes) is that I was born in an age where I have the ability to make a difference. Arohanui (big love) my fellow climate warriors xxx Thank you so much for this video x
Long time viewer, first time commenter here. Firstly, I love your content. Your videos are hilarious and informative. Secondly, thank you for this video. I have been in a “freeze” state lately thinking about the climate emergency and generally feeling pretty powerless. This video has been a friendly reminder that while the situation is bad, it is not hopeless. Thank you 🖤💚
Loved this so so much! I do spend a lot of time worrying about the future, and it's good to care but I also don't want to stop living to prevent any possible damage I may be causing. I've adjusted pretty much every aspect of my life that's practical and will ofc continue to work on it. Thank you for raising about that statistic too, I feel it gets used to make people feel like we don't all play a part and we totally do, though of course, power comes with politics so getting involved and being aware is one of the key things we can all do, and as you say, it's free!
What a phenomenal video to watch. Such a calming and informative way to keep learning about 'eco doom' and our own place in these next moments in our world's history.
This made me cry .... thank you though it was also really great. (+ I am even more excited to go to the fridays for future protest happening in 2 hours in my city. )
That last one really got to me. That the very least we can do is honour our ancestors and revel in the life they allowed us to have, and fight for the life went want now and in the future.
Can you please release the song on Spotify so I can listen to it on the daily. The thing that helps me with the climate crisis is that I have something better than hope, certainty. We know what the issue is and better yet we have millions of ways to fix the issue. The hard part is getting it done and I'm ready to act
As someone who ends almost all of my statements with "oh, well we’re all gonna die from in the next 50 years anyway", I can’t wait to watch that one. Edit: that was a lovely pep talk, but I’m still going the first one to die once society collapses ✨
Hey this is a bit random but I've justed started a Media, Journalism and Publishing course and OBU and one of the modules includes creating an infographic for your Instagram as you're a public figure in the publishing sphere! I've been watching your videos for a while so I'm super excited!
Thank you, Leena. Amazing video. Also had to pause when that Notebook clip came up because I was laughing so hard, I appreciate the humor in this hard pill to swallow. The point about sadness and nervousness hit home for me, and it is very empowering now that I think about it. Again, thank you ❤
Some timestamps for people if you're like me with a short attention span and need to hear certain parts of this video! 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - Eco-Anxiety is a type of anxiety 5:27 - But... I am suddenly in danger 9:48 - Humanity has always been heading this way 15:15 - The climate crisis is the fault of the fossil fuels industry 17:56 - No one will understand how I'm feeling 20:07 - I need to have eco-anxiety. Without it I won't act. 23:03 - My individual actions won't make a difference 25:11 - There are no solutions 26:44 - But none of the solutions will get done in time 28:52 - Life isn't worth living if it's all going to be over anyway 31:02 - Outro
American viewer here. I was really excited to hear you comment on the huge impact large corporations have on climate change, but was disappointed to then watch you argue again for individual actions. Although I try to make eco-conscious decisions whenever I can, I think a lot of eco-alternatives are unfortunately the more expensive option. And while prices will go down if a majority of consumers demand a prioritization of planet friendly products and services, for many people the cost is just too high to make the switch. I was curious if it was maybe just a difference between the UK and US to view climate solutions heavily involving government intervention. Is it even harder to break through the bureaucracy in the UK than it is in the US and actually get things done? Taxing fossil fuel usage for large corporations and implementing tax breaks for "going green" for individuals gives the government and consumers the $ to then sort out moving towards a better future for the planet. Individual actions are important but I think that at the rate we're going, we need more substantial change that would come from nation-wide regulations and incentives. Just wanted to see if any non-UK viewers felt the same about the influence of individuals vs the government on this topic!
UK, butt, i kinda feel they go together. For me the company thing is a way to take pressure of us all to be perfect and focus our blame on big companies (rather than each other), and individual action could be lobbying them - rather than say insulating your house. But that doesn't mean that if you have the privilege to make more eco-conscious decision then you shouldn't, it can help but it's not the solution on it's own.
Replying two years later (hi!) and from the UK, and yeah, I scrolled down to say this exact thing. If you think about just how much infrastructure relies on cars, in order to get to work, to get money, to be able to live, and often barely even that, it feels deeply niave to say that individual actions will be such a big driver (excuse the pun) of change when we will often make individual choices… to do whatever we need to do to get through the day and with the best will and intentions in the world, a lot of wealthy countries and institutions have the influence to tip the deck in their favour. On a policy level, since this video came back, the UK has rescinded a lot of its climate pledges, pushed to open more fossil fuel acquisitions, generally leaned more and more heavily into some incredibly scapegoat-y policies to win votes, all while poverty is at a historical high. I agree with the other commenter here that, therefore, individual action can involve deciding to lobby and put time and effort into politics. But yeah, things ain’t great here in the UK either.
