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I had conflicting emotions about the report. The findings didn’t feel like new information, but this time (maybe because of the tone they used) the problem felt more pressing. They framed the report as “code red for humanity” which could make us believe that it’s all over already and lead us to inaction.

At the same time, I think the change in tone was very much needed. We should use the findings as an opportunity to learn and act fast. We can’t afford to wait 30 years to reach net zero.

What helps me feel optimistic about the future is seeing change, and I look for that change on a local scale. I believe that small actions, compounded over time, can have a large impact.

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Aug 24, 2021Liked by Cass Hebron, Alexandra

I’m feeling anxious about the path we’re on. I feel like we’re running out of time, and we’re in a race to save the world, and that I need to do more personally.

But I also try to remind myself that it’s a marathon and it’s not all on me. I cope with climate anxiety, by trying to do what I can and remembering that many are fighting at all levels. I also try to spend time in nature and with loved ones. I’m also going to start talking with others about my climate anxiety and eco grief and start leading with feelings and emotions.

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Aug 25, 2021Liked by Cass Hebron

Personally I'm livid. I feel like we're living in a literal apocalypse scenario. Fires, floods and a global pandemic. It's biblical in tone and scale. Though the gear-change in the tone of this recent IPCC report is welcome, I don't believe that what is lacking is evidence of the severity of the problem- we've well passed the threshold to demand action.

I can't help but highlight a comparison with the world-wide Covid-19 response. Industry, education, commerce were all shut down overnight to great social and economic cost - a response that would be considered totally irrational in response to climate change, it really highlights how structures of government can be so efficient at crisis management when they need to be, and that climate change is simply not considered to be "crisis" enough. Of course, the pandemic has shown how crisis response can significantly worsen inequalities and there is lots of discussion about how sustainable development and tackling climate change needs to be a feminist/inclusive/empowering/enriching endeavour with an emphasis on climate justice for the Global South, that's all tied up in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. I don't believe we need to suffer to deal with climate change, but I think the pandemic just illustrates that the issue of action lies with political will not necessity.

I'm completely disillusioned and don't think that current political structures are fit to deal with the massive task of energy transition which lies before us.

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Aug 24, 2021Liked by Cass Hebron

Sometimes it feels like this is just a movie and we're at the part where things look very grim and there's no hope. But then something amazing happens and it turns around. I still feel that's possible. Just in the past five years or so there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of people becoming involved and taking climate actions. I'm still hopeful there will be enough of us and humanity will survive. I know things will probably not look the same in 20 years even in the best case scenario. I'm afraid of what we'll be living through but that's also the energy I use to keep pushing!

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I saw this today: https://www.npr.org/2021/08/14/1027370891/climate-change-solutions-global-warming-computer-models-paris

It's reassuring to know that really bright people are looking for actual solutions and plans, even while others are continuing to dither or deny.

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