What inspired you to take action for the planet?
The global youth climate strikes in 2019 were a turning point for me. While I didn’t personally participate, the protests made me feel committed to pursuing environmental studies in college. I have now graduated from college with a degree in Environment & Sustainability and Psychology, and I am glad that I have pursued sustainability in my studies. I remember first entering college and feeling confused and surprised that so many people weren’t planning to study sustainability because I felt that climate change is the most important issue of our time. I still believe that but also see how climate change is an intersectional issue and connected to everything that people care about. I continue to take action for the planet because this is what I care about and it feels like the only way forward.
How have your thoughts or feelings about climate change changed over time?
My thoughts and feelings about climate change have definitely become more complicated over time, I think because I have learned about the many complexities of the issue. The climate crisis is referred to as a “wicked problem” for many reasons, one of which is that there is no single solution, and trying to solve one issue may create other problems. This means it is essential to address climate change from interdisciplinary, intersectional, and intergenerational lenses. This is difficult, for sure, and can only be possible with mass mobilization and massive change. I think I can only be hopeful if I see action happening around me, and I am always grateful when I do see it. Networking with professionals in the field who are working on diverse aspects of the issue has been inspiring, and I would like to see more from people who aren’t currently focused on sustainability.
