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Impossible to ignore the effects of climate change and now I can't even enjoy my garden

12 replies

Necoblast · 27/07/2026 20:02

First I'm just going to mention that I live in North America. I don't know if this site believes in climate change, hopefully I will not get bombarded with trolls. Well it is impossible for me to deny. I don't read the news. I don't “doom scroll” or whatever it is called. I just want to work in the garden. I can't even do that without wearing a mask so I can actually breathe. Sometimes it is too hot to go outside, something that I have not had to deal with 10 years ago. Sometimes the smoke blocks the sun. In those cases it is cold enough to go outside. The sun and moon has been red for the past few weeks. I know that the boreal forest is on fire right now. The forest is a provider of life and I have spiritual beliefs about the boreal forest, many people here do. Even if I ignore the forest, it does not make the smoke or the heat go away. I am a healthy person and I need to wear a mask to go outside and use an air filter inside so that it does not hurt my nose and throat.
Even if I ignore that, gardening here is ridiculous because every single plant in the yard is an invasive species and yes I counted them all. I remember when we used to have native plants here and we learned about them in school and they were common everywhere. Well they are near impossible to grow now. This stupid planet stuff is making its way into everyday life. Not reading the news won't do anything if it is just everyday life. Everything is a reminder that we are screwing over the only planet we have and that we are disrespecting the land that sustains life.
What can I even do? Spread awareness and vote? Do the same thing I have always been doing?

OP posts:
SummerSummerSummertime · 28/07/2026 04:40

Impeachment of your current president would be a good start op.

Runsaway · 28/07/2026 05:17

Are you American or Canadian?

ConstantlyFuriosa · 28/07/2026 05:19

SummerSummerSummertime · 28/07/2026 04:40

Impeachment of your current president would be a good start op.

Agreed.

other than that, I’m in the uk and feel your pain.

ViciousCurrentBun · 28/07/2026 07:01

Is the smoke due to the forest fires in Canada?

The planet becoming overcrowded which is the crux of the matter was first brought to the attention of the world by Thomas Malthus in the late 1780’s.

The only way to truly heal it would be to ration the entire world which is something that would have to be enforced.

Ineffable23 · 28/07/2026 07:06

Watching climate change come to fruition is a very discomforting experience. The change in my lifetime is substantial. 15 years ago I didn't have thought twice about going to southern France in late July. That's no longer a "safe" option if I don't want to be so hot I can't do much. I think we've just got to go hell for leather towards renewables as fast as we can.

Tel12 · 28/07/2026 07:09

Yes, it's impossible to ignore climate change. I'm losing established plants in my garden, my lawn is just brown. Impossible to go out in the heat of the day and that's in England. There needs to be a change in attitude of government if there's any chance of meaningful change and that is down to the voters. How likely is it? TBH optimism feels difficult at the moment.

Rubyupbeat · 28/07/2026 07:14

@Tel12I am the same. Shrubs of 30 plus years have died, one of which the bees loved when it bloomed. I am quite frightened now. Oh, and my grass is basically hay!

Raccoonswillonedayrevolt · 28/07/2026 07:36

It is not just climate change, it is also land mismanagement and water mismanagement. Three things, three things that action can be taken on.

WindyW · 28/07/2026 07:40

You’re not alone, you’re part of the Climate Majority: https://www.climatemajorityproject.com/

People can see what’s happening out their windows.

Wishing you well OP, it sounds so tough to live with wildfires.

Climate Majority Project

Alone, we may feel small, but a majority is a powerful force. Let's stand up and show that people across Britain want proper action on climate.

https://www.climatemajorityproject.com

Dolphinnoises · 28/07/2026 07:47

SummerSummerSummertime · 28/07/2026 04:40

Impeachment of your current president would be a good start op.

If the OP believes in climate change it’s unlikely she voted for him. And if someone is posting in Mental Health, it’s best not to be a twat.

I get it completely, OP. I feel the same. Good weather used to give me such a lift, like all was right with the world. Now it just makes me worry.

Thecows · 28/07/2026 07:51

Completely agree at how dreadful it is to watch the whole thing unfurl. 50 years of knowing this would happen, they knew and did nothing, I don't know whether to implode with anger or sadness or both

Necoblast · 28/07/2026 19:41

I do not live in America. Also, America does not have citizens impeachment.

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