What does it take to become an environmental activist?
Before doing research for this blog post I never really thought about the importance of climate activists and what it really means to become one. Does it mean that your entire life is dedicated to the environment? For some it may be. However, MCE which is a website that talks about the environment and what we can do to support it, has a page about what it takes to become an environmental activist that might be more within the reach of the everyday person. They give a list of 4 things that people can do to start their journey into climate activism.
Educate Yourself
This is so important because it provides those of us who want to work in activism with a way to do it responsibly and with the proper research to back up our ideas. The article also mentions that this may give you focus on what part of climate change or environmentalism you might want to focus on.
Live Sustainably
How is one supposed to become an environmental activist if they are not working at improving their impact on the environment? This may come from reducing emissions, buying locally produced products, finding a renewable energy source, or supporting local businesses that use renewable energy. This is an important step in the journey to becoming an environmental activist because it gives the activist merit. No one wants to listen to someone’s ideas about how to improve the planet if that same person turns around and dumps oil into the nearest lake.
Participate in Collective Action
This step goes beyond the self and works to find an organization that you can begin to work with. Some ideas might include joining a local organization dedicated to helping the environment, posting on social media, or signing petitions. Do what you feel is right, but make your voice heard!
Engage in Climate Conversations
The final and possibly most important step in participating in climate conversations. Whether this is with your family or in your community it is important to have these conversations to gather more awareness and support for the movement. Perhaps you focus on shared experiences or amplify the voices of peers that are knowledgeable about climate issues.
This list was published in 2021, so it is a little outdated, but the ideas are the same and even more important today. This post got me inspired so I did some research on the different climate organizations around where I live. One such organization is the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, which focuses on providing a clean, equitable, and livable space for all people. There is even a page on their website that shows multiple organizations that are members of this group as well as a page talking about what previous political candidates have said about climate issues.
Another great resource in the Michigan Climate Action Network, which provides a list of multiple organizations across the state that are actively working to deal with the effects of climate change. This resource could be extremely helpful for those who want to take the 4 steps of an environmental activist to heart and find a group to help fight climate change.
I always see Climate Activism going on and never really thought of doing something like that and what it really takes, with this little step and the resources you provide it might help other people get involved.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing! I too see it as something hard to get into because I do not know enough, or I do not live sustainably enough but anything helps! You shared a lot of great tips on how to live better.
ReplyDeleteThese are all great ways to get involved with environmental activism, and I thought that the MCE source was great at sharing more specific ways to support our environment. I think this post will be resourceful and inspiring for those ready to begin participating in environmental activism.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be checking out the MCE and Michigan Climate Action Network websites. Being proactive in climate solutions give me hope and a positive outlook for humanity. I'm glad you touched on education as a solution, as it is more important than ever because of the falsities spread throughout the media today. I can think of a few political leaders that would benefit from visiting these web pages.
ReplyDeleteBecoming an environmental activist is accessible to everyone and involves educating oneself, living sustainably, participating in collective action, and engaging in climate conversations to raise awareness and support for environmental issues. Resources like the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition and the Michigan Climate Action Network can help individuals connect with local organizations and initiatives, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing the average person can do about climate change is to become a sort of educator for the public. Activism provides an excellent path to do that through community outreach and demonstrations.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that you shared the Michigan Climate Action Network because it is a very important resource for a number of reasons. As you already highlighted collective action is often the most impactful and is a louder voice than just one individual. Additionally, this network can also help connect individuals that are isolated from other activists, hopefully reducing individual climate anxiety.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, I never really think about my own climate anxiety, but for everyone (or at least those of us that care) it is a real and terrifying thing. We can all do research and keep ourselves informed so that we are able to make a difference.
DeleteIt is really helpful learning about local and regional activist opportunities. It is so easy to feel lost with the daunting threat of climate change and believe that our actions and voices have no sway. it is helpful to learn tools about how to foster our anger in a meaningful way, rather that being forever paralyzed.
ReplyDeleteI like how the first point made is to educate yourself it shows that you should think for yourself and truly see why this is a problem that needs to be addressed and solved
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to hear about local organizations like the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition and the Michigan Climate Action Network. These groups offer valuable resources and opportunities for those looking to get involved in climate activism at a local level.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how the steps and ways to be a climate activist are broken down. It can be overwhelming to try to approach it without knowing wear to start and by including things like self-education on the topic in the list for becoming a climate activist, I feel like it makes it a lot more accessible to more populations of people.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I think many people care about the environment and want to make the Earth a happier place but don't know how. I loved the steps and the encouragement for climate activism.
ReplyDeleteBeing educated on the climate crisis is the very basis of what the vast public should do. With enough people educated on these destructive causes and what is in store for the future, that will give a large enough platform for dedicated activists to make significant change.
ReplyDeleteI share the other commenters enthusiasm for your post. Given the easy steps you identify I'd like to think everyone in this class is becoming a climate activist... Seems to me that if you are a citizen in a democracy then activism is part of your and everyone's responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate your post, as someone with climate anxiety and a real dread for what the future holds. Being able to enact meaningful change and action is vital for our mental health and hope. It really seems bleak out there for those of us aware of the problems, but there is hope yet, and we have to cling to it. Very nice post, might well have to take it to heart. :)
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