Starting to panic about climate change

[DorothyL]

I keep reading how climate change is getting really bad and how we're reaching the tipping point/point of no return. It keeps me awake at night and makes me feel so anxious and worried for my children. I struggle to feel happy because I keep thinking that we're literally facing the apocalypse. How can I deal with this?

Ugh is still unwritten Fuck Off autocorrect

Last link, I promise!

www.beforetheflood.com/explore/the-solutions/adapting-to-a-warming-world/

Interesting links, Klingy, I read them all. I do think there is a lot of underreported action going on in the developing world. After all, they're the ones who will (and are) be impacted first.

I don't think Trump will be able to do a lot to halt the Paris Agreement. A) he's all hot air (excuse the pun) and b) there is so much being done at a local level in the US, many states have their own carbon targets to achieve. Also, big business is largely behind going carbon neutral (due to offsetting future costs/mitigating future damage) so Trump is going to find it difficult to just sack it off altogether.

The news about climate change is starting to get through to people, just starting. As the effects of CC become more evident, more people will take on board what is starting to happen. It is surely inevitable that there will be an ever larger number of people who have mental health issues due to this. To the extent that the NHS (for so long as it survives) will cease to treat them - also resources will be needed for flood defences, etc.

FFS madness. Aren't there things that need doing on the preppers board?

OP why don't you hide this thread and try another one?

This really is comedy now

A: "I'm terrified of the future"

B: "You're right, we're fucked!"
C: " yes things are bad but see a gp to feel better"
B: "no point! We're fucked, no money to help you!"

Catastrophising. It's a psychological thing.

Most helpful book I read was on how to bring up optimistic kids by Seligman. The process helped challenge my own pessimism

I do have a collection of tinned food too!

Saw this on a thread in Chat - some positive news, including environment-related, from 2016: 99 Reasons Why 2016 Was a Good Year

What irritates me, is the people who are most certain they know for sure what the outcome is are the most pessimistic.

It's all over sites like Reddit too. I see so many comments on there, similar to, but sometimes worse, as wetcardboard's prediction that we WILL reduce the planet to a desert and this will be within 100-150 years... oh no sorry it's not just a prediction is it? It's categorical fact apparently (capital letters and all). I can't actually find any decent evidence online to support that prediction, and the Reddit comments are usually speculation based too - a lot of the people saying we have a decent chance of rescuing emissions and developing technology to protect communities are the only people who link to any evidence on there or (say they have) an environmental science background. Even if I could find evidence to suggest that outcome, I wouldn't go around stating it as fact.

This thread is a bit like aomeone saying they have cancer and then being told, in no uncertain terms, by a lay person, that they will die next week and it will be excruciatingly painful.

Likewise with madness, "it is surely inevitable". I'm not saying either of you have no reason to predict these outcomes, I'm just interested to note that the people with the most negative views seem to be the most sure of themselves when, actually, nothing is certain about the future. And, if you have any sort of compassion and you truly believe we are completely fucked regardless, then why on earth are you bothering to say so? If you have completely given up, based on hard evidence, then surely you're better off enjoying what life you have left and being done with it?

Ugh typos abound^^

Should be "..than wetcardboard" and "reducing emissions".

Actually, at least you said if we continue as we are, wetcardboard sorry. On Reddit that would have been stated as fact. need to stay away from Reddit to avoid Reddit rage.

Also to wetcardboard, re humans "turning the whole world into a desert". Which you say you think will happen in the next 100-150 years.

www.quora.com/Will-one-day-the-whole-earth-become-like-African-deserts

www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-would-it-take-to-turn-earth-into-a-global-desert.331627/

Although maybe you were speaking figuratively. I sometimes take people too literally on here, in which case, I apologise.

Last thing:

ezgrogarden.com/hydroponics/organic-farming-vs-hydroponics/

This is a way of growing crops without soil. Maybe one response to the soil degradation issue? I don't know all that much about it, but I remember watching a program about it a while ago. Sounds quite cool and futuristic if nothing else!

If large numbers of people start to worry about climate change, to the extent that they are prepared to vote in elections for eg the Greens, and to pay the price by substantially changing their own lifestyles, talking to others about it, etc, then maybe something can be done to prevent the worst case scenario. Denying the severity of the situation encourages people to continue to live their current rich western lifestyles, and to vote for those who facilitate that.

YY madness.

The point was made beautifully on Leo's film - Obama was 'against' gay marriage when it was down in the opinion polls. Once it became clear that it was wanted in the voter polls, he was for it - and legislated for it.

Voters need to make action on CC a necessary thing. Not a side issue . Once the voters demand it, something will be done.

Agreed madness. People do need to worry about climate change. It is fucking worrying!

Despair is only helpful if it can be overcome and drastic action taken. Large numbers completely giving up on the world is a real worry too as then they might think "fuck it, I'll do what I like". Drive everywhere, eat what I want, waste what I want etc etc. Not only that but people will probably be less kind to each other and compassion is vital imho to our survival as a species.

That said, there are still a lot of deniers about, so I understand why people need to drive home the severity of the situation. I don't think the OP needs it spelt out tbh though, which is why I object to the speculation about worst case scenarios on this thread. Hopefully we will get a climate change board soon so we can discuss what we like there.

Just updating btw on something which was discussed upthread;
I contacted my MP re the solar panel tax hike and I got a response from one of his aids stating that my MP will take up the issue with ministers in writing. I have no idea if this will make any difference, but if other posters here maybe write to their MPs and enough of them mention it to ministers then maybe...

Just resurrecting this thread in case OP's still around.

I just read this thread on twitter: twitter.com/EricHolthaus/status/817503888500633600

Just so you know, you're not alone, and you might find this (slightly) comforting.

It is really worrying - and I started worrying about it much more when I had children - as you then realise they will be living with the worst of it if we don't act. But its not too late to make a difference ... which is why I have got involved in starting a group up for parents who care about climate change and want to share info and ideas for action to make a difference. Its brand new but please do check it out - I think parents can be a powerful force for getting the change that is needed if we act together: www.facebook.com/ourkidsclimateuk/