I wish I could give this video more than one like. I did a statistics module as part o my politics degree and we actually looked at revolutions. So, yeah, you can measure it. You look at things like poverty levels, human rights etc.
Leena, thanks to you I've stopped buying my clothes from physical shops ( except for undies and such) and I've started to buy from second-hand shops and phone apps, and I'm already trying to spread the word among my friends and family. Just wanted to let you know 🌻
Really loving the positive panic series, thanks for all you do Leena! I recently read Generation Dread by Britt Wray & highly recommend it for you or anyone wanting to explore more the intersections of mental health and the planetary health crisis.
i started reading factfulness due to seeing you recommend it in one of your videos and it has just made me so much more hopeful about my part in helping save the planet. we can do this, gang!!!!
Frogs have been about since before humans. They are an indicator of the health of the environment. Whilst we’ve focused on cuter and bigger animals, frog populations are declining very worryingly.
A frame that is also worth sitting with is how many indigenous cultures says that they’ve already been through “the end of the world” multiple times (mostly referring to colonialism) . There are massive groups of people that have seen their whole civilizations end and their stories have not ended, for indigenous peoples contact was an end of the world. The end of the modern colonial world is just another end of it, societies and humanity will reshape around it and yes the bad news is that most of the people who are suffering RIGHT NOW from climate change are on the global south and are BIPOC, and that’s why action is needed immediately. As you say having the privilege to panic already implies you are not on survival mode as most of the world is.
Thank you, this video was exactly what I needed to hear! I saw the documentary 'Bigger than us' this week (did ya see it?) and although it is a beautiful and very necessary documentary, it left me feeling very anxious and I really disliked the judgemental tone at the end.. Thank you for this!
Aw, Leena, that actually was a very good positive-AND-based-in-facts panic check, thank you! I study environment and circular material flow(add that into the ABC) and I find it hard to talk about these things without becoming emotionally involved in a, let's say, less than fun way. I think I need to internalize that feeling the Doom of Everything is Going Bad is thanks to consuming lots of various media, and not enough of taking some steps. where did I find the saying - how come are you afraid that if you travelled back to the past and changed something it would have a tremendous change to the future, yet don't believe that an action in the now could have a tremendous change in the future? Anyway, I'll try to live more by that.
I don't think the endangered species list is a good marker to gauge your anxiety on. If you're only putting an eye towards larger species then it might seem fine, but the regulations to classify an aninal as critically endangered or not do change depending on wether it is even possible to save the species. There's also different levels to it. White rhinos for example might not be counted as critically endanger but that's because they're essentially just a few years to becoming extinct. There's only about two left I think and the last male died already so there's no hope at all for that species. It's gone. Similarly there's the Vaquita whale, classified as critically endangered but that status might be removed altogether because there's only about 10 individuals left altogether and if they keep dying then there's no hope of bringing back the species. Pandas are ongoing only because of the breeding programs established for them, so they're not a great marker either. If you look at the grand scheme though, not just iconic species, there's a great deal of more animals suffering habitat loss or dying from the climate crisis. There's way more amphibian species than big fauna, and they're dissapearing completely in some places.
I feel like the point is not to say pandas are endangered anymore, its all ok, But to take a breath and realize some things aren't black and white. Some species were endangered, they're not anymore, some species still are. not long ago the ozone layer hole was the biggest climate threat (according to news then) and it "healed". Panicking doesn't help
I am trying to make a table of sustainable swaps which cuts the greenwashing to give you straight facts you need to make a more informed decision. What would people want things judged on? Currently classifying by price, location of production, and certifications such as B-corp
I think I love you. It's this kind of thinking and being that gives me hope and reason to change. To love people instead of material things, which contribute to the problem. Somehow our concept of love is at the heart of it, believing one is more lovable or respected the richer and more powerful they are. We have it wrong...not everyone can be Elon Musk, but people loved Jesus, and the Buddha wasn't a billionaire either. It's true that humans today measure success in terms of capitalism. We are beginning to see that wealth does not guarantee happiness, and happiness does not require a carbon footprint.
In recognition of that fantastic meme at 16:12... I'd love to see a thread of things capitalism convinced us we needed that people have since stopped buying! I'll start: shampoo! During the first lockdown I read that shampoo is designed to make your hair dependent on shampoo. After two weeks to adapt, my hair now looks and feels better than it did when I was using shampoo!
Makeup! Haven't worn it since lockdown started in March 2020 here. I used to find myself so unappealing not wearing it but these days I don't even think about Makeup as a "thing I'm supposed to wear and own".
