Debunking Environmental Myths
- For Change
- Jan 3, 2023
- 5 min read
by: Zaafia Alexander
As an environmentalist, activist or merely an individual that tries to get by, it is perfectly understandable as to why we’d adhere to environmental myths. Most of the time, they’re simple. Catchy, even. They give us a sense of comfort, which is what an array of us – especially youth activists – would seek for dire situations like experiencing the climate change crisis.
Today I’m here to falsify and address some of these myths through a radically positive climate change advocate’s perspective.
"It’s too late"
It goes without saying that we – as a so-called ‘advanced’ society – are severely behind with our approach. No sufficient usage of sustainable energy. ‘Green’ careers aren’t as popularised as they should be. Fossil fuels are still in usage extensively. Large companies are milking profits, disregarding peoples’ cries. Eco-friendly means are far more expensive/ inaccessible to those that want to support the cause, etc. Point is: it may feel as though we’re moving backwards. And, oh no – the impending doom of passing the biggest climate change benchmark of 1.5°C consensus is rapidly approaching! What shall we do?!
Relax, take a deep breath. There’s time, and while panicking may feel as though it’s our best course of action, it is most certainly not going to help.
Let’s look at the facts: our reality is that the catastrophic effects of climate change are now irreversible – no doubt about that. Sea levels rising, ice caps melting, temperatures rising, thereby leading to more storms, hurricanes, typhoons, etc. The list may go on. However, the fact of the matter is that it can worsen. We can lose our coral reefs because of the increase in temperatures, heat waves/ the heat will worsen tenfold – especially for vulnerable nations, ocean acidity increases by 17% and storms, hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons will become more frequent and disastrous.
Whilst it is understood why passing, or getting near the 1.5°C consensus is a major issue, it’s still undeniably better than reaching to 2-5°C consensus, because the effects are far more dire. In other words, it’s too early to attach to the idea that it’s “too late” when now, more than ever, action matters the most.
Clinging to the idea that it is ‘too late’ now that we are experiencing an ounce of the effects of climate change is irrational, counterproductive and senseless, because it not only downplays the work/ action of so many activists, but it also invalidates those that are already severely affected by the crisis – and will continue to suffer if we progressively pass more consensuses.
"My efforts won’t make a difference"
Now, now. I get it. I’m sure all activists would understand, too. Adopting a ‘radically positive’ mindset is often something that’s spoken about quite frequently, but no one addresses how difficult it is to actually achieve it, especially when we see an array of influencers/ well off individuals abusing their power by using it for unethical and unsustainable means.
Here’s an analogy to help you understand an individual’s impact: plastic bottles. For this example, I’ll be using someone named Steph. Like a lot of individuals, Steph doesn’t own a water cooler, so they buy five hundred millilitre (500ML) plastic bottle cases that are filled with water – one of these bottles accounting for zero point five litres (0.5L). If we consider all genders according to health experts, an individual requires – roughly – at least two litres (2L) per day – which is four (4) of the five hundred millilitre (500ML) plastic bottles. Each week, if we disregard how on some days Steph may require more than merely four bottles, they use twenty eight (28) plastic bottles per week.That is, one thousand four hundred and sixty (1’460) five hundred millilitre (500ML) plastic bottles per year. So, even if it may be two years, Steph would use two thousand nine hundred and twenty (2’ 920) five hundred millilitre (500ML) plastic bottles. Even if Steph attempted to recycle their plastic bottles, only less than ten percent (10%) is actually recycled; the rest end up in landfill as waste, or the ocean.
The main idea of the analogy is that a one-person-impact may seem like a stretch sometimes, but more often than not, it isn’t. If just five (5) more individuals are like Steph, that’d mean that seven thousand three hundred (7’ 300) plastic bottles are used – and this is solely an estimate – some days these individuals may consume more water, because of the heat.
So, to sum: investing in sustainable/ eco-friendly means does make a small difference, but that doesn’t mean that holding big companies accountable shouldn’t be our focal point, since they account for the majority of the global emissions. Additionally, seeing someone aim towards a more positive/ equitable/ sustainable future motivates others and encourages them to take a stand, too. Understanding that collective action is more impactful than individual action can go a long way.
"This won’t matter in (insert number of years here)“
Hopelessness is a very common occurrence. Lack of seriousness and awareness of the climate change crisis can, undoubtedly, put an individual in a negative/ pessimistic attitude, especially for a MAPA and SIDS since we reap the biggest brunt of climate change and there still isn’t significant climate change adaptation or mitigation.
Unfortunately, the gruesome reality is that the effects of climate change aren’t at its peak – and the current state, according to the most recent IPCC report, the effects are undeniably irreversible, however, it’ll worsen if there isn’t severe climate change mitigation – and adaptation for certain areas.
So, what now? Some may say that the efforts of activists/advocates should be ceased – that pressuring political leaders, diplomats and the government wouldn’t amount to anything. Some may also claim that educators/ informed youth taking a stand to spread awareness and educate younger and older generations – and people that are incapable of achieving the aforementioned education is null and void. Others who experience the effects of climate change would be dejected. It’d feel as though hope is lost, especially if their community/ village has been wiped off by mass flooding.
Many fail to grasp the concept that climate change isn’t only a SIDS or MAPA’s issue. It’s an everyone-issue-that-needs-urgent-action-or-we’ll-all-regret-it concept. Of course, some countries are more susceptible to the effects, but we all will inevitably experience the effects as the decades progress.Truth be told, to disregard the crisis, attempt to water it down or to act as though our current deeds will have no repercussions in the near future is simply naive because it downplays the sufferation many vulnerable countries have endure – and will endure and pushes on a grim reality for future generations to adhere to, as a result of us not taking action.
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