
Image by Jon Tyson via Unsplash
Only two more nights until the event on 24 September in Brussels where the central question will be whether climate communication can overcome the bad news problem! This article series has been created to keep you updated about the program, the speakers and relevant news relating to the topics. This time: can we be hopeful about climate change? Henry David Thoreau asked his rhetorical question: “What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?” already in the late 1800s. And let's face it, with all the doom and gloom there is to report about climate change, it can be very hard to feel hopeful. But there is good news! If you just know how to look at the data and find the balance, like scientist Hannah Ritchie does in her book Not The End of The World. Or if you look at inspiring innovations like new father and journalist Bill Weir discusses in his book Life As We Know It (can be). Or just pick one of the numerous newsletters out there intent on keeping your spirits up by showing you what is being done to fight climate change, like BBC's Future Earth.
And speaking of spirit, former head of the UN Climate Change Convention Christiana Figueres stresses that a fighting spirit helped achieve the Paris accords in 2015 – and we need it now the world is on course to overshoot 1.5 degrees. “I understand climate scientists’ despair – but stubborn optimism may be our only hope.”
Hope in the Face of Climate Change: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge and Community Resilience
“Even in the smallest villages, there is a drive to rebuild and survive, putting into perspective the resources available elsewhere,” says Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Director of Climate Journalism at the Solutions Journalism Network.
Editor's Top Picks:
- Dance for the planet! Environmental campaigners and triphop legends Massive Attack organized a low-carbon festival late August, powered by renewable energy and battery sources, with plant-based food from local supply chains and minimized waste with the use of compostable plates and cutlery, writes Euronews.
- Informed optimism is key to unlock an effective response to the climate crisis, tells Gill Einhorn on the World Economic Forum website right before the launch of Earth Decides, a diverse community of world-class experts and storytellers who cultivate informed optimism amongst decision-makers in support of credible Earth-centered action.
- Our World In Data scientist Hannah Ritchie discusses with BBC Future Planet how she went from eco-anxious to climate hopeful, “I think the science is very clear that it's never too late; the impacts of climate change are on a spectrum and where we land on that spectrum depends on what we do today.” Check out her inspiring TED Talk!
Find out more about the event, the speakers, and sign up here.
Find out more about the event, the speakers, and sign up here.
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19 w
Stubborn optimism may be our only hope speaks volumes... Let's not despair but continue with this important call of action.
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19 w
looking forward to tune in tomorrow!
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20 w
Awareness of climate change is at an all-time high, with more individuals adopting sustainable lifestyles,whether through reducing waste, opting for plant-based diets, or embracing energy-efficient technologies