Mobilising hope to overcome climate despair

Abstract

It is impossible to ignore the damage humans have inflicted on our planet. 2022 brought new record temperatures, floods, storms, wildfires, and droughts across the world. 1 These events threaten the health of humans, wildlife, and habitats and are wreaking permanent and irreversible destruction on earth systems. 2

An end of year resolution: phase out fossil fuels

“…However, hope is important (doi:10.1136/bmj.o2411), and it exists in individual action as well as in government, corporate, industrial, and institutional commitments and strategies that deliver zero carbon emissions (www.nationalgrideso.com/future-energy/our-progress-towards-net-zero/net-zero-explained/what-net-zero-and-zero-carbon). 23 Net zero is already not enough. Time is short and we must act, argues Montgomery.…”

Hope can bring solutions to climate despair

“…Hope, however abstract it may seem, helps “protect wellbeing and foster activism in the face of adversity” (doi:10.1136/bmj.o2411). 5…”

Hope is not action

“…Frumkin and colleagues discuss the importance of hope in the face of climate despair 1. Hope can be motivating.…”