Massive unpopular opinion, but humans have been running without shoes specifically designed for running for milleniums, why are they making us pretend our legs will fall off if we dare run without £100 running shoes?
@@annamiaugenau5393 Love this! I'm 20 and I've never actually owned any make-up and I'm so glad because I could definitely see myself getting dependent on it. Well done on ditching these expensive, typically plastic products :)
I remember when I was a child I chose to walk home instead of taking the bus after church because I was scared that I was hurting the planet more because I had seen the WWF adverts about polar bears and other animals being affected from climate change. Climate change is definitely something that I lay awake at night thinking and worrying about.
I read the first few pages of factfullness as a taste before i buy and I'm interested to know if they go into detail of why those figures might be that way - such as the 'the last 20 years the proportion of the world living in extreme poverty has almost halved' - do they explain what was considered extreme poverty then compared to now, or the reasons behind why that might be, assuming poverty is based on income and consumption is that enough to define poverty, do we need less money to live, is it just because of certain countries... so on.... I think i could really benefit from this book but i'd be very skeptical of the facts and figures if they're not explored and explained
"Unlearning Economics" has made a video about this perceived decline in extreme poverty. He takes the data apart. ruclips.net/video/fo2gwS4VpHc/видео.html He also briefly touches Rosling's "Factfullness".
Sorry, but I would argue that the example on those high profile species no longer being critically endangered doesn't really stand, because the number of threatened species in total has increased significantly. "The total number of known threatened animal species has increased from 5,205 to 8,462 since 1996." - Source is the IUCN
I like the term Eco-Doom... I'm definitely caught in the trap of being like well major corporations are the ones causing this and I can't do much except not have children so...
Just bloody marvellous! The panic and guilt has been real recently. This is the chat I've been desperate to have with many people but they are not willing or ready to have a discussion. Thank you 😊
“We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. So did the divine right of kings.” - Ursula K Leguin
The full passage is worth context;
I think hard times are coming, when we will be wanting the voices of writers who can see alternatives to how we live now, and can see through our fear-stricken society and its obsessive technologies, to other ways of being. And even imagine some real grounds for hope. We will need writers who can remember freedom: poets, visionaries-the realists of a larger reality. Right now, I think we need writers who know the difference between production of a market commodity and the practice of an art. The profit motive is often in conflict with the aims of art. We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable; so did the divine right of kings. … Power can be resisted and changed by human beings; resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art-the art of words. I’ve had a long career and a good one, in good company, and here, at the end of it, I really don’t want to watch American literature get sold down the river. … The name of our beautiful reward is not profit. Its name is freedom.
"stop staring into the void. you're not gonna see anything." is something i have to remind myself to do from time to time
Let me tell you, convincing boomers to go green is no easy task. My mother was easier to get on the side of glass Tupperware and silicone sandwich bags because I went with the "it'll save money route" and tote bags to the grocery store because I bought some that she thought were cute and she agreed that they held more items than plastic. She's still on the fence about thrifting so baby steps. My dad still doesn’t get the concept of tote bags let alone "you can make this at home instead of consuming plastic containers of food over and over again". Good luck to you all convincing your boomers!
It took all 27 years of my life to convince my parents to stop buying water bottles and get a filter. The moment I moved out they started buying bottles again bc it was too inconvenient to have to wash the pitcher for the water filter 🤦🏼♀️
@@saradrake5621 i found it incredibly inconvenient to carry bottles from the store... or to clean filters... so I drink straight from the tap lol. Thankful that this is possible in western europe 🙏
Thrifting is potentially a way you can find things that are typically worth a lot but they’re being sold for cheap. Especially true with clothes. I’ve found some expensive designer brands in cool designs, in my size, for sale cheap at second hand stores. So if the cheap angle has worked before then present it that way potentially
@@genericname8727 thanks!
I think that all you pretty much have to do to convince gen xers and boomers (at least American gen xers/boomers anyway) to have environmentally friendly habits is point out how the self-reliant you'll be by doing these things (it especially works if they fear the government controlling them or something).
My grandpa is pretty conservative and doesn't believe in climate change, but he has solar panels, a composting toilet, and his own vegetable garden in his home because he likes the idea of being self reliant. It's like he accidentally became more environmentally friendly than most people I know. It's so ironic how so many people who despise the idea of going green due to their political views and who deny climate change are actually more green than most people who do believe in climate change. But hey, if it works, it works.
I call my eco anxiety "The Dread" ex: "The Dread is strong today" or "i opened my windows and wildfire smoke from 3000 miles away made me start choking on the air so i had to lay down on the floor and feel my Dread for a few hours"
The Dread feels like such a good way to describe the feeling I get when I think about the environment and climate change.
