The climate crisis is undeniably one of the most widespread and polarising issues our world continues to face. The past decade has forced many to discuss and raise awareness on the severity of climate change, and more importantly, call for action from those in power. What was once an empowering movement that focused on the wellbeing of the environment has quickly turned into a political debate, meaning that instead of focusing on the core issue of a rapidly changing planet, many have chosen to focus on the politics surrounding climate change. Of course, the presence of climate change deniers has focused many people’s efforts into desperately trying to prove the mere existence of climate change, instead of attempting to solve the problems brought about by climate change. It seems that one is never able to read the news without discovering a new, horrific study about the state of the world, but is this approach counterproductive? Should we as a society stop focusing on the scary aspects of climate change? Instead, should we instead use optimism as a tool to incentivise innovation?
This may seem counter-intuitive, after all, fear has proved an unfortunately necessary tool for action in the past. It is through fear that many are able to recognise when there is a problem and to take action to resolve it. However, what was initially an opportunity for positive change to take place has become a quick getaway for those at fault. You may have seen several articles headlined that we are ‘past the point of no return’, which somehow is supposed to encourage people to take action. This begs the question, if nothing we do can reverse the effects of climate change, why bother doing anything at all?
This is exactly what climate nihilism is. Nihilism is the rejection of moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless. In the context of sustainability, climate nihilism refers to the idea that nothing can be done to reverse the effects of climate change or improve our world’s ecosystem, so any action being taken is ultimately meaningless. This pessimism has become even more prevalent in the last ten years, in part because as human beings, we are attracted to the notion of nihilism. It is human nature to ponder the worst possible outcomes and act upon that.
As individuals we are often told that our singular contribution holds no tangible significance in the grand scheme of things, but rather is a lame attempt to avoid personal guilt and anxiety. While this may be true to some degree, it overshadows the benefits that arise from community action, such as an entire community limiting their use of plastic, the implementation of renewable energy or even an increase in the use of public transportation.. This takes place from individuals collectively deciding to take action, and have the potential for drastic growth. This view, however, is often seen as needlessly naive, as the media tends to amplify negative voices over positive ones.. In addition, climate nihilism allows the world's biggest polluters to continue damaging the world without any repercussions. Large corporations are able to justify their wastefulness by simply citing the idea that we are too far gone to reverse any harmful effects of climate change, and people are too dependent on their products. Climate nihilism provides an escape hatch for large corporations to avoid taking blame and action, and allows them to continue polluting.
Moreover, the idea that we as a society are ‘past the point of no return’ is completely incorrect. Is it true that our time for enacting meaningful change is growing shorter? Yes. But is there still a window for us to reduce the impact of climate change? Absolutely yes. Whilst the severity of climate change should not be underestimated, it is important to note that action could be effective, if done by the masses and quickly. A study conducted by researchers at BI Norwegian Business School and published in Scientific Reports Thursday stated that, “humanity is beyond the point-of-no-return when it comes to halting the melting of permafrost using greenhouse gas cuts as the single tool.” This article was criticised by many scientists who disagreed with the underlying message of the study. Most notably, University of Exeter climate scientist professor Richard Betts stated, “the study is nowhere near strong enough to make such a frightening message credible.” Scientists disagree with the fact that there is nothing we can do to reverse the effects of climate change. The study by the BI Norwegian Business School has since been used as ammunition to invoke fear, which has ultimately resulted in growing feelings of anxiety and frustration, rather than the intended effect of empowerment.
Furthermore, the idea of climate nihilism has been proven to have harmful mental effects, as the feeling of hopelessness felt by many feeds into many mental disorders. Climate anxiety, a condition exemplifying the negative emotions often associated with climate change, has faced a drastic increase in recent years. A poll conducted by the APA found that more than two-thirds of Americans (67%) are somewhat or extremely anxious about the impact of climate change on the planet. Large media sites continue to play into this by continuing to negatively frame climate related events in the world. This is far too normalised, and can be seen with the way that major media outlets handle the topic of climate anxiety. For example, one SmithsonianMag headline reads, “Your Crushing Anxiety About the Climate Crisis Is Normal”. We are at a point where the topic of climate change cannot be broached without the feeling of powerlessness instantly deflating us. Whilst the importance of reporting on climate change should not be underestimated, it is still necessary for media outlets to report on progress as well. By continuously writing about the lack of hope for humanity, more and more people will find themselves faced with hopelessness and frustration.
All in all, the impact of climate change should not be underestimated. Climate change needs to be taken seriously, as it’s a very real issue, with its consequences becoming alarmingly present in our lives. However, it has been shown that fear is not the way to incite meaningful change, but rather breeds a generation of apathetic and frustrated people who are unable to see the point in individual action. Our society needs to take steps in order to better our planet, and that starts with holding the biggest polluters accountable. Apart from climate nihilism statements being factually incorrect, they ensure that the most damaging people are able to escape any blame and prevent constructive action from being taken.
Though you may be sceptical, we as a world have made tremendous strides in reversing our negative impact on the world. Within the next month, India plans to ban all single use plastic. As one of the most populated countries in the world, this simple act will have massive effects on the local environment. Moreover, new carbon cutting aircraft technology is currently in its testing stages and could potentially revolutionise eco-friendly travel. Aircrafts are some of the largest polluters in the world, and this would ensure that the carbon footprint of frequent fliers would be reduced significantly. Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles are at an all time high in Europe, hinting at a future where the majority of everyday transportation is eco-friendly.
If you find yourself a victim of the infectious nature of climate nihilism, take a moment to research all of the progress that has been made in the last decade alone. All of the countries that have reduced plastic consumption, all of the renewable energy that has been implemented, all of the trees that have been planted. Do your part, and see the results.
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