by
Sophia Elmblad, intern
• I bought this photo from a photographer on my trip to swim in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Throughout my time in Sydney Australia, I’ve observed many similarities and differences from life in my home country, the United States.
During the last 3 months I’ve spent in Australia, one of the differences I noticed is much easier and widely available public transportation in Australia. In my experience, cars are often the primary source of transport in the US. The public transit that exists is either dirty, unreliable, or mediocre in most cases. In comparison, there is a much more extensive public transport system and larger usage in Australia. Public transportation is reliable and clean which makes it preferable to cars. Luckily my study abroad program, CEA CAPA, supplied transit cards as part of our tuition which has come in handy many times while abroad. My fellow students and I were much more encouraged to get around Sydney with the transit included in our program! I also used the card when visiting sites during my intern work.
• And the photographer took this photo of me and my friends swimming in the reef
A similarity between Australia and the U.S. is the wide range of landscapes. You can experience the desert, beach, high mountains, forests, etc. in both countries. Although, another difference I observed is the Australian lifestyle seems to be more outdoorsy. Both countries embrace outdoor activities although the climate and culture of Australia seem to create a strong emphasis on outdoor living, activities, and sports.
Ultimately, a shared characteristic found across various regions worldwide is the persistent presence of a segment of the population that rejects climate change existence.
As a soon-to-be graduate from my university on the West Coast, California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo, with a major in environmental management, I’m extremely disheartened to observe how many people don’t believe in the reality of climate change. In this blog, I’d like to ask and answer the question, why don’t people directly face up to our collapsing climate, and why do I see a glimmer of hope for the future despite the projections for a detrimental future?
The majority of Australians are aware of climate change issues: According to the Australian Psychological Society, 87% of surveyed Australians accept climate change as real and currently happening (The Psychology of Climate Change Denial, n.d.). In comparison to the United States, 72% of adults believe climate change is currently happening (Marlon et al., 2022).
I’m curious, how does climate change denial begin and persist?
I presume that many of those who deny climate change believe that the statement, human-inducing climate change, attacks the individual. This belief causes mistrust and severs the connection between an individual and science. It’s in our human nature to have a sense of skepticism about almost every new thing we learn so that truth and discovery can take place. However, changing the consensus of citizens in a society or of individuals in it is difficult when it’s critical of our personal choices.
One of the main issues people I talk to, books and articles, and media I’ve read have with climate change is the recent rewording. In the past, “climate change” was referred to as “global warming”. This change has caused a sense of uncertainty and questioning among climate deniers.
Figures and predictions are often referred to by media and those I’ve talked to as a hoax, lies, or skewed. In my exchange with others, I encourage those who don’t believe in science to take to their research. Even a simple DIY temperature measurement in your backyard can present a first-hand analysis of the current climate versus the past climate.
Finally, I often hear that it is already too far gone, and there is nothing we can do to change the projections at this point. The public regularly confuses climate targets with climate thresholds. Climate targets are goals we aim to achieve to limit warming and prevent negative climactic outcomes. For example, the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 C. In comparison, thresholds will cause human extinction or societal collapse. For example, significant melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet would release a vast amount of freshwater that would substantially contribute to a sea level rise. The consequences of such a threshold being crossed would be profound with huge impacts on coastal areas, ecosystems, and communities around the world.
Climate doom is easy to fall into when climate change feels unstoppable on the individual level and projections continuously worsen. But, I live my daily life knowing we can still reduce the damage and work towards a sustainable future. Many solutions already exist! We just need to work quicker and harder to enact them.
• To use an Australian line . . . “Have a go”
The belief that a difference can still be made will sustain engagement and interest in climate change. Despite challenges, hope prevails. Having hope in the protection and state of future climate can drive change. We must seek to find a balance between constructive worry and fatalistic doom and that’s what I intend to promote in my daily practices and exchanges with myself and others.
An easy way to get involved is through local climate groups or advocating for climate policies. Supporting a government that believes in climate change and aims to enforce protection policies is one of the easiest ways to look out for the climate.
Ultimately, there is a need to transform the larger system to result in a huge reduction of global emissions, although there is no denying that one person can truly make a difference. If every individual believed they could make a difference and worked towards decreasing their carbon footprint, it could result in a change in the wider society. Together, we can make a difference.
First, we can all start by decreasing our carbon footprints. Here are some examples of things I can and do to reduce my pollution:
➔ Embrace renewable energy
➔ Compost and grow my food
➔ Eat less meat
➔ Drive and fly less
➔ Invest and consume from companies with sustainable goals
➔ Talk to others about climate
➔ Call on your government officials for change
These are just a few strategies to bring change and less pollution! If you are curious about your ecological footprint, take this quiz.
My experience throughout my time in Sydney Australia at the Michael Mobbs Sustainable House has opened my eyes to the ease at which someone can live sustainably. I have discovered a passion for gardening and composting perfectly coupled with this!
• Figures and data from my food waste composting calculator
I’ve also found just how easy it is to collect my food waste to be diverted from landfills to local Chippendale compost bins. In my time in Chippendale, I’ve assisted with composting 1313 kg of food waste. This equates to 1971 kg of CO2 emissions saved from Earth’s atmosphere!