The Dread is strong with this one
This was just a casual thing you said at the beginning but “we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good” hit me hard
I’m in my early twenties and the “it’s a hundred corporations fault” arguments are super common among my friends and peers. I’ve struggled to know how to respond to that argument but I really like how Leena addressed it. It’s more important to implement solutions than wait for those at fault to take responsibility themselves
I see that a lot - the reality is that there's no one big solution to climate change. Instead there are thousands and thousands of smaller ones. Consumer demand does have a part to play, both in creating alternative options and in pressuring companies to reassess their impact/chains of production/use of resources etc. Everyone can do something that will help, no matter how small it may seem on the larger scale.
I’m usually the person to say that. I understand how frustrating it may be because I am frustrated too but I just hate that most companies have switched their tactics to greenwashing (ie. another tactic for ignoring you) and pretend as if this is not their responsibility to take care of their businesses’ actions and consequences. Also, seeing stuff like the tyre graveyard being on fire in Kuwait and then minutes later finding a corporate ad that tells you to be more environmentally conscious truly feels like a massive smack in the face. I’m not throwing away my reusable straw just yet but I sure am angry and very upset. Not sure what to think of it.
I read this quote that was like "every white man's idea of a dystopia is already what many BIPOC people have been experiencing for decades."
I think the eco anxiety definitely fits in with how we feel for other people in worse positions. That being said, it just makes me want to act more.
hold up. "if fear is a reaction to a clear threat then anxiety is a reaction to an unclear one." i need a moment to process this one. holy shit things just started making sense
Will Smith once said “just because something isn’t your fault, doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility” and I really try to hold onto that in all aspects of life
That's a really good quote. Unfortunately, we can't expect everyone who does wrong to clean up their own messes, because it just won't happen, realistically speaking. They caused it for a reason. They don't care. There's a very small chance that they will change and undo their own damage. We can't rely on the people on top to fix the problems they caused. We have no choice but to try our best to fix it for them, because things will get worse and future generations will suffer from it.
Will aside, Beau of the 5th... uses the 303 concept. The short form is: If you have the means at hand, you have the responsibility to act.
Lena, you've outdone yourself - exquisite. *chefs kiss*. that last point really hit home. Yes, some things might be fucked but at least we can honour those who came before us by not just lying down in a hole to die!
Agreed x
I think one of my biggest fears around climate change is having kids. I don't not want kids (sorry for the double negative), but I don't want to have kids if they have to live through worse than what we are living through and I also don't want to add to the stress on resources. I'm already a nervous wreck when it comes to the idea of my little sister (18 years my junior) living through this shit. I'm way off making the decision for definite but I hope I'm not alone in these fears❤
I feel the exact same
If all the people who don’t believe in climate science are the ones reproducing does that mean we’ll end up with a generation of non believers? Your kids might be able to be part of the change
You've just flipped a long held belief of mine, that humanity isn't worth saving, on its head. I can't thank you enough, this video has been immediately been put in my favourites videos
that hand emoji lowering the ladies' cup for "lowering your caffeine intake" has me in shambles lmao
I was just sipping my black tea when she said that. I was like: "Uhmmmmm...."
I feel like the worst part about climate change isnt how it’s going to affect me but how it’s going to affect vulnerable people especially in the global south. I feel like i can’t calm my anxiety for their sake, it’s not fair
Absolutely incredible! When I was younger I was burning with passion when it came to the climate crisis, but as I grew older and even my veganism and recycling/zero waste habits become mundane I felt more disempowered and too cynical to keep the conversations going and to act further. Thank you so much for this video reminder that it is indeed all worth it and we are in this together 🕊
“We are born in the age where we have all the information and the time to act.” Leena Norms 2021
so true and a note worth keeping in touch with
Leena- as an anxiety-riddled 22 year old who has been feeling so deeply disillusioned as of recent - thank you so much for this video. Everything you’ve said here has helped me so much. So grateful for your words, wisdom, and kindness.
You talking about enjoying our ancestors and the gift of life they gave us, it just leads me to think about all the reasons I want to have my own children. Leena, I know it wasn't your intention but my mind went there 😅
If anyone is interested in hearing a really great discussion about the role of the media in climate change the most recent BBC World Service Climate Question podcast's latest episode is a great listen.
You are so mind-blowingly good at what you do. Seriously. You deliver consistently thoughtful content in a perfect balance between informative, relatable, funny and aesthetics, and I want to thank you for being a friend to my brain. Will be watching and sharing this pep talk again. Thanks for the good you bring into the world :)
Aw thank you that means a lot xxx
I needed this. I just came down with shingles which happens when your immune system isn't working properly- which in young people is linked with stress. The main thing stressing me out is the climate crisis. I need to find a way to intellectualise that things are bad and need to change, while at the same time not having stress take over my physical body. Perfect video, just at the right time- thank you.
