Caring About the Planet Sucks, but We Need to Care

Nicholas Fulwood

April 4, 2024 - When confronted with the state of the environment, there are a relatively limited number of possible responses. Most people begin with outrage (or denial), and this outrage is perfectly understandable and even beneficial. However, maintaining this outrage can be very difficult; there’s only so much we can care about before we wear ourselves ragged.

However, before we even begin to worry, investigating further is a natural response to finding out we’re in trouble. I’ve found myself tumbling down rabbit holes after looking into carbon footprints and the origins of greenwashing. After doing even a tiny amount of research, people will quickly realize the sheer enormity of the environmental problems we’re facing, and as time passes, the issues only compound. Most of us know that as the icebergs melt, the oceans rise, displacing some of our largest communities (both human and animal). Still, the icebergs also reflect sunlight out of our atmosphere, so as they melt, our planet absorbs more heat, which only accelerates the problem. It can feel like we’re already drowning in the problem.

Once the scale of the problem is revealed, people’s reactions begin to differ. Some folks might dig their feet in, roll up their sleeves, and do as much as possible to save the planet (these are the cool people). However, this is not the most common reaction, or else we’d have a much safer planet to live on by now. So, instead, many folks look for the small changes they can make to their lives to assuage their panic. This is an entirely understandable reaction, especially with the many problems we see today; life is hard, and nobody can fight every fight, especially when they need to pay bills and stay sane. Unfortunately, it’s too late for everyone to make small changes.

This isn’t to say that small changes are pointless, but they’re not enough on their own. Even if everyone started recycling and driving EVs, that recycling wouldn’t end up where it needs to, and those EVs would still rely on fossil fuels to be produced. Consumers can’t solve the problem because consumers didn’t create the problem; the oil companies created this problem.

So how do we solve the problem then? Especially while still being able to live our lives? This is where I should discuss RACC’s Environment Club and Sustainability Taskforce. Getting involved and showing the people hurting our planet that we’re willing to sacrifice our time and effort to protect ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren is essential to change things. Speaking from experience, it often helps lessen my anxiety when thinking about the planet, knowing that I helped clean up our river or saw a fellow citizen realize the problem and how they can help.

If you cannot spend that time, you can always do other things. When voting, research the candidates and try to vote for those who care about the environment. If you have the means, donate to an environmental activism organization or even volunteer with them. And don’t be afraid to tell people about the state of our planet and how you might feel about it. Communication is always the first step to solving problems; we certainly have much to solve.

As oil companies continue to manipulate society to maintain their growth rate, recycling and being frugal with our electricity will not be enough; we will need to start urging more significant changes if we want where we live to continue to be habitable. Protecting and restoring the planet will be difficult, but it gets easier with help.