The Chippendale community has undertaken composting with the guidance of seasoned composter Michael Mobbs. The community composts on the streets and gardens without fear of council opposition. The council has made a policy saying people may garden in the streets without council permission. For more details see the blogs on Michael Mobbs site about how the community can grow food on their roads and how council supports the community.
This is an example of how a community can transition to sustainable practices with a leader and hope for change. If you are curious about Chippendale and the compost options around the area, read the blog here written by two of Michael’s past interns, Renee and Kyle.
• Me, my ‘Hope” tattoo outside Cafe Guilia in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
I have “Hope” on my body! ‘Hope’ is in fact my middle name.
As an advocate for the climate, of course, I am worried about the future, though I don’t let this extinguish my flame ... it fuels it. It sounds cliched but my middle name is ‘Hope’, so I can never stop having it no matter how hard I try.
Here are some reasons why I stay hopeful about the future of Earth’s climate:
● Technological innovations will continue to advance. There is a chance this could create more solutions to climate change. There have already been profound breakthroughs in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. One of the innovations I’ve seen in my time throughout Australia is Coolseats! I’ve never seen a composting option like it before, especially one beautiful enough to go on the streets and outside cafes. Checkout the website.
• a Coolseat outside a cafe in Bathurst, NSW, Australia - under the food there is food waste being composted to feed the plants
● Global environmental movements are on the rise! Sustainability and climate change advocates are gaining momentum. Widespread public support can drive policy change and corporate responsibility. In Australia, two women advocated in defense of the democratic right of people to speak out on climate change. On December 13th, they won on parts of the Constitutional grounds of the case.
• The Knitting Nannas won their court case saying they are free to demonstrate
● Conservation success stories have led to the recovery of endangered species and restoration of ecosystems. The bald eagle, a symbol of pride in America, was on the brink of extinction through the 1960’s. In 1962 when Rachel Carson released the book Silent Spring it unveiled the harmful effects of DDT (an egg-thinning pesticide). Eventually, it was put on the endangered species list, and with the help of its protection, captive breeding, and reintroduction the bald eagle has fully recovered in population. Read more success stories here:
• A bald eagle - one of many natural wonders protected by the book, Silent Spring and the author, Rachel Carson
● Corporate sustainability is increasing and businesses are being held accountable for their practices. This contributes to a more eco-conscious global economy. Corporate sustainability refers to the idea that businesses are responsible for their operation's social and environmental impact in addition to profits; more info.
• Corporate sustainability
● International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, demonstrate how it is possible to band together globally to fight climate change. This agreement legally binds 196 parties in a treaty to limit climate warming to 1.5 Celcius. Learn about it here.
• The Paris climate agreement
● New and innovative ideas can help evolve and implement environmental policies to fit current climate projections. There are many of these ideas I can reference. For example, using electric school buses instead of typical fuel-run buses. This will teach children while they’re young to appreciate the environment. Maybe they will eventually grow up and purchase an electric vehicle of their own because of this association early on. Try to think of your own new and innovative idea! The idea that’s now a physical fact - a coolseat - that I’ve worked hands on with and blogged about with 1MillionWomen - here. I’ve made some videos, too, on Michael’s Instagram account.
● Youth - that’s me - is becoming increasingly aware of my / their role in change. Passion and commitment from younger generations greatly influence public opinion and policy decisions. The first person I think about in terms of passionate climate advocating youth is Greta Thunberg. She created “the Greta effect” among young people and raised public awareness of climate change. Learn more about Greta and what she’s accomplished here.
• Greta Thunberg inspires me
As we can see, there is a battle against climate change. Our planet faces unprecedented challenges due to climate change. We mustn't give up and instead rise with determination and resilience. The gravity of the situation demands a united front against climate pollution. Embedded in this call to action is a resounding message of hope. Together, we possess the collective power to steer our planet toward a future where the natural ecosystem thrives rather than teeters on the brink of destruction.
As we stand at this pivotal moment for ourselves and all life on Earth, let’s recognize that the fight against climate change is not limited by borders. International collaboration is essential. Nations must share knowledge, technology, and resources to tackle this global crisis. Our world is interconnected and we must act with that knowledge.
In conclusion, giving up is not an option for the future of the earth or for me. Through concentrated effort, shared responsibility, and a commitment to sustainable practices, we can shape a future where the environment is safeguarded and preserved for the future. The battle is challenging, but together we can emerge victorious, ensuring environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Always have hope in ourselves and the Mother Nature which keeps us alive.
Sophia Elmblad
Sources:
Marlon, J., Neyens, L., Jefferson, M., Howe, P., Mildenberger, M., & Leiserowitz, A. (2022, February 23). Yale Climate Opinion Maps 2019 - Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Yale Program on Climate Change Communication; Yale University. https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/visualizations-data/ycom-us/
The psychology of climate change denial | Australian Psychological Society. (n.d.). Psychology.org.au. https://psychology.org.au/community/advocacy-social-issues/environment-climate-change-psychology/resources-for-psychologists-and-others-advocating/the-psychology-of-climate-change-denial