Narrative Matters: Fighting not drowning - facing a harsh climate future with wisdom, hope and courage.

Abstract

The most recent 2021 IPCC climate science update reminds us yet again that accelerating the transition to a just and resilient zero-carbon future clearly remains humanity's most urgent task. A great deal of hard work and a lot of luck may enable us to avoid some of the most dangerous climate change and ecological tipping points. Current and future generations are however on a journey into a world of more frequent and severe extreme weather events; more heatwaves, fires, floods and famines and more rapid extinctions of animals, birds and insects. Awareness, that this is going to be a very long emergency is a source of deep distress for many people passionately committed to decisive climate action. A rapidly expanding body of research highlights the extent to which this distress is experienced most acutely by children and young people with large numbers reporting deeply pessimistic views about the future. This article explores diverse sources of learning and wisdom - from climate scientists and activists; philosophers and social theorists; Indigenous cultures and ways of life; faith-based and spiritual traditions; artists and writers - which can strengthen our capacity to live courageous, compassionate and creative lives in a world of rapidly accelerating climatic and ecological risk.