The unstoppable power of collective climate action

Ever wonder what one person can do to help the climate? We get it — the problem is big, and our actions can feel small.

But our actions add up, and add up fast. Think about how much has shifted in just the past two years. In 2018, Greta Thunberg started her world-changing school strikes, sparking a movement that spread across the globe, inspiring millions to join in. Since then, cities have invested in green infrastructure, financial institutions have divested from fossil fuels, and over 60 countries have pledged to go net zero by 2050.

Those changes didn’t happen just because of one person. They happened because millions of people voted, protested, called their representatives, and organized. We’ve achieved a lot, but there’s still a long way to go. Now’s the time to make our voices even louder.

Here are three ways you can amplify your own voice, inspire others, and help push the climate movement forward.

1. Get Social

For decades, we’ve all been too silent about climate change. Recent studies show that 60% of Americans are alarmed or concerned about the climate, but only 24% hear people talking about global warming once a month or more.

If we want to create an undeniable, massive wave of support for climate action, then this has got to change. The good news is, we all have the power to kick off a climate conversation, whenever we want. That’s how we normalize climate concern and spark a movement.

Ready to get started? Here are some tips for effective climate conversations.

Climate Conversation Checklist

• Start with how you feel: You might be surprised that others share your feelings of anger, sadness, or worry about the climate. Build common ground first.

• Keep shame out of it: Not everyone can live vegan, buy an electric vehicle, or become a full time activist. That’s ok — we all have something to contribute and every action matters.

• Share tips and resources: After decades of disinformation from the fossil fuel industry, many people may be confused about how to take effective action. Share what actions you’re taking (you can even share this article as a starting point).

2. Get Political

The number one thing you can do for the climate? Vote. Vote local, vote national, and in every election. If we’re going to have a chance, we must elect politicians who will prioritize our future and fight for the climate.

In between elections, we can get organized, to make sure we’re holding our leaders accountable and keeping our eyes on the goal — decarbonization as quickly as possible.

Ready to get started? Dive in:

Political Climate Action Checklist

• If it’s required in your country, make sure you’re registered to vote. (US friends can check here!)

• Don’t skip local elections and down-ballot races — that’s where laws are interpreted, and your vote can help change how they’re enforced on the ground.

• Make a plan to vote, whether in person or by mail.

• Make sure your friends and family vote, too.

• In between elections, get organized. This movement’s most powerful tool the past two years was taking it to the streets. If there’s a climate strike near you, join if you can and add your voice to the multitude.

• Volunteer with your local chapter of Fridays for Future, the Sunrise Movement, or other climate advocacy groups and lead the charge.

• No chapter near you? Start one. You’ll be surprised how many people want to join in.

• And don’t forget to reach out to your elected officials. If you’re in the US, you can find your representative here.

3. Get Informed

Climate misinformation is big business, and unless you’ve spent your life studying the science, it can be hard to parse fact from fiction.

Luckily, there are incredible climate journalists and scientists who spend every day combing through data and sharing the latest with their readers. We’ve put together a short list of our favorite recommended resources below.

Climate Resources Checklist

• Emily Atkin is a climate journalist who writes Heated, an informative (and fiery) climate newsletter. Subscribe for deep analysis and accountability reporting.

• How to Save a Planet is an excellent new podcast out of Gimlet Studios, hosted by Dr. Ayana Johnson and journalist Alex Blumberg. A real must-listen for climate and podcast nerds.

• The Guardian not only has tremendous climate reporting, but has also led the charge to intensify climate language, shifting from climate change to climate crisis, for example. Dive into their new climate data dashboard.

• Hot Take with Mary Annaïse Heglar and Amy Westervelt, two climate journalists who produce a newsletter and podcast with an intersectional take.

At the end of the day, solving a problem this big and complex requires that we all change our ways, from the way we eat, to commute, to shop. Politicians and governments can make these changes easier for us, but it does take action from all of us. And in the meantime, we can start by reducing our own footprints and offsetting the rest.

For more on how to shrink your own carbon footprint, check out our simple guide.

Are you ready to help us turn carbon neutrality into a mass movement? Then simply download Klima from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and share your commitment for the climate today.