Written By Aditya Pundir
Attitudes toward climate change solutions are shifting, particularly among the youth, which is an encouraging sign.
A few years ago, I was travelling in the United States for climate change training. After a long day, we were relaxing in the evening, enjoying freshly brewed coffee. Our discussion revolved around climate change, its impacts, and how it would affect the world. My American friends were sympathetic to the challenges faced by the Global South and believed that serious efforts were needed to support affected communities. However, when it came to their own continent, they were more relaxed, assuming that temperature changes would not lead to catastrophic consequences.
As we discussed potential solutions, a recurring theme emerged: the lifestyle of the West was considered non-negotiable. Many felt that their societies had reached a level of development where cutting back on luxuries would be unthinkable. Any such move, they believed, would result in public backlash and could even lead to political upheaval. The general sentiment was that no leader would dare propose such a change.
Years have passed, but those conversations have stayed with me. Today, both perspectives require serious reconsideration. The belief that the developed world is less vulnerable to climate change has been disproven by recent events. Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles, and massive storms like Helene and Milton were just two of more than 25 storms in 2024, each causing over a billion dollars in damages and resulting in significant loss of life in the United States. The message is clear: climate change spares no one, and there is no place to hide.
Moreover, attitudes toward climate change solutions are shifting, particularly among the youth, which is an encouraging sign. It is crucial to transition from an ego-centric worldview to an eco-centric one. We must reassess our lifestyles through this new lens. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us that living with fewer choices is not only possible but can also be fulfilling. Encouraging developments are emerging worldwide: cities are building more cycling tracks, waste reduction and composting initiatives are growing in residential communities, and discussions in schools and universities are shifting from merely admiring nature to actively working to preserve it. This growing awareness of coexisting with the natural world is essential for reversing environmental damage and fostering a harmonious relationship with the planet.
Now, we must amplify this movement by raising collective consciousness about climate change through education, empathy, and mindfulness. A deeper connection with nature and our surroundings, based on love, respect, and responsible consumption, is imperative. The principle of consuming only what we need, rather than indulging in unnecessary wants, should guide us. Large-scale changes, such as transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, expanding electric mass transit, and developing net-zero factories, will only be possible if this mindset permeates both governments and businesses.
On a personal level, we can begin making a difference immediately by considering how our actions contribute to sustainability. Simple habits such as wasting less food, segregating garbage, and adopting a more plant-based diet can reduce our carbon footprint. We can conserve energy by switching off unnecessary lights, purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and minimising unnecessary travel. Responsible consumption also plays a crucial role; impulse purchases often lead to items accumulating in forgotten corners of our homes. Embracing pre-owned goods, repurposing old items, and repairing or refurbishing instead of discarding can extend product lifecycles and reduce environmental costs. These changes require a shift in mindset and openness to sustainable alternatives.
In conclusion, climate consciousness is essential for reshaping our relationship with the environment. Thoughtful consumption and an awareness of our impact on the planet will guide us in taking corrective actions. This is also a question of intergenerational justice — we inherited a planet with clean rivers, oceans, air, and soil. It is our responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit it in the same, if not better, condition.