I'm really sorry to hear that. I've heard hairy things about shingles. Hope you are feeling much better a week later.
@@allyson-- Thank you, I am feeling a lot better!
@@corriehughes1338 that's awesome! Hooray for recovery :-)
Great video! 👏🏻👏🏻 So needed!
We are so easy to «fool». That worries me... Ex: Cuddly and beautiful animals are «easy» to motivate people to save... Insects going instinct? Meh.. Most people don’t care. And they are SO important in the ecosystems! Sad, but true... 😔 Concept translates to so many areas. Sigh...
It's quite a specific part but I would like to see nature recovery included in some of these to raise awareness around people like me who are rangers working on nature reserves with volunteers and chatting to people, engaging with the every day visitors and monitoring nature on the ground
I don’t have an older sister/sibling, but my 23yo self has learned so much from you so: thanks 💜
Right when you said, “making sure our caffeine intake wasn’t too high” I just plopped one tsp of instant coffee in my cup. 😂
you mentioned onshore wind specifically, which is fair considering how disruptive the installation of off shore wind turbines can be, but there's actually been some serious r&d around floating wind turbines. They sit on individual floating platforms or pylons, and are only ankered to the seafloor which chains or cables which is much less invasive and requires much shorter construction times than conventional off shore windfarms, reducing their negative impact on wildlife.
also great point: we have all the solutions we just need to fucking get going and put them in place. climate change is only a matter of political will, not human ingenuity.
I tried to watch this two days ago but stoped quiclky because of, well, anxiety, but I finaly watch it today and I'm so glad. This is so good. As usual it's the perfect balance of realism, well argumentated hope and fact. I spend a third of my twenties in school, a third involved in the climate movement and the last third depressed, anxious and debilitated. Now starting my thirties I'm still trying to reconcile the part of me that is anxious to act and the part of me wich is anxious period and cannot handle activism like I use to. I find confort in your videos on positive panic and the way you don't shy away from the panic part. Thank you for that
Love how this is edited so much and you in the green beautiful world is so good. Yeah i remind myself that there are so many folks doing the good work and that gives me hope, we will persevere.
Oh man this video felt like that chat you have with a best friend during a crisis that lets you know things can be okay!
Thankyou!
Watching this during the UK heatwave as I'm struggling a lot with fear. I'll probably rewatch it whenever I feel awful. Thank you!
WOW. The part about "I need to have eco-anxiety" has flipped a switch in me. Incredible insight, so helpful to me!! "Sadness, responsibility, being anxious to act" and getting rid of undeserved guilt? So glad I found your videos, I appreciate your perspective on the climate crisis, thank you for sharing your thoughts!!
Adding this to my favorites to watch every time I start feeling anxious….so at least once a day.
Thank you for this. I struggle with my friends sometimes because they are all big eco-pessimists and I am trying desperately to stay optimistic and work out what to do :((
i am feeling many feelings and i’m glad you ended with the last point to kinda make me feel “well shit you’re right, why AM i wallowing? if this *is* the end of the world then shit we might as well enjoy it
Thank you! I was panicking earlier, and I really needed this. Your videos are often like a conversation with a cool and super knowledgeable older sister, and I really love them and appreciate you and what you do.
Xxxx
I'm so glad you made this, I've been having the worst anxiety around my inability to make any real difference to the health of the planet
That's a lovely idea about even if humanity isn't worth saving, some people who are and have been are worth celebrating 😊
I didn't know eco-anxiety was even a term. i've been panicky since about the age 12, in the early '90s, when I heard about recycling but my town didn't have it yet. thank you for this video and the reminder to respect and appreciate what our ancestors have done for us. we don't do enough of that in our society and I think it shows.
Thank you so much for this video. Personally I am in my early 40s and work full time as a Sustainability Manager. I have been suffering from climate anxiety quite chronically for a number of months this video is fantastic. One key for me in your video (that actually brought tears to my eyes) is that I was born in an age where I have the ability to make a difference. Arohanui (big love) my fellow climate warriors xxx Thank you so much for this video x
Long time viewer, first time commenter here.
