Talking About Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

Most of us know that climate change and biodiversity loss are serious threats. But what can we individually do as our fair share of responsibility to help minimize these projected consequences?    

Yes, we often have busy lives and varying priorities to juggle. Issues like crime, immigration, and the economy can grab headlines and sometimes alarm us as much or more than environmental concerns. Many people feel a sense of powerlessness, too, in being able to do much of anything about our climate future, or they can have an almost “doom and gloom” sense of paralysis. Some climate scientists with much more knowledge than the public have also been pessimistic that we and other nations are not responding quickly and effectively enough to avoid immense human suffering.

Climate data scientist, Hannah Ritchie, has own perspective though that she shares in her January 2024 book, Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet. She advocates an “urgent optimism.” Acknowledging that climate challenges are real and difficult, she also emphasizes that we've made some progress, and this can accelerate. Ritchie argues that certain environmentally damaging human activities are past, near, or at their peaks. The negative impacts from many of these long-term human activities will continue or grow, but at least some of these harmful behaviors have peaked or will peak soon.    

Much more progress on sustainability, according to Ritchie, depends on 1) continuing advances in clean energy technology, 2) more individuals showing commitment through their informed lifestyle and voting choices, and 3) institutional initiatives and investments to support necessary changes. Ritchie claims that we will not meet certain global and national climate response goals, but she thinks there are still opportunities for us to reach some realistic ones related to greenhouse gases and biodiversity protection. Her pragmatic guidance for those with at least a small level of environmental commitment makes the book a valuable and approachable book now. 

An example of the diverse types of institutional initiatives that Hannah Ritchie seems to view as important was recently announced in our own state. A University of Louisiana – Lafayette project funded by the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program should help Louisiana's agricultural and rural businesses adopt more energy-saving practices and renewable energy sources. Technical assistance will be offered for their energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy systems. This assistance will also guide these businesses through the application process for federal grants. The project will conduct on-site assessments, prioritize disadvantaged communities, and hold outreach events across the state. By assisting smaller businesses in moving toward sustainable energy, the program seeks to boost economic growth and environmental responsibility in rural Louisiana.

Programs such as this one at ULL make expertise available concerning continuing developments in renewable energy technologies and provide guidance for individuals and small businesses on how to make rewarding changes in their own operations. Expecting prompt and effective environmental responses from many people without significant support activities is likely unrealistic. Human nature often leads us to be cautious or resistant toward what others can claim are necessary changes. Increasing levels of distrust exist for almost all institutions regarding their intentions and/or methods. We can hardly expect most individuals to make climate-related behavioral changes, and sometimes initial personal sacrifices, without their better understanding the "why" and "how" for these changes.

Better communication about possible responses to climate change and biodiversity loss is desperately needed. One resource is the website “Talk Climate Change” that was developed by students from the Oxford University School of Geography and the Environment. That site asserts that “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. Yet many people never talk about it, let alone have the opportunity to discuss how they feel and have their voices heard by others.” Conversations about environmental threats and responses can be awkward to initiate for many reasons, so Sueellen Campbell and others offer advice concerning “How to Speak with Your Family and Friends about Environmental Issues” on the Yale Climate Connections website.

Fears and emotions expressed by participants concerning gloomy climate scenarios will likely come in these conversations, but continuing discussion has potential also for more critical thinking and action-oriented perspectives to be raised. The key to these climate change and biodiversity dialogues seems to be providing those involved with enough information and tools so that they can make better decisions about their own activities that have environmental impacts. These practical and caring conversations about personal priorities seem vitally important for mental health in our era of significant political polarization, misinformation from many social media sources, and slanted communication from powerful vested interests. 

It might seem we can do little to respond individually to huge global environmental challenges, but almost all of us might start by trying to share our thoughts, fears and hopes with others near us.