A beginner's guide to climate-positive life
It's not as hard as you think.
Whether you ask a grizzled activist, a sustainability entrepreneur, or an enthusiast curious about sustainability issues, there's probably a couple things they would all agree on the subject:
Climate change is an overwhelming issue
If you're motivated to do anything, it's still hard to know where to get started
There's been so much progress in driving awareness of climate issues and developing new technologies to lower society's carbon footprint. But the critical challenges now are:
Holding politicians accountable to committed decarbonization goals, and funding organizations building and implementing the technologies to get us there
Changing our behaviors to support companies and causes that help the environment
Getting as much talent as possible (that includes you!) to work at climate-positive companies, so they can grow faster
Where people usually get stuck is not knowing where to start, or getting overwhelmed by the process altogether. So let me comfort you with some quick answers:
Do you need to keep up with news about the solar industry, battery chemistry, and government policies? Not really.
Do you need to get a PhD in chemistry or material science in order to work on climate? God, no.
Do you need to read hundreds of articles about Hawaii wildfires and Florida hurricanes and water disputes in the Sierras until your eyeballs bleed? Hard pass.
Here's the secret. There's actually fairly little information you need to know to be "educated on climate issues". And chances are you already know it.
Now, if you want to transition to a job in climate, more good news! Most "climate" work is actually just REGULAR work, but at an organization (business, advocacy group, government agency, mutual aid org, creative studio, etc.) with a sustainability agenda and clear set of values. There's no required reading or research, and there's definitely no wrong answers when it comes to career, as long as the mission of that org is aligned to climate goals.
So why don't you choose your own adventure:
If you're new to the space, or trying to learn more, check out the "Resources for Education" lists.
If you're ready to do more in your life, scroll down to the "Resources for Action" lists.
Let's dive in!
Resources for Education
The first step in most people's journeys is education, since it's the main motivator for action. If you're looking to learn more, here's how to think about it:
Documentaries. These are the quickest way to get up to speed. Most people have already seen a couple good climate documentaries, but there's lots of great stuff out there.
Books. These can be interesting, but take a lot of time. Don't let it be a hurdle to taking action. That said, there's enough angles to climate issues (the tech, the political, the social...) that you should see what topics interest you first.
Other blogs and media. These are the best way to stay up to date on news. That said, most people's jobs--even if they work in climate--don't need them to stay up to date on everything. And it's probably not psychologically healthy to always be thinking about it.
With that said, here's some of the leading material that’s shaped the climate conversation.
Documentaries
An Inconvenient Truth / An Inconvenient Sequel -- (for everyone) Al Gore's original documentary that jumpstarted the 2000s environmental resurgence to motivate climate action. An iconic documentary that can't be missed. The sequel was good but not groundbreaking--more of a content update.
Before the Flood -- (for everyone) Leonardo DiCaprio meets with scientists, activists and world leaders to discuss the dangers of climate change and possible solutions. Same message as Inconvenient Truth, but better production quality.
2040 -- (for parents) An Australian filmmaker travels the world to explore approaches and solutions to address the climate crisis. Told from an optimistic and generational perspective about the duty we have to our kids to solve these solvable problems.
Kiss the Ground -- (for non-coastals, but also everyone) Highlights the importance of agriculture as one of the key drivers climate change, and likely the main solutions for addressing it. Talks to ativists, scientists, farmers, and politicians to understand the path to making regenerative agriculture mainstream.
David Attenborough: A life on our planet -- (for nature lovers) A somewhat biographical doc of legendary naturalist David Attenborough, highlighting the beauty of the natural world and how--even in one lifetime--things are changing. A story that covers extinction and habitat loss, but told through epic cinematography
How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change -- (for the edgy folks) An indie documentary highlighting how communities--often ones with the least means--are feeling the effects of climate change today, and are fighting back. Josh, a friend, is also working on an upcoming project on climate refugees that needs some love.
How to Blow up a Pipeline -- (for the passionate) A thriller adaptation of a book by the same name, exploring climate rage, frustration, and the use of nonviolent disruptive action to create change.
Books
Hot, Flat, and Crowded, by Thomas Friedman-- (for the econ and politics nerds) A cornerstone of climate nonfiction, this book weaves the story of climate change, globalization, and population growth into a rationale for why fighting climate change through clean energy investment is the tool governments need to maintain economic and political stature in the global economy
The New Climate War, by Michael Mann -- (for everyone) Written by the closest thing the world has to a climate superhero, this book discusses the actions of the fossil fuel industry to delay action on climate change, the responses to climate change that he considers inadequate, and the responses he considers the best
This is Not a Drill: An Extinction Rebellion Handbook (link here)-- (for everyone) This handbook, from arguably the the most effective climate activist group on the planet, includes essays from academics, farmers, heads of state, and everyone in between, highlighting the systemic and human challenges of the climate crisis.
