Why Individual Action on the Climate Crisis Matters
Recently I’ve noticed a rise in a particular kind of article, and argument, even from environmental commentators. The main message runs like this: individual change is both hard and pointless. We can do what we like given that individual impact is so insignificant; it is only companies and governments that need to change. It is understandable, especially in a world where governments and major polluting companies don’t seem to listen to individuals. But my counter message is this: individual action and willingness to change is absolutely necessary, though not sufficient, for the societal shifts needed to prevent societal and climate collapse. Yes of course, only systemic change will do; but that begins with individual actions.
The ‘why bother when I’m one of 8 billion’ argument requires these assumptions:
- everyone consumes the same amount;
- every action consumes the same amount;
- anyone is too small to make a difference; and
- technology will save us.
With these assumptions comes the claim that cutting out flying, eating meat, or private cars are a waste of time because nobody else will bother. The ‘why deny yourself these luxuries’ narrative is also attractive to the people who cannot imagine things to be different and better.
