Navigating Hope and Despair in the Climate Sector

Working in international climate policy often means swinging between hope and despair as we face the daunting task of combating climate change. I recently came across a Guardian article that interviewed 380 climate experts and it confirmed one thing: I’m not alone in this emotional tug-of-war.?

The article inspired me to reflect on and write about my own experiences: my breaking point at COP28, the barriers to climate change progress and the pervasive climate anxiety within our sector. As politics continues to shape progress in climate, health and beyond - finding and nurturing hope remains essential. But how?

My Breaking Point at COP28

My personal breaking point came at COP28. Critical negotiations, long hours, and intense pressure marked the conference. Each session was a relentless back and forth—some countries agreed, others fiercely opposed. The exhaustion was real. Progress was painfully slow - a stark reminder of the slow pace of progress in international climate policy. By the end, I wasn't just tired; I was emotionally drained. The limited outcomes and lack of immediate impact were deeply disheartening. It made me question the value of my daily efforts. It was a sobering experience that forced me to confront the barriers to climate change progress and the pervasive sense of climate anxiety within our sector.

Why Do We Become Disillusioned?

Multiple daunting barriers impede progress on climate change. At a high level, we face significant threats to democracy and freedom to protest. In many countries political unrest and shifting priorities hinder consistent action. At COP28, endless debates and differing agendas among nations stalled progress. The main issue? Whether to "phase out" or "phase down" fossil fuels. This wording debate reflects the broader problem of differing national priorities. Countries reliant on fossil fuels, like those in the Middle East, slow progress for nations pushing for quicker action. COP28's call for "transitioning away from fossil fuels" fell short of expectations. However, the phase-out is inevitable—the pressing question is when.

The Overwhelming Sense of Powerlessness

On an individual level, the sense of powerlessness is overwhelming. Climate professionals often struggle with climate anxiety, feeling their efforts aren't yielding results. Slow policy implementation and gaps between science and politics add to the disillusionment. This isn't just my experience; a Guardian article shows it's widespread among experts. We need fast, clear action, but policy moves too slowly. The rapidly changing climate crisis demands quicker, more responsive measures. Many of us feel hopeless due to the slow and frustrating progress.

The Role of Politics in Climate Action

Politics greatly shapes climate change progress. It can speed up or slow down action, depending on who's in power. This dynamic is not only seen in climate policy but across other issues, like abortion policies in France and Alabama. France advances reproductive rights, while Alabama prioritises life from conception, showing politics' profound impact on progress and ethics.

In climate policy, similar conflicts arise. National interests, economics, and politics clash, leading to slow and uneven progress and a fragmented approach to climate action. Understanding these political dynamics is crucial to navigate challenges and drive change despite obstacles.

Rebecca Solnit argues that despair is a luxury we can't afford, especially for those directly affected by climate change. Maintaining hope is crucial for motivating action and sustaining the climate movement. Solnit uses history to show that significant changes are possible, even in tough times. This perspective urges us to resist defeatism, which leads to inaction and undermines efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

Embracing Performative Hope

How can we restore hope amid these challenges? One way is to embrace performative hope— this may seem superficial but acting hopeful can inspire others and create a positive feedback loop. There is a need to show hope in words, actions, and art to build resilience and possibility. Hope can be a powerful tool for keeping morale and momentum in the climate movement. Staying hopeful and finding joy in climate work is tough but rewarding. A multi-disciplinary approach is key, much like in the FemTech space, which thrives on collaboration across politics, academia, industry, and charity sectors. These partnerships create holistic solutions and build resilience, leveraging each sector's unique strengths.

Celebrating Small Victories

Restoring hope means celebrating small victories and incremental progress. Recognising the impact of our work, even if it seems small, helps sustain our commitment and energy. A supportive community of like-minded professionals provides the encouragement and resilience needed to keep fighting for a sustainable future.?

Advocating for Cautious Optimism

Environmental scientist Hannah Ritchie advocates for "cautious optimism" over climate anxiety. She highlights significant progress in technology, especially renewable energy, and stresses using data to understand environmental problems and solutions. Positive trends, like advancements in clean energy and the decline in extreme poverty, show that progress is possible.

Staying Steadfast in the Face of Challenges

Global climate policy faces many challenges and slow progress, but we must nurture hope and stay steadfast. We can embrace hope by celebrating small wins and building a supportive community. Just as FemTech thrives on collaboration, a multi-disciplinary approach in climate action can create strong solutions. By staying informed, connected, and optimistic, we can overcome the barriers and continue to drive meaningful change. The journey is tough, but through collaboration and collective hope, we will achieve a sustainable future.