Firstly, I love your content. Your videos are hilarious and informative. Secondly, thank you for this video. I have been in a “freeze” state lately thinking about the climate emergency and generally feeling pretty powerless. This video has been a friendly reminder that while the situation is bad, it is not hopeless. Thank you 🖤💚
aw thank you for turning up and for being lovely, I appreciate you and I wish you all the best with the thawing xxx
Loved this so so much! I do spend a lot of time worrying about the future, and it's good to care but I also don't want to stop living to prevent any possible damage I may be causing. I've adjusted pretty much every aspect of my life that's practical and will ofc continue to work on it. Thank you for raising about that statistic too, I feel it gets used to make people feel like we don't all play a part and we totally do, though of course, power comes with politics so getting involved and being aware is one of the key things we can all do, and as you say, it's free!
What a phenomenal video to watch. Such a calming and informative way to keep learning about 'eco doom' and our own place in these next moments in our world's history.
This made me cry .... thank you though it was also really great. (+ I am even more excited to go to the fridays for future protest happening in 2 hours in my city. )
That last one really got to me. That the very least we can do is honour our ancestors and revel in the life they allowed us to have, and fight for the life went want now and in the future.
And this is why I have been watching your videos for the last 5 years...Thank you Leana, you are by far my favourite youtuber
Your work here is a public good Lena, thank you from across the pond 💜❤️🧡
Can you please release the song on Spotify so I can listen to it on the daily. The thing that helps me with the climate crisis is that I have something better than hope, certainty. We know what the issue is and better yet we have millions of ways to fix the issue. The hard part is getting it done and I'm ready to act
Finding this video on my feed just after I started catastrophising was exactly what I needed, thank you Leena
“Do not make me an optimist, you will ruin my life!”
Sincerely, Fleabag & I
As someone who ends almost all of my statements with "oh, well we’re all gonna die from in the next 50 years anyway", I can’t wait to watch that one.
Edit: that was a lovely pep talk, but I’m still going the first one to die once society collapses ✨
Thankyou Leena! I really love the Twenties Toolkit and Guide to Positive Panic. Also your style videos! Keep up the good work! 😁💖
wow, thank you, thank you, thank you, I needed this. will always be thinking of this when I am feeling extra apocalypticy. thank you thank you.
The amount I NEEDED this video this morning. Thank you so much. I'd love to watch more Eco-Hope from you.
Hey this is a bit random but I've justed started a Media, Journalism and Publishing course and OBU and one of the modules includes creating an infographic for your Instagram as you're a public figure in the publishing sphere! I've been watching your videos for a while so I'm super excited!
Haven't watch it yet, but the title already calmed my anxiety down thanks 😌
Thank you, Leena. Amazing video. Also had to pause when that Notebook clip came up because I was laughing so hard, I appreciate the humor in this hard pill to swallow.
The point about sadness and nervousness hit home for me, and it is very empowering now that I think about it. Again, thank you ❤
This video is so good! I think everyone needs a little pep talk like this in their life!
Incredible video. Feeling reinspired.
I don't know if you did the musical section as a nod to "La Vie Boheme" from Rent but that is the vibe it gave me 😂
thank you, Leena!
This is genuinely your best video I think, it made me feel a lot better. Thank you.
Some timestamps for people if you're like me with a short attention span and need to hear certain parts of this video!
0:00 - Intro
2:20 - Eco-Anxiety is a type of anxiety
5:27 - But... I am suddenly in danger
9:48 - Humanity has always been heading this way
15:15 - The climate crisis is the fault of the fossil fuels industry
17:56 - No one will understand how I'm feeling
20:07 - I need to have eco-anxiety. Without it I won't act.
23:03 - My individual actions won't make a difference
25:11 - There are no solutions
26:44 - But none of the solutions will get done in time
28:52 - Life isn't worth living if it's all going to be over anyway
31:02 - Outro
aw thank you, I'll pop these in the description too xxx
@@leenanorms Thank you so much,,
Your contents helping me through a really tough place right now, thank you so much :]
@@watercolourAlto xxxx
"Asking someone with a tiger in their house to do CBT" fuck YES thank you
American viewer here. I was really excited to hear you comment on the huge impact large corporations have on climate change, but was disappointed to then watch you argue again for individual actions. Although I try to make eco-conscious decisions whenever I can, I think a lot of eco-alternatives are unfortunately the more expensive option. And while prices will go down if a majority of consumers demand a prioritization of planet friendly products and services, for many people the cost is just too high to make the switch.
I was curious if it was maybe just a difference between the UK and US to view climate solutions heavily involving government intervention. Is it even harder to break through the bureaucracy in the UK than it is in the US and actually get things done? Taxing fossil fuel usage for large corporations and implementing tax breaks for "going green" for individuals gives the government and consumers the $ to then sort out moving towards a better future for the planet. Individual actions are important but I think that at the rate we're going, we need more substantial change that would come from nation-wide regulations and incentives.
Just wanted to see if any non-UK viewers felt the same about the influence of individuals vs the government on this topic!
