Guilt

I feel bad for having made this choice.

Feelings of guilt tell of our sense of responsibility, but they are not always at scale with our position. It is important both to carry one’s responsibility and to avoid being paralyzed by guilt. Our choices are circumscribed by unjust structures.

Question: How can I behave more responsibly given my power and position in
the world without losing too much energy to my feelings of guilt?

Action

Let guilt point somewhere useful

If guilt is telling you that you care, use it as information instead of punishment. Pick one realistic change, support a climate solution, volunteer, talk to someone, or learn how bigger systems shape the choices available to you.

Why climate guilt happens

We often hear that personal choices are responsible for climate change, which can make everyday decisions feel loaded. Individual choices matter, but climate change is also driven by large systems, policies, and industries.

Learn

You do not carry this alone

Many young people have felt guilty for not doing enough. Over time, some have learned to balance personal responsibility with a bigger understanding of systemic change. Their experiences can help put your own choices in perspective.

Stories

Guilt

Let guilt point somewhere useful

Why climate guilt happens

You do not carry this alone

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