Lucas — Bend, OR

What inspired you to take action for the planet?

I think learning about solutions inspired me more than learning about all the problems. Once I saw examples of people restoring ecosystems, using cleaner energy, and making their communities better, I realized climate action doesn’t always have to come from fear.

What gives you hope or keeps you going when climate work feels hard?

Young people give me a lot of hope. There are so many people my age starting clubs, volunteering, educating other people, and coming up with new ideas. It makes me feel like there are a lot of us who care.

How do you talk to your family or friends about climate change?

I try to talk about things we can actually do instead of only focusing on everything going wrong. Sometimes my friends and I share events or ideas with each other, or even just send each other positive climate stories.

How have your thoughts or feelings about climate change changed over time?

I used to feel more overwhelmed because climate change seemed like this huge problem with no clear solution. Now I still know it’s serious, but I also know there are people working on solutions every day. That makes me feel more hopeful.

What would you tell your younger self—or someone just starting to learn about the climate crisis?

I would tell them not to think they have to save the planet by themselves. Find something you care about, do what you can, and connect with other people. You can care about climate change and still feel hopeful about the future.

 

Keep Reading

The ocean is so big and so vast that I both greatly fear and admire it. It is strong and commanding in a way that could easily overpower me. But, it can also be calm and provides so much life. Being at the beach puts into perspective how small we truly are in the world and makes my own problems seem silly.
Powerlessness
Katelyn — Delran, NJ
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.
Inspiration
Alison — Woodbridge, CT
That “wake-up moment” at the Fridays for Future protest changed the course of my life, infusing its major decisions with the perspective that we must preserve our Earth for future generations and take action now to both mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Interest
Emily — Durham, CA

The Weather Within is not a crisis service, but support is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

If you need immediate emotional support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME or HOLA to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line. Support is available 24/7.

Help us make The Weather Within better.

Have 1–2 minutes? Share your thoughts in a quick 10-question survey. Your feedback will help us improve the site for young people like you, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a gift card.