How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need, by Bill Gates -- (for the business and technology nerds) Gates presents what he's learned in over a decade of studying climate change and investing in innovations to address global warming, then he recommends the technological strategies we need to tackle the problem
The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, by Amitav Ghosh -- (for the writers and comms nerds) A critical book about climate storytelling, exploring the psychology of why climate change-linked disasters have such a hard time motivating collective action.
Climate Crisis and the Global Green New Deal, by Noam Chomsky and Robert Pollin -- (for the econ and political nerds) This book discusses how climate challenges arise from capitalism, then outlines a policy and financial proposal for fighting climate change. Although less focused on the specific technological innovations, it's likely the most concise summary of issues, underlying challenges, and solutions out there.
Regenesis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet, by George Monbiot -- (for the ag nerds) Farming is the world's greatest cause of environmental destruction. This book explores how innovations in soil ecology and farming can dramatically change how we produce food.
Electrify, by Saul Griffith -- (for the energy and business nerds) Saul Griffith, a renowned engineer and inventor (and MacArthur “Genius” Fellow), outlines a roadmap to electrifying our homes and businesses. From the technologies to the policy and financing infrastructure needed to make it happen, it’s a great overview of the next few years need to look like in order for us to get on track.
Storming the Wall: Climate Change, Migration, and Homeland Security, by Todd Miller -- (for the humanitarian and political nerds) Explores the relationship between climate change-linked disasters, and the refugee crises that arise as a result. The book talks about the economic and political systems around border militarization and how climate change is the largest national security crisis today.
Doughnut Economics, by Kate Raworth -- (for the econ and business nerds) Discussing the ways that capitalism and the consumer economy drives climate and other global crises. Less mainstream, but a crucial view on how economic activity should be modeled within ecosystem constraints
Other Blogs and Media
BBC: Smart Guide to Climate Change -- A useful collection of articles on the ways our actions impact the climate, and what we can do about it.
Project Drawdown -- The premier resource ranking the top solutions around for fighting climate change.
The Crucial years -- Bill McKibben is the most famous climate journalist alive. His newsletter is a great place to gain perspective and commentary on current events.
Heated -- Impassioned blog about the organizations that have caused and continue to cause the climate catastrophe. Embraces anger as a motivator for action.
AXA Climate School -- Engaging learning modules walking through the climate challenge. It's for beginners, and it's a little cheesy, but it does a good job covering the anthropology, technology, sociology, and psychology of climate change, and how we can get motivated to act. PSA: Educators and corporate learning coordinators, this is a great resource for children or adults alike!
And once you get up to speed on the world of sustainability, Canary Media is the best publication to follow current events, policy, and business news surrounding climate
Resources for Action
Now that you're motivated to take action, let's recap where you can make a difference:
Donating to climate nonprofits. These advocacy groups may be producing critical research, taking action to protect nature or litigate against bad actors, or lobbying for political change. It takes smart people to do that, and their time is worth something.
Changing your lifestyle. This is the simplest way to make a difference. How we travel, what we eat, and where the energy we consume comes from makes a big difference in our household's carbon footprint. Let's figure out what easy steps you can take today!
Getting political. Policymakers require a constant pressure to stay focused on climate issues. At the state and federal level that requires knowing who the climate-forward candidates are, and voting for them. At the local level, that's where your voice has outsized impact, and there's organizations out there to help you make your voice heard (and find a great community of like-minded people in your neighborhood).
Working on Climate. This is probably the most important one. What we choose to do for work is likely the most important mark we'll leave on the world. There's so many climate-positive organizations that need great people--and most of them probably have roles for what you already do today.
Donate to Climate Nonprofits
Step 1: Evaluate the right groups
Giving Green -- Navigating charitable causes is hard. Giving Green has the most rigorous assessment of nonprofit performance (incl. cost effectiveness), with strong values and editorial integrity.
Vox has a great explainer on some top charities, endorsed by Giving Green.
Step 2: Give as much as you can afford to!
Clean Air Task Force -- America's dominant environmental policy advocacy org since 1996. It's won fights in air pollution from coal plants, advocating for methane regulation, supporting nuclear and geothermal, etc. They often focus on critical solutions that other nonprofits aren't addressing.
Evergreen Collaborative -- Founded by Jay Inslee in 2020 when he dropped out of the presidential race, his Evergreen Action Plan is the closest thing the country has to a Green Party political framework, much of which got adopted by the Biden administration and the Inflation Reduction Act. EC, the nonprofit spun out of it, takes a highly networked and solution-led approach to advocacy, that targets policies at a state level where it matters most.
Climate Emergency Fund -- For those who embrace the disruptive activist model for change, CEF is a fundraising and grant making org that supports activist groups that, themselves, may have difficulty raising funds, usually because of ineligibility for 501c3 tax status.
Funds are another way to take a more "diversified" giving approach across a portfolio of nonprofits. Founders Pledge and Giving What We Can have good ones.
