Today the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a new report about the impacts of the climate crisis globally. The report warns that we "will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all," if we don't act quickly and globally on global warming. The United Nations Chief called the report "an atlas of human suffering," as it details biodiversity loss, measures impacts on global communities, and projects even more international extreme weather disasters in the next decade.
The report also acknowledges the mental health impacts of climate change on young people. As the Associated Press reports:
" The [IPCC} report has a new emphasis on the mental health toll climate change has taken, both on people displaced or harmed by extreme weather and on people’s anxiety level, especially youths worried about their futures."
One thing is certain; it's time for all of us to act. Taking a small step each day won't solve this crisis, but it can shift the culture toward policy solutions and reduce eco-anxiety.
Suggested #OneGreenThings based on Service Superpower:
Adventurer: Reflect on how the climate crisis has impacted the places you hold dear and share your personal experience with family and friends
Beacon: Urge family and friends to attend the March 25th global climate strike and make your plan to support
Influencer: Share the IPCC report on social media to urge your member of Congress or local elected and ask them to support the climate provisions of the Build Back Better provisions
Philanthropist: Donate time to a "lobby day" for a local environmental organization to make your voice heard on climate action
Sage: "Share the mic" with young people in your community and talk about their concerns about the climate crisis- whether it be virtual or in person.
Spark: Share articles on the IPCC report on social media.
Wonk: Read the executive summary of the IPCC report and write a letter to the editor in your local paper or post about it on social media.