Eco-anxiety, climate doom, bad vibes … Whatever you call it, the climate crisis has a real impact on our mental health. And it’s not unfounded!
This crisis infiltrates so much of our individual lives, shapes our communities, threatens our very existence, and asks us to look directly at some really painful truths about our world.
And as urgent as the climate crisis is, we still have to show up every day to work, be able to take care of our communities, and even just remember to bring our reusable bags to the grocery store.
The push and pull of this experience is confusing and often isolating.
And when we feel hopeless about the planet, we don’t take action. But it’s the collective wisdom and determined belief that a better world is possible that keeps us motivated to create it.
Plus, there’s a whole lot of good news out there — especially good climate news.
Here are some of our favorite resources to help you find and celebrate the solutions our planet so desperately needs.
By the way, some of the links in this article (like books!) are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Climate optimists to follow on social media
@itsthegarbagequeen
Alaina Wood of @itsthegarbagequeen is a professional climate communicator who uses her platforms on Instagram and TikTok to share regular good climate news updates, helpful information break-downs, and action steps to do your part and save the planet.
She also has a newsletter, Good Climate News, full of science-backed climate solutions to celebrate.
@istherehopein
Is There Hope In (@istherehopein) is a data-driven Instagram account that shares “Weekly Earth Wins,” to help prioritize solutions — and not fear — in the face of climate change.
The page also has an accompanying newsletter.
@jacobsimonsays
Jacob Simon of @jacobsimonsays uses his TikTok and Instagram profiles to elevate his work as an environmental communicator, sharing solutions and updates, as well as action steps — all with the goal of tackling the climate crisis.
Positive books about climate change
“It's Not Just You: How to Navigate Eco-Anxiety and the Climate Crisis” by Tori Tsui
“It’s Not Just You” reframes eco-anxiety as the urgent mental health crisis it is and draws upon the wisdom of environmental advocates around the globe to better understand and confront the matter.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon | Libro.fm
“Climate Optimism: Celebrating Systemic Change Around the World” by Zahra Biabani
“Climate Optimism” celebrates major climate wins from recent history and provides a framework for climate optimism that invites readers to do more good.
Plus, the author, Zahra Biabani, is the brains behind @istherehopein, meaning the milestones in this book are only the beginning.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon | Libro.fm
“The Future We Choose: A Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to the Climate Crisis” by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
“The Future We Choose” paints a cautionary and optimistic picture of what life on Earth could look like if we do — or do not — take action. The book contains action steps for individuals, as well as governments and corporations.
Shop: Bookshop | Amazon | Libro.fm
Where to read good climate news
Good Good Good
Good Good Good (hey, that’s us!) provides regular climate good news stories in the form of journalistic web articles, daily newsletters, social media posts, and print newspapers.
Grist
Grist is a nonprofit independent media organization focused on telling the stories of climate solutions for a more just future, illuminating the way toward a better world.
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit that provides science-based resources for climate solutions, informing leaders and philanthropists — as well as everyday helpers — how to shift the conversation toward possibility and opportunity.
You may also like: A new law requires Illinois high schoolers to learn about climate change. It was written by two local teens
A version of this article was originally published in The 2024 Environment Edition of the Goodnewspaper.
Header image by Katrin Bolovstova via Pexels