UK, butt, i kinda feel they go together. For me the company thing is a way to take pressure of us all to be perfect and focus our blame on big companies (rather than each other), and individual action could be lobbying them - rather than say insulating your house. But that doesn't mean that if you have the privilege to make more eco-conscious decision then you shouldn't, it can help but it's not the solution on it's own.
Replying two years later (hi!) and from the UK, and yeah, I scrolled down to say this exact thing. If you think about just how much infrastructure relies on cars, in order to get to work, to get money, to be able to live, and often barely even that, it feels deeply niave to say that individual actions will be such a big driver (excuse the pun) of change when we will often make individual choices… to do whatever we need to do to get through the day and with the best will and intentions in the world, a lot of wealthy countries and institutions have the influence to tip the deck in their favour. On a policy level, since this video came back, the UK has rescinded a lot of its climate pledges, pushed to open more fossil fuel acquisitions, generally leaned more and more heavily into some incredibly scapegoat-y policies to win votes, all while poverty is at a historical high. I agree with the other commenter here that, therefore, individual action can involve deciding to lobby and put time and effort into politics. But yeah, things ain’t great here in the UK either.
I wish I could give this video more than one like. I did a statistics module as part o my politics degree and we actually looked at revolutions. So, yeah, you can measure it. You look at things like poverty levels, human rights etc.
I am panicking and you lovely Leena are a queen. Thanks for all your hard work ❤️
Can we have that solutions song isolated? Would love to share that with my grade school students when they get overwhelmed!
Leena, thanks to you I've stopped buying my clothes from physical shops ( except for undies and such) and I've started to buy from second-hand shops and phone apps, and I'm already trying to spread the word among my friends and family. Just wanted to let you know 🌻
Really loving the positive panic series, thanks for all you do Leena! I recently read Generation Dread by Britt Wray & highly recommend it for you or anyone wanting to explore more the intersections of mental health and the planetary health crisis.
i started reading factfulness due to seeing you recommend it in one of your videos and it has just made me so much more hopeful about my part in helping save the planet. we can do this, gang!!!!
Thanks Leena. Your content is fascinating and articulate as always, and now I know more about Multistrata Agroforestry than I ever imagined I would :)
Thanks, I actually really needed that today
Thank you for another reflective video. I love to hear your thoughts on it!
This is astoundingly good! Those quickfire cultural references are 🔥
Frogs have been about since before humans. They are an indicator of the health of the environment. Whilst we’ve focused on cuter and bigger animals, frog populations are declining very worryingly.
A frame that is also worth sitting with is how many indigenous cultures says that they’ve already been through “the end of the world” multiple times (mostly referring to colonialism) . There are massive groups of people that have seen their whole civilizations end and their stories have not ended, for indigenous peoples contact was an end of the world. The end of the modern colonial world is just another end of it, societies and humanity will reshape around it and yes the bad news is that most of the people who are suffering RIGHT NOW from climate change are on the global south and are BIPOC, and that’s why action is needed immediately. As you say having the privilege to panic already implies you are not on survival mode as most of the world is.
Thank you, this video was exactly what I needed to hear! I saw the documentary 'Bigger than us' this week (did ya see it?) and although it is a beautiful and very necessary documentary, it left me feeling very anxious and I really disliked the judgemental tone at the end.. Thank you for this!
Leena this was absolutely brilliant! Maybe one of my favourite videos of yours. I'll be sure to rewatch this one from time to time. Thank you!
Aw, Leena, that actually was a very good positive-AND-based-in-facts panic check, thank you! I study environment and circular material flow(add that into the ABC) and I find it hard to talk about these things without becoming emotionally involved in a, let's say, less than fun way. I think I need to internalize that feeling the Doom of Everything is Going Bad is thanks to consuming lots of various media, and not enough of taking some steps.
where did I find the saying - how come are you afraid that if you travelled back to the past and changed something it would have a tremendous change to the future, yet don't believe that an action in the now could have a tremendous change in the future? Anyway, I'll try to live more by that.
This is GREAT, and EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. :) Thank you, Lena!
thank you, leena! especially for bringing up the last point. really got me out of my head today tbh.
Thank you Leena ❤
Needed to hear this :)
I don't think the endangered species list is a good marker to gauge your anxiety on. If you're only putting an eye towards larger species then it might seem fine, but the regulations to classify an aninal as critically endangered or not do change depending on wether it is even possible to save the species. There's also different levels to it.
White rhinos for example might not be counted as critically endanger but that's because they're essentially just a few years to becoming extinct. There's only about two left I think and the last male died already so there's no hope at all for that species. It's gone.
