Unpopular opinion: I’m not into hope — it feels flimsy as motivation for climate action. I wrote about this in my new book What If We Get It Right?, and I’m excited to share this excerpt here, with you. What’s your relationship with hope?
I found your essay freeing. Reality is, I don’t feel that hopeful, but I do like trying to improve on the situation. I have kids…the world, the planet, however tragic is amazing. I appreciate joyful people, especially if not in denial…
Over 15 years ago I came face to face with the moment of deepest fear and subsequent positive release in my life, and I felt like that was the closest I'll ever come to understanding hope for humanity and on an individual basis. I was dealing with repeated episodes of optic neuritis, a precursor to multiple sclerosis. I was a hugely active bicyclist and love to be outdoors walking and seeing my surroundings, so the thought of losing my mobility and possibly my sight deeply terrified me.
The neurologist I saw in Pittsburgh, after sitting in his waiting room, talking to a local woman with MS who had lost her sight but "was fine" took me into his office, and even in my state, I clung to humor as I noticed how much he resembled the crazy doctor/scientist trope, a la Dr. Frankenstein. Sitting in front of his desk, miserable about the probable future about to be confirmed, I was stunned and absolutely felt my spirit expand, in a "hope is the thing with feathers" way, when he told me, no, I just had repeat occurrences of ONE sclerosis, so I did not have multiple sclerosis. But, he claimed gleefully, I might have something even worse that he could test me for! I opted out of that....
I ended a relationship many, many years ago, on the basis of the post-doc I was dating, who was otherwise splendid, telling me he didn't see hope for humanity. Hope may feel flimsy, but hope that compels action and keeps us from giving up is essential!
I approach hope from the opposite direction: despair; hopelessness. I have been there, and it tugs at me every time I read another piece of research saying "here is the tipping point we have likely raced past." EnviroDespair is real.
So. The alternative to sinking into the EnviroDespair pit is taking some action--any kind of action--that attempts to move the needle the other way. Even a tiny bit. And it helps greatly to work with others in the action, because there are many others who feel the same way and who are waiting to take some action, even if it is just a tiny one.
When you are acting in a way that promotes your goal you feel... hopeful. It may turn out to be a false hope given the size of the challenge facing us, but taking some action and feeling hopeful is a better alternative to being frozen in EnviroDespair.
Funnily enough all I see is hope. Perhaps the word grates your nerves, and I get it when it comes to the pining for better days without doing anything (dreams vs goals). Hope is what science often clings to, there is no guarantee it will work. But it will never work until you do it, make a few mistakes, throw in some adjustments and do it again. Hope does need strategy and experimentation and grit!!!
Too often "hope" sounds like "Everything will turn out ok," or "I can keep living like I always have." Nope, that's not going to happen.
I do believe that we still live amid wonder and beauty. I believe that Earth has agency and capacity beyond our knowing, that there are possibilities we can't anticipate. So we each need to give our all, offering our gifts and passion toward a future beyond our lifetime. If we want to call that way of being "hope," then I can get onboard. (Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos)
Yup, hope is like the wind, you can't count on it. It's like Greta said - hope is the reward. Hope is what you give yourself and others, after you take action!
I’m not giving up on the word optimism (though it can be hard to maintain). I’ve been using the term “EcoOptimism” for a while to refer to a path where, by recognizing the win-win(-win) co-benefits of the environmental actions we need to take, they become actions we want to take. Too often, there is the assumption that ‘going green’ entails sacrifice, which makes it a hard sell. If we see the bigger picture – one that results in an economy that reflects what is truly important (the ‘eco’ of EcoOptimism is for ecology and economy) versus one that rewards savaging the planet, and that brings quality of life improvements that allow humans (all humans!) to flourish – it becomes harder to portray environmentalism negatively. And that creates desire, which is more powerful than hope.
Hell yes to all of this. So good to have you here, Dr Johnson!
I wrote something here in May about this born from frustration at the "optimist Vs doomed" debate ...
We can argue about whether stubborn optimism is going save the day or just makes things worse, or whether, like the world’s climate scientists, we should all be in despair if we like. These arguments might one day be seen as the distraction of priveleged people who haven’t yet seen their home burn to the ground or disappear under the sea for good. If the worst is already happening, as it is for so many, then perhaps all that’s left is the effort to fight for a different future regardless of any sense of whether that future is possible, whether it looks like a new and improved version or the past or a revolution that reconnects us with deep time ways of being on the planet. [...] It’s not about being right, it’s not about wrestling victory from the jaws of defeat, and it’s definitely not about being an optimist or a doomer. It’s about building resilience to deal with what is, and changing for the better what can be changed, in a direction of greater equity and mutual understanding.
