To explore alternate viewpoints on environmental consciousness and understand the reasons why some may choose not to prioritize it.
Why not to care
1. Climate skepticism is out of the window
We're now navigating past the realm of climate skepticism. Long gone are the days where climate change was a topic of debate. We've moved into an era where the evidence is overwhelming – our planet is heating up, and action is overdue. There's no longer space to engage with skepticism when the house is on fire. Instead, it's time to grab the extinguisher.
2. Technology will save us
In an era marked by rapid tech advancements, it's tempting to place all our bets on technology as our savior. This techno-optimism isn't unfounded, seeing the strides we've made—from renewable energy breakthroughs to carbon capture technologies. However, leaning too heavily on this belief echoes Hans Jonas' caution in “The Imperative of Responsibility,” where he warns of the ethical implications of action and inaction in the face of technological advancements. Relying solely on future technologies to fix today's problems is a gamble that overlooks the unpredictability of innovation and the immediate need for action.
3. There are more important priorities
For many, the immediate demands of life—food, shelter, job security—overshadow broader sustainability efforts. This perspective holds some truth, especially in parts of the world where daily survival is a struggle. This illuminates why those in more fortunate circumstances must shoulder a heavier load in the sustainability effort. As the main beneficiaries of a system that disproportionately contributes to ecological degradation, sustainability should primarily (but not exclusively) be a first-world responsibility.
4. I don’t have time
"I don't have time" often translates to a paralysis of where to start in the vast sea of environmental issues. Simplifying this landscape into actionable steps can demystify the process, turning perceived time scarcity into meaningful involvement. Time, rather than a barrier, becomes an opportunity to contribute piece by piece.
5. I can’t do much about it
Why that might be true: a short paragraph listing reasons why you are not in power.
Why there is always something you can do.
List of reasons to improve your potential impact.
6. What’s in it for me?
Climate activism can’t run on empathy only. Beyond the altruistic call to action, engaging in environmental activism offers returns in personal growth, community belonging, and the intrinsic satisfaction of aligning one’s actions with one's values for a sustainable future.
7. Why should I care more than the others
I’m not going to jeopardize my comfort if its not a shared effort. The excuse that "others are worse" sidesteps personal responsibility and overlooks the power of collective action. Pointing fingers at others—be it friends, colleagues, or entire countries (”Chinese people” according to my Grand-Ma) —stalls progress. Change sparks change, and setting an example can inspire wider shifts, undermining the 'they go first' argument.
8. It doesn’t matter anyways (Nihilism)
A dear friend of mine points that human efforts are pointless anyways and fighting against climate change falls in the category of “making one’s life harder” for no reason.
The argument that "it's all meaningless, so why bother?" highlights a broader existential question. Engaging in the fight against climate change is more than an environmental stance; it's a celebration of our humanity, an embrace of our capacity to affect change, and a recognition of our responsibility to steward the only home we have.
One could argue that entering that fight and taking this kind of responsibility is what makes us human. It is about making the most of the chance we were given to be “us” on this “cold rock floating in space”.
Why care
1. Taking responsibility
Hans Jonas a German philosopher introduced the concept of “the responsibility principle” in his book “The Imperative of Responsibility”. As a comic fan, its a spider-man line that embodied this concept most accurately: “With great power comes great responsibilities”.
As part of the richest 1% of humanity, we're living in some of the most affluent parts of the world, which means we've got the power (whether we asked for it or not) to make choices that impact the planet. Amongst which: the power to pollute. We can take planes that produce an astonishing quantity of CO2 in the snap of a finger. We get to live comfortably and the by-product of that comfort is the negative impact it has on the planet and its living ecosystems. That kind of power entails a certain kind of responsibility.
2. Giving meaning and direction to your life (through Responsibility)
According to Jordan Peterson, one of the best ways to generate meaning in one’s life is to take responsibility. By extending our circle of concern beyond personal boundaries to include our communities and eventually, the Earth itself, we engage in a profound act of purpose-building. This journey of responsibility invites us to not just inhabit the world but to contribute to its flourishing.
3. Living life by your rules (Stoician virtues)
There are 3 main categories of life philosophies: Virtue ethics - Consequentialism - Deontology.
Virtue ethics ask: “What kind of person should I be?”, Consequentialism asks: “What action will have the best consequences?” and Deontology: “ What action is my duty, based on universal moral principles?”
The ancient Stoic philosophers, emphasizing virtue ethics over consequentialism or deontology, advocate for a life lived in accordance with nature. Their virtues—courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice—are surprisingly aligned with modern sustainable living. Courage to face uncomfortable truths about our environmental impact, temperance in our consumption habits, wisdom in discerning our needs from wants, and justice in considering the rights of future generations and non-human life. Embracing these Stoic virtues offers a compass for navigating the complexities of modern life while honoring our planet.
4. Finding wealth in frugality
Inspired by practices like Thich Nhat Hanh's mindfulness exercises, the grape meditation invites us to experience the profound richness in simplicity: enjoying all aspects of eating a grape in full mindfulness. It's a call to rediscover the abundance of less—to find joy, fulfillment and wealth, in the act of mindful frugality.
This approach challenges the conventional view of wealth equating material accumulation, proposing that true abundance lies in the quality of our experiences and the depth of our gratitude.
5. Learn and teach
The sustainability journey is both personal and shared, a continuous loop of learning and teaching. By passing on knowledge and experiences, we not only help others navigate this space but also reinforce our own understanding & commitment to the planet—a testament to the power of shared wisdom in fostering a more sustainable world.
Caring for our planet isn't just another chore on our to-do lists. It's a way to live richer, more connected lives. It's about finding joy in simplicity, discovering our collective power to make a difference, and reconnecting with what it means to be responsible, thoughtful humans.
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