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People often ask, "What can I do to help address the climate crisis?" But usually, what they mean is, "What's one quick, easy, simple thing I can do?" Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. The climate challenge we face today is enormous. Thanks largely to fossil fuel executives and the PR firms and politicians working in their interest, humanity is now tasked with transforming almost every aspect of society to address this crisis.
We need to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from electricity, transportation, agriculture, industry, and buildings. We need to protect and restore ecosystems. We need to change policies, economies, and cultural norms. The scope of this challenge is staggering—far beyond what any one person can fully comprehend. Yet, dwelling on the daunting scientific projections won't get us far. Instead, it's time to pivot quickly to solutions.
Moving Beyond Individual Footprints
The climate movement and the media often ask us to do the same things: vote, protest, donate, spread the word, and reduce our carbon footprints. By the way, the concept of a "carbon footprint" was popularized by fossil fuel corporations in an attempt to shift blame onto individuals. While it is still important to make sustainable choices, the reality is that we need systemic change more than anything else.
One of the biggest missed opportunities in climate advocacy is that we rarely ask people to contribute their unique talents and strengths to climate solutions. Instead of narrowly focusing on individual actions, we should empower people to use their skills and passions in ways that make a difference.
Create Your Climate Action Venn Diagram
To help visualize this idea, consider creating a Climate Action Venn Diagram. This tool can help identify where your talents and interests intersect with the work that needs to be done.
Here’s how it works:
What Are You Good At? Think about your skills, resources, and networks. What can you bring to the table? This could include professional expertise, hobbies, leadership abilities, or even unique community connections.
What Needs to Be Done? Consider climate and justice solutions that you feel passionate about. Whether it’s composting initiatives, insulating buildings, restoring wetlands, promoting clean energy, or supporting climate candidates, there are countless areas where help is needed.
What Brings You Joy? Climate work can be overwhelming and exhausting. Choosing something that makes you feel energized and fulfilled will help prevent burnout and keep you committed for the long haul.
The goal is to place yourself at the heart of this Venn diagram as often as possible—where your talents, passions, and the needs of the world intersect. This framework mirrors the Japanese concept of Ikigai, but with a focus on climate action.
Real-Life Examples of Climate Action
Many people have already embraced this concept with incredible results. For example:
A financial tech executive was inspired to start a climate impact investing fund after attending his first climate protest.
A journalist covering social justice issues began incorporating climate context into her reporting, highlighting how environmental problems intersect with other systemic injustices.
A retired English teacher became an advocate for banning fracking and later transformed her lawn into a small-scale regenerative farm.
None of these people quit their jobs to become full-time climate activists. Instead, they leaned into their existing roles, using their strengths and networks to make a difference.
The Most Effective Way to Talk About Climate
Research shows that the most effective way to engage people in climate action is by focusing on public health rather than abstract concepts like national security or distant environmental impacts. Climate change is also a pollution crisis—one that disproportionately impacts frontline communities and communities of color. Focusing on the health effects of pollution makes the issue relevant and personal.
Instead of talking about polar bears in the Arctic or melting glaciers, we should be discussing how air pollution from fossil fuel industries causes asthma, heart disease, and even premature deaths. This health-focused approach resonates across political and demographic lines, motivating more people to take action.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We need a leaderful movement—a concept popularized by Black Lives Matter activists—that recognizes the importance of many leaders working together toward transformation. Whether your talents lie in organizing, technical skills, communication, or policy work, there is a place for you in the climate movement.
So, take a moment to draw your Climate Action Venn Diagram. Reflect on how your strengths intersect with the urgent work that needs doing. Don’t hesitate to think expansively—this is about stepping up and contributing in meaningful ways.
And remember, this is not just about individual action. The question isn't just "What can I do?" but rather "What can we do together?" Join a movement, support existing efforts, or start your own. Every contribution counts, and every bit of progress matters.
Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient world. Let’s find our roles and get to work.
Sources
TED talk, "How To Find Joy in Climate Action" by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsOJR40M0as
"How to make people care about climate change" by Molly Kawahata
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