Yes! Thank you for sharing. I think a lot of my personal definition stems from your work and All We Can Save. Personally, I like the word “hope” when it is used in an active way. Hope can be super powerful when it is our driving force towards action. We can move forward and make change when we are driven by the future we hope to co-create. I agree with you that the complacent, “I hope things get better” or “I hope someone comes up with a solution” hits a nerve for me. I do encourage my students to explore what hope looks like for them we a more active undertone. A hope that WE can do better, for ourselves, each other, and the planet. For me, this sense of hope stems from knowing there are pockets of people around the world living differently, doing better, creating new ways… or taking a step back into old ways. However, I think a big part of creating an active hope for a future on earth is creating space to grieve. Society, earth, human behavior, etc… When we lose our sense of hope, when we feel hopeless, when we feel apathy is exactly when we need to grieve.
"Find the helpers", as Mr. Rogers said. And yes to needing to greive, the "climate goodbye" as I call it. (More on that in my interview with Colette Pichon Battle in the book...)
Anaya, I'm happy to have found your Substack! This resonates strongly with me. It actually reminds me of another Substack I have subscribed to for over a year - Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles - although his is political rather than climate oriented (but of course, climate is politics). Simon talks about hope (and optimism) with a plan. Yes, give me hope, I need that, but give me community and collaboration and action items to go with it. I'm in!
"It took me far too long to realize that what people were really asking was “Can you please give me hope? I need some."
THIS! As someone who starts & leads a lot of conversations around climate in my local community, I get you completely! It becomes exhausting but I am now collecting a list of handles & channels to direct the community to, so they can learn directly about solutions & not latch on to things like hope, pretending that someone will eventually save us. I know I sound harsh, perhaps. But this is the solution I have come up with. Reading your post made me..hopeful? lol.
I love this! Great perspective. And I really appreciate Rebecca Solnit here. Greta Thunberg says hope comes in action together. Looking forward to your book
Obama ruined the word hope for me. He lacked a muscular hope as he followed so many of Bush's neoliberal policies. Hope can be escapism. Being present in reality and doing all you can to improve that reality no matter how grim reality is, is the only sane way forward.
Yessss! Thank you so much for articulating something I’ve struggled to name. I see my values and convictions as drivers, but hope isn’t it for me. When I fall prey to the hope machine is actually when I experience burnout! Oooh there’s so much here I want to explore and think about as it relates to my leadership on climate justice. Thank you!!
Unpopular opinion: I’m not into hope — it feels flimsy as motivation for climate action. I wrote about this in my new book What If We Get It Right?, and I’m excited to share this excerpt here, with you. What’s your relationship with hope?
I found your essay freeing. Reality is, I don’t feel that hopeful, but I do like trying to improve on the situation. I have kids…the world, the planet, however tragic is amazing. I appreciate joyful people, especially if not in denial…
Over 15 years ago I came face to face with the moment of deepest fear and subsequent positive release in my life, and I felt like that was the closest I'll ever come to understanding hope for humanity and on an individual basis. I was dealing with repeated episodes of optic neuritis, a precursor to multiple sclerosis. I was a hugely active bicyclist and love to be outdoors walking and seeing my surroundings, so the thought of losing my mobility and possibly my sight deeply terrified me.
The neurologist I saw in Pittsburgh, after sitting in his waiting room, talking to a local woman with MS who had lost her sight but "was fine" took me into his office, and even in my state, I clung to humor as I noticed how much he resembled the crazy doctor/scientist trope, a la Dr. Frankenstein. Sitting in front of his desk, miserable about the probable future about to be confirmed, I was stunned and absolutely felt my spirit expand, in a "hope is the thing with feathers" way, when he told me, no, I just had repeat occurrences of ONE sclerosis, so I did not have multiple sclerosis. But, he claimed gleefully, I might have something even worse that he could test me for! I opted out of that....
I ended a relationship many, many years ago, on the basis of the post-doc I was dating, who was otherwise splendid, telling me he didn't see hope for humanity. Hope may feel flimsy, but hope that compels action and keeps us from giving up is essential!
I approach hope from the opposite direction: despair; hopelessness. I have been there, and it tugs at me every time I read another piece of research saying "here is the tipping point we have likely raced past." EnviroDespair is real.
So. The alternative to sinking into the EnviroDespair pit is taking some action--any kind of action--that attempts to move the needle the other way. Even a tiny bit. And it helps greatly to work with others in the action, because there are many others who feel the same way and who are waiting to take some action, even if it is just a tiny one.
When you are acting in a way that promotes your goal you feel... hopeful. It may turn out to be a false hope given the size of the challenge facing us, but taking some action and feeling hopeful is a better alternative to being frozen in EnviroDespair.
So relatable
Funnily enough all I see is hope. Perhaps the word grates your nerves, and I get it when it comes to the pining for better days without doing anything (dreams vs goals). Hope is what science often clings to, there is no guarantee it will work. But it will never work until you do it, make a few mistakes, throw in some adjustments and do it again. Hope does need strategy and experimentation and grit!!!
Thanks for your writing.
Too often "hope" sounds like "Everything will turn out ok," or "I can keep living like I always have." Nope, that's not going to happen.
