By Marcy Franck

The climate crisis is big and scary and most people either don’t know how to help, or feel too overwhelmed to try. This is certainly true in my social circle and, as it turns out, all across the United States. Are you in the 72% who are at least somewhat motivated to jump in and give it a whirl? Hey, how you doin’, this issue is for you.

Options read like the giant menu at the Cheesecake Factory. You can recycle, turn off lights, and opt for public transit—those items are found in the 18-page appetizer section. Maybe that’s all you have the appetite for, and that’s ok.

If you want to supersize your impact, you can flip on over to the entrée section to find and join groups pushing for more green energy, less pollution, and more sustainable services in your local area. 

We’ve compiled some advice and opportunities to help if you're just getting started, looking to up your climate game, or want to bring an air of self righteousness to your next dinner party.
FINDING YOUR PLACE IN THE CLIMATE MOVEMENT
Boldly go where no oil executives have gone before.
Pattie Gonia
It’s about persistence, not perfection: “We don’t need a handful of people taking perfect action; we need millions of people taking imperfect action every single day,” said my new #ClimateCrush Pattie Gonia. Behold the most glamorous pep talk you’ll hear all day. 
Magic 8 ball
This Venn diagram is the Magic 8 Ball of climate action decision making: Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson suggests we find our way to the center of these overlapping questions: What is the work that needs doing? What are you good at? What brings you joy? And yes, my personal diagram did say I should write campy newsletters filled with puns, irreverence, and the occasional Rickroll. But you do you!
Watching is climate action and not creepy at all
Accountability is never far from home: 2021 was a banner year for decarbonizing buildings, and each effort opened opportunities for volunteers to keep it on track. In my hometown, concerned citizens show up to every public meeting deciding the fate of solar panels that were planned to top our school buildings but now may be cut for budget reasons—and the decision makers know we’re watching. This article's round up of action is a mood-boost and provides ideas for efforts to support near you.
Many flavors of cheesecake
For more options: This website from the creators of the movie Don’t Look Up offers suggestions for taking action, and if you’re looking for a career change, @Climatebase posts jobs often.
STUDENTS CAN BECOME CLIMATE LEADERS
And reminisce forevermore about that one time at climate camp.
Student activists
We’re now accepting applications for our second annual Youth Summit on Climate, Equity and Health this July. In collaboration with Putney Pre-College, high school students will learn through workshops, field-based activities, and meetings with an incredible group of health, policy, and communications experts. Scholarships available. 

Last year’s students made headlines, and yes we are totally bragging
Ella, a sophomore from Massachusetts, used skills she picked up during her focus group on climate and media to write about her experience at the summit and how she went on to host a climate strike in her town. Julian, a junior from Maine, presented his capstone project—a plan for how his town could reach the UN’s Sustainable Development goals—to his town’s Select Board. 

We can’t wait to see what this year’s group will do. Want to join them? Learn more and apply.
WE CAN ALL MAKE CLIMATE A HOT TOPIC
The more we hear climate stories, the more we can find ways to become part of the solution. Here’s what that could look like.
Teacher
Teachers: Focusing on solutions to local problems can skirt politics and help students feel activated and hopeful. Check out EdWeek’s article on solutions-based, trauma-informed ways to teach climate.
Doctor
Health leaders: Staying hopeful, while also instilling hope in patients, can improve health and inspire action. This article on Hope, Health, and the Climate Crisis is compelling and worth the long read, from our advisory board member Howard Frumkin.
Artist
Creatives: You can use your platform to overcome climate doom, like these fabulous creators featured in Teen Vogue (and on our list of Climate Creators to Watch in 2022).
Reporter
Journalists: LA Times Columnist Sammy Roth offers reporters advice on covering climate change right: make it personal and focus on solutions.
Elastigirl, sort of
Entertainers: I loved the scene in The Incredibles 2 when the mom hopped onto an electric motorcycle and made a big deal about how fun and fast it was to drive. The industry can normalize climate solutions by working them into imagery and storylines.
A crowd
Everyone: Just talk about it already! In fact talking about it is the easiest, most accessible climate action we can all take every day, and it makes a difference. Here's why and how.
STORIES TO HELP YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT
Enough with the gloomy headlines.
Welcome to this edition of climate stuff going right.   
3 emojis in various states of happiness
Funding for major climate action is underway.
That’s ‘Billion’ with a Capital B, Baby! Ain’t no clawing back these dollars.


Other good news: Tribes in California are getting their redwoods back, pollution in Beijing has improved so much since the last Olympics that residents added 4 years to their life expectancy, and this map shows where nature is healing itself. 

If you’re hankