Keeping sane within climate activism

A thank-you letter to IYNF. Nature Friends organization making an impact.

For a very long time I've been struggling with just that. Trying to stay sane within my climate-consious behavior. To keep peace. While still acknowledging that what scientists have warned us about for decades, becomes less of a problem of the future. But more of a current experience due to our lack of action.

Not just because of our individual inaction. But also, if not mostly, those of big companies, the real polluters. Those that are trying to shift the blame towards you and me. The individual. And position so very successfully.
For the majority of my life, I have been taught that climate change is something we can fix. Us as individuals. And not just something we can, but also have to do our own. The result of decades of lobbying from big companies, and even governments.

Because one might do everything in their power to bring their carbon footprint, a term coined by big oil, to zero. It is, as rightfully said by a lot of individuals, "not in my power".

And if understanding that personal behavior doesn't directly make any impact. And we combine that with the fact that those that actually make one, are doing all they can to shift the blame. You have just gotten yourself the perfect feeding ground for insanity among the climate conscious.

This breading ground quickly turns into a sea of despair. One of worry, anxiety, depression and the maybe not so metaphorical, tears, that feed this rising sea. How then can one try to stay sane within these waters of insanity? How then, can one stay dry?

Staying dry in an ocean of terror

I think for me, I've found the answer. During the last project at IYNF (International Young NatureFriends), to which this article has been named, one of the instructors mentioned something that stayed with me ever since.

Tadzio, a german coal activist that has been in the game for decades, and instructor of the course, admits to having lost his sanity more than once. But it's through these downfalls, that you have to "create these islands of hope".

Because in a world of despair, or within this sea of treats, there are ways to stay dry. And it's by building these islands that one might do so.

Islands that can be created in numerous ways. And if not looked out for, can be flooded in even more. But it's by creating and maintaining these islands that one can stay dry. It's how we navigate this sea of insanity, without getting drowned in it.

The people, my island of hope

For me, the biggest island I have is my Island of people. A collective of beautiful souls that share my values, beliefs, tears and laughter. People that care and are trying to navigate within their own sea. But are here to help me find ways within mine. Each in their own way.

Cus it's true. Individuals don't destroy or save a planet. Big organizations, governments and collectives do. And it's only from the inside of one, that you will be able to understand what it means to stay dry.

Because one might imagine what this feels, as I have tried many times before. But to truly understand, you have to experience it. And experience can only come from an active involvement in the matter.

How you can find your island

Whatever you might be dealing with, there are thousands of others just like you. It's by creating these islands that one can indulge sanity into their lives. Matter then, is not to let those islands drift away on their own. But let them be part of your personal archipelago (a large group of islands).

For me, it all starts with active involvement. Take a look at your problem and find groups, organizations and collectives solving the issue. Follow their socials, participate in their events. Stay sane together and make an impact together. This is how I found my islands, and how I'll maintain them.

Useful resources

Can YOU fix climate change, by Kurzgesagt. Spoiler alert, NO*

Find your own national NatureFriends member organizations with the help of this useful tool

Read a summary of the exchange week where I got to find my island of hope