A Climate Anxiety Filled Week
I was going to write about SDG 11 this week, but the climate news this past week looms too large in my mind to focus on this.
Like many of you, I spent huge chunks of last week watching footage of raging fires and texting my LA area loved ones, checking that they are safe, offering support where I can, and just hoping the winds die down. Make no mistake, this wildfire disaster is the direct result of climate change and colonial capitalism. So today, instead of writing about small steps costume professionals can take to be more sustainable, I will bring you information and articles from trusted sources about how the fires are related to climate justice and what we can do to emotionally and systemically prepare for the next disaster.
How we got here:
Yale Climate Connections has a summary of how California’s dry seasons are more extreme and more likely to overlap with seasonal winds than previously has created the “perfect storm” for severe fires like this one.
Inside Climate News gives insight on how urban sprawl into fire prone areas and increased use of petroleum based products in home construction fueled the unique devastation we are now witnessing in LA.
Mother Jones adds more information about how architectural choices can lead to (or prevent) houses catching on fire. Building new structures with the climate future in mind can limit damage like this.
What we can do next:
Start with yourself, learn about climate anxiety and how to manage it, NRDC offers this great primer on the topic. Also, the University of Colorado has a list of 6 tips to help manage your climate anxiety.
Systemic change starts with individual changes, examine your own life: where do you have room to make sustainable changes? Do you know what climate disasters might impact where you live and work? Does your local government have a plan to deal with those disasters? Do you? Getting involved on the hyper local level is where individuals like you can have the greatest impact.
Donate to social justice organizations, climate change disproportionately impacts marginalized communities in the US and around the world. If you have the means, please consider giving time or money to your local mutual aid organizations. Personally, I’ve found a great deal of satisfaction organizing clothing swaps and staying involved in my local Buy Nothing group to keep things out of landfill and in circulation.
I hope you find this resource helpful, I hope all of your loved ones are safe.