Change Your Lifestyle
Step 1: Convince yourself that individual action matters
Vox has a great explainer article. The top 10% of households globally (most of the US) are responsible for 45% of global GHG emissions. That likely includes you, so your actions make a dent! Secondly, most of your emissions can be reduced by a few simple lifestyle changes, so acting is easier than you think!
Step 2: Find out where/how to change your lifestyle
BBC's 6 Ways to Lower Your Carbon Footprint is the simplest place to start. Diet, vehicle travel, home energy, finances, and clothing/consumer goods are the best areas to make high impact moves.
Rewiring America -- Besides flying less, electrification (going solar, buying an EV, buying an electric heat pump, stove, etc.) is the best way to reduce your footprint. Rewiring America has all the resources you need to learn about home electrification, how they work, and how to afford them (in your zip code!).
Minimizing dietary emissions is a great, science-based approach to rethink your diet
Step 3: If it's hard, get support from others!
Online communities and forums are a great way to get inspired to change your lifestyle. But it's a lot to take in, so I'd recommend only diving in if you have the cognitive and emotional bandwidth.
Get Political: Taking your passion to the next level
Step 1: Vote for representatives who care about the climate
There’s great organizations who scorecard the candidates in YOUR races: Vote Climate PAC, League of Conservation Voters
Then there’s organizations who curate the closest, high-leverage races that need a lot of support: Climate Slate, Climate Hawks Vote
Then there’s other creative groups that do pledges that people can get their representatives to sign: No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge
Step 2: Hold them accountable and make noise so they know you care
Climate Changemakers -- The simplest way to get educated and take action in climate politics, with a focus on local/state impact. This community hosts weekly 1hr calls to orient and get educated on a particular focus issue, then take action to help advance that policy (e.g. who to call/email and how). All in 1hr a week.
Citizens Climate Lobby -- Best way to get connected with a community of neighbors who care about sustainability, help advance local initiatives, and put up fun events (e.g. EV showcases, supporting farmers markets).
Step 3: Get active
If you're ready to take activism to the next level, consider joining more outspoken organizing groups like:
Extinction Rebellion -- Targets everyone, encouraging nonviolent civil disobedience of all forms, with a particularly quirky/creative brand).
Fridays for Future -- Targets everyone, encouraging nonviolent civil disobedience (mainly striking). Founded by Greta Thunberg.
Sunrise Movement -- Targets younger folks (<35), mainly advocating for Green New Deal principles at a local level.
Third Act -- Targets "Experienced Americans" (>60), mainly advocating through local policy, education, working groups, and individual action.
Working on Climate Opportunities: Align your career to sustainability
Path 1: If you like your job and are good at it (e.g. software, finance, marketing, HR, event coordination...), there are plenty of organizations driving sustainable agendas that probably need your help. Here's where you can find jobs, people, and information:
Climatebase -- Jobs list + fellowship program/learning courses
Terra.do -- Jobs list + learning courses + community
CTVC -- Jobs + articles on the climate innovation ecosystem (startups, VCs, policy...)
MCJ -- Community (best local meetups of climate folks!)
Canary Media -- The best source for current events, policy, and business news on sustainability topics
Path 2: If you don't know how your skills translate into "green jobs", here are some places to start:
Project Drawdown Job Action Guides is the simplest place to see career paths, as well as some resources to plug in
Work on Climate has "Starter Pack" resource guides, plus expert "office hours" to talk to someone who can guide you
Communities are the best way to meet people who can help: Terra.do, MCJ, etc.
Sustainability courses can be a great way to explore interests and sustainability solutions. Climatebase and Terra.do have the best short programs
Path 3: If you’re looking for an adventurous leadership development experience that helps you find a career in climate, check out the EcoMBA.
Ending Thoughts
I know it still seems like a lot. But you don't have to do everything! And it certainly doesn't have to be all at once. Figure out what makes sense for you, and just start somewhere. You'll find it's easier once you take the first step--whether that's in your personal life, career, or community.
It's worth reinforcing that everyone's journey looks different. We come from different value systems, have different skills and expertise to offer, and have different constraints on our lives (free time, financial security, professional duties, family obligations...) that may dictate the actions we can and can't take. To that end, this guide is designed as a starting point to help people think through which steps make sense for them.
This is hard work. The cognitive load of merely being a human in this day and age is already tremendous--between job, family, personal finances, mental health, etc. It probably feels unfair to burden oneself with even more, especially knowing that there are a bunch of people doing nothing to help.
But there's a quote I like from Activist Tim DeChristopher about these types of burdens.
"Carrying around a heavy weight is a burden in tranquil times. But in turbulent and stormy times, that heavy weight you carry around is an anchor. It's what prevents you from getting swept away."
These are not tranquil times. These days, we have so much at stake, so many distractions, and so many people who struggle with meaning and direction.
I think we could all use a little anchoring.
This is THE most comprehensive beginner’s guide I’ve ever encountered. Thank you for sharing such valuable information!!