I do believe that we still live amid wonder and beauty. I believe that Earth has agency and capacity beyond our knowing, that there are possibilities we can't anticipate. So we each need to give our all, offering our gifts and passion toward a future beyond our lifetime. If we want to call that way of being "hope," then I can get onboard. (Earth & Soul: Reconnecting amid Climate Chaos)
Big ditto to that "nope"!
Yup, hope is like the wind, you can't count on it. It's like Greta said - hope is the reward. Hope is what you give yourself and others, after you take action!
Oooh, that's a good one 🌬️
Yes! Hope is the outcome not the motivation. Love is the motivation.
I’m not giving up on the word optimism (though it can be hard to maintain). I’ve been using the term “EcoOptimism” for a while to refer to a path where, by recognizing the win-win(-win) co-benefits of the environmental actions we need to take, they become actions we want to take. Too often, there is the assumption that ‘going green’ entails sacrifice, which makes it a hard sell. If we see the bigger picture – one that results in an economy that reflects what is truly important (the ‘eco’ of EcoOptimism is for ecology and economy) versus one that rewards savaging the planet, and that brings quality of life improvements that allow humans (all humans!) to flourish – it becomes harder to portray environmentalism negatively. And that creates desire, which is more powerful than hope.
Yes to the power of desire!
Hell yes to all of this. So good to have you here, Dr Johnson!
I wrote something here in May about this born from frustration at the "optimist Vs doomed" debate ...
We can argue about whether stubborn optimism is going save the day or just makes things worse, or whether, like the world’s climate scientists, we should all be in despair if we like. These arguments might one day be seen as the distraction of priveleged people who haven’t yet seen their home burn to the ground or disappear under the sea for good. If the worst is already happening, as it is for so many, then perhaps all that’s left is the effort to fight for a different future regardless of any sense of whether that future is possible, whether it looks like a new and improved version or the past or a revolution that reconnects us with deep time ways of being on the planet. [...] It’s not about being right, it’s not about wrestling victory from the jaws of defeat, and it’s definitely not about being an optimist or a doomer. It’s about building resilience to deal with what is, and changing for the better what can be changed, in a direction of greater equity and mutual understanding.
Oh yes, I am with you.
Yes! Thank you for sharing. I think a lot of my personal definition stems from your work and All We Can Save. Personally, I like the word “hope” when it is used in an active way. Hope can be super powerful when it is our driving force towards action. We can move forward and make change when we are driven by the future we hope to co-create. I agree with you that the complacent, “I hope things get better” or “I hope someone comes up with a solution” hits a nerve for me. I do encourage my students to explore what hope looks like for them we a more active undertone. A hope that WE can do better, for ourselves, each other, and the planet. For me, this sense of hope stems from knowing there are pockets of people around the world living differently, doing better, creating new ways… or taking a step back into old ways. However, I think a big part of creating an active hope for a future on earth is creating space to grieve. Society, earth, human behavior, etc… When we lose our sense of hope, when we feel hopeless, when we feel apathy is exactly when we need to grieve.
"Find the helpers", as Mr. Rogers said. And yes to needing to greive, the "climate goodbye" as I call it. (More on that in my interview with Colette Pichon Battle in the book...)
Anaya, I'm happy to have found your Substack! This resonates strongly with me. It actually reminds me of another Substack I have subscribed to for over a year - Simon Rosenberg's Hopium Chronicles - although his is political rather than climate oriented (but of course, climate is politics). Simon talks about hope (and optimism) with a plan. Yes, give me hope, I need that, but give me community and collaboration and action items to go with it. I'm in!
All of the above – that works!
So good. We're so lucky to have you here on Substack!
May we, together, move from hope to conviction to powerful action.
"It took me far too long to realize that what people were really asking was “Can you please give me hope? I need some."
THIS! As someone who starts & leads a lot of conversations around climate in my local community, I get you completely! It becomes exhausting but I am now collecting a list of handles & channels to direct the community to, so they can learn directly about solutions & not latch on to things like hope, pretending that someone will eventually save us. I know I sound harsh, perhaps. But this is the solution I have come up with. Reading your post made me..hopeful? lol.
Fantastic! Would love to see those links and handles.
I love this! Great perspective. And I really appreciate Rebecca Solnit here. Greta Thunberg says hope comes in action together. Looking forward to your book
Obama ruined the word hope for me. He lacked a muscular hope as he followed so many of Bush's neoliberal policies. Hope can be escapism. Being present in reality and doing all you can to improve that reality no matter how grim reality is, is the only sane way forward.
Yessss! Thank you so much for articulating something I’ve struggled to name. I see my values and convictions as drivers, but hope isn’t it for me. When I fall prey to the hope machine is actually when I experience burnout! Oooh there’s so much here I want to explore and think about as it relates to my leadership on climate justice. Thank you!!
"The hope machine." I feel you!
"There's some good in the world, Mr.Frodo, and it's worth fighting for."