How could you help her?
We did a kind of reality check. At the age of 15 she only knew the government under Angela Merkel and does not know how long it takes politics to change something. On the other hand, I have been active in the climate movement for a good twelve years and have experienced how much awareness has changed in recent years. This is reflected in the fact that we hardly speak of climate change anymore, but rather of a climate crisis. Our conversation wasn’t just about reflecting on what has already been achieved. It was also about what expectations she has of herself and whether these are realistic. At this point, I would like the media to report differently.
“Solutions create options for action and can help to deal with feelings such as fear or frustration”
What do you mean?
The information we receive about the climate crisis is mostly negative. Instead of always trying to focus on the problem and reporting on how bad the crisis is, I would find it helpful to show more possible solutions. Because solutions create options for action and can help to deal with feelings such as fear or frustration. If, on the other hand, I only read how bad everything is, it can create a feeling of powerlessness. It was not for nothing that the World Health Organization (WHO) advised people to limit their media consumption during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. I therefore find terms such as climate fear and climate frustration critical.
Why?
You sound like people who suffer from these feelings have an individual adjustment problem – as if they are just too sensitive. As a result, the climate crisis becomes a problem for the individual, and this is a collective task for humanity. It is of course good if we change our behavior and try to cause as few emissions as possible. A CO2-Neutral life is currently not possible in Germany. Anyone who tries to do this always falls short of their own expectations – and yes, that is frustrating.
How do you yourself, who is so intensely concerned with the climate crisis, deal with the feelings that arise from it?
First of all, I accept that these feelings are there and give them space when the situation permits. It is important to me, however, not to stop at feeling, but to act according to the needs that you point out to me. In concrete terms, for example, I go on climate strikes, give feedback on climate projects from a psychological point of view – so I try to work on potential solutions and also celebrate progress. Sometimes I let the crisis be a crisis and allow myself a break, that’s important.