I just read that post going around about how “we only have 18 months to save the planet from climate change and also the Arctic is on fire” and I’m just so scared and tired. It seems like every time I try to fight anxiety, something comes out like “nope sorry your worst fears are true we’re all going to die within a year and a half” and I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m scrolling through your blog trying to calm down—thanks so much for doing this, it really helps. You’re awesome!
I’ve gotten a couple of asks about that article, so I’m going to cover them all in one fell swoop.
It’s really important to remember that articles on the Internet (particularly the headline and introduction) are designed to be dramatic and attention-getting. Despite what the headline implies, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has not changed the 12-year deadline that it issued in October.
What that article IS saying:
-Some scientists believe major political and social changes need to be started in the next 18 months for us to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement
-Specifically, the headline references a quote by Britain’s Prince Charles, in which he was talking about a series of critical UN meetings on climate change that will take place in the next 18 months
What that article IS NOT saying:
-The world will end in 18 months
-Human society will collapse in 18 months
-All scientists agree that this is our last chance to stop apocalyptic climate change
A quote from the actual article:
“Whether it’s the evidence of heatwaves, or the influence of Swedish school striker Greta Thunberg, or the rise of Extinction Rebellion, there has been a marked change in public interest in stories about climate change and a hunger for solutions that people can put in place in their own lives.
People are demanding significant action, and politicians in many countries have woken up to these changes.
Ideas like the green new deal in the US, which might have seemed unfeasible a few years ago have gained real traction.
Some countries like the UK have gone even further and legislated for net zero emissions by 2050, the long-term goal that will keep temperatures down.”
Yes, we need to make big changes and we need to start making them as soon as we possibly can, but there are already many cities and countries taking big steps towards making those changes and public concern regarding climate change is increasing rapidly.
Unfortunately, the internet really likes to pass around dramatic, out-of-context screenshots, which are understandably very upsetting when they make it sound like the world is going to completely end in a year and a half.
Remember to take breaks from the bad news if you need to and focus on things you can actually have an impact on (voting for and promoting leaders that take climate change seriously, supporting causes working to fix environmental damage, making your community more sustainable, etc). You aren’t alone and there is always hope. Take care of yourself. Keep fighting. <3