Similarly there's the Vaquita whale, classified as critically endangered but that status might be removed altogether because there's only about 10 individuals left altogether and if they keep dying then there's no hope of bringing back the species.
Pandas are ongoing only because of the breeding programs established for them, so they're not a great marker either.
If you look at the grand scheme though, not just iconic species, there's a great deal of more animals suffering habitat loss or dying from the climate crisis. There's way more amphibian species than big fauna, and they're dissapearing completely in some places.
I was just thinking this!
wikipedia and WWF both say the black rhino is still critically endangered also, although the population is increasing
I feel like the point is not to say pandas are endangered anymore, its all ok, But to take a breath and realize some things aren't black and white. Some species were endangered, they're not anymore, some species still are. not long ago the ozone layer hole was the biggest climate threat (according to news then) and it "healed". Panicking doesn't help
"You're looking like an incredibly dashing drop" is soo sweet. And kinda broke me
This was so good! The last point you made honestly made me tear up. 😭
I am trying to make a table of sustainable swaps which cuts the greenwashing to give you straight facts you need to make a more informed decision. What would people want things judged on?
Currently classifying by price, location of production, and certifications such as B-corp
I think I love you. It's this kind of thinking and being that gives me hope and reason to change. To love people instead of material things, which contribute to the problem. Somehow our concept of love is at the heart of it, believing one is more lovable or respected the richer and more powerful they are. We have it wrong...not everyone can be Elon Musk, but people loved Jesus, and the Buddha wasn't a billionaire either. It's true that humans today measure success in terms of capitalism. We are beginning to see that wealth does not guarantee happiness, and happiness does not require a carbon footprint.
Thanks Leena, for the reminder to enjoy life! Like, duh-doi, but, noted!
I got prolonged goosebumps from the final point. Honestly lasted like 30+ seconds
In recognition of that fantastic meme at 16:12... I'd love to see a thread of things capitalism convinced us we needed that people have since stopped buying!
I'll start: shampoo! During the first lockdown I read that shampoo is designed to make your hair dependent on shampoo. After two weeks to adapt, my hair now looks and feels better than it did when I was using shampoo!
Makeup! Haven't worn it since lockdown started in March 2020 here. I used to find myself so unappealing not wearing it but these days I don't even think about Makeup as a "thing I'm supposed to wear and own".
So how do you wash your hair if that’s alright?
Massive unpopular opinion, but humans have been running without shoes specifically designed for running for milleniums, why are they making us pretend our legs will fall off if we dare run without £100 running shoes?
@@ayellowpapercrown6750 sadly our feet haven’t adapted to pavement - it’s harmful to run barefoot on hard surfaces if improperly trained
@@annamiaugenau5393 Love this! I'm 20 and I've never actually owned any make-up and I'm so glad because I could definitely see myself getting dependent on it. Well done on ditching these expensive, typically plastic products :)
You're so great. I love these videos!
I remember when I was a child I chose to walk home instead of taking the bus after church because I was scared that I was hurting the planet more because I had seen the WWF adverts about polar bears and other animals being affected from climate change. Climate change is definitely something that I lay awake at night thinking and worrying about.
I read the first few pages of factfullness as a taste before i buy and I'm interested to know if they go into detail of why those figures might be that way - such as the 'the last 20 years the proportion of the world living in extreme poverty has almost halved' - do they explain what was considered extreme poverty then compared to now, or the reasons behind why that might be, assuming poverty is based on income and consumption is that enough to define poverty, do we need less money to live, is it just because of certain countries... so on.... I think i could really benefit from this book but i'd be very skeptical of the facts and figures if they're not explored and explained
It is explained in the book! It's a brilliant book and very well researched and evidence-based, I highly recommend
"Unlearning Economics" has made a video about this perceived decline in extreme poverty. He takes the data apart.
ruclips.net/video/fo2gwS4VpHc/видео.html
He also briefly touches Rosling's "Factfullness".
Hello! Fun to catch a premiere 💕
Sorry, but I would argue that the example on those high profile species no longer being critically endangered doesn't really stand, because the number of threatened species in total has increased significantly. "The total number of known threatened animal species has increased from 5,205 to 8,462 since 1996." - Source is the IUCN
"The hypothalamus is basically like a thermostat for your brain"
Me, with anxiety and thermoregulation issues: 👁👄👁
I like the term Eco-Doom... I'm definitely caught in the trap of being like well major corporations are the ones causing this and I can't do much except not have children so...
Thank you for another gem of a video, leena! I always learn so much here and I just love hearing and seeing you talk ❤️
Just bloody marvellous! The panic and guilt has been real recently. This is the chat I've been desperate to have with many people but they are not willing or ready to have a discussion. Thank you 😊
Oh! I love the Ness reference there x