John Howard: Solutions to climate change, climate anxiety are many 

Many people are feeling climate change anxiety. There is a feeling of “what can I do about it?” A helplessness! When I was a young child during World War II, we used to save bacon fat and turn it in to the government. I didn’t know how, but it was supposed to help the war effort. Our little jar of bacon grease was probably not much help, but with everybody doing it, it did contribute! It also made us feel that we were helping, “doing our bit” as the British said (this later from my parents).

We also did without many things that were rationed. I think the same is true about small efforts against climate change. As each of us is saving water, insulating pipes, sealing windows, etc. the same idea applies. As the effort gets greater, say with heat pumps, we feel better. There is no single solution to climate change. There are thousands of solutions! And there are millions of people doing their bit.

An answer to climate change anxiety is to do as much as one possibly can, and then let it go. The first step of course is to learn about the problem by talking with friends, watching the evening news, and going online to research climate change crisis information. We need to make our voices known by writing letters to politicians, to newspapers, peacefully demonstrating, and most important donating and voting.

As climate anxiety has been growing, particularly among the young, who will be most affected, talking and acting about it becomes more and more important. There is also professional help. There is even specialized help from Climate-Aware Online Therapist Directory. We are not alone. The whole world is in on this!

John Howard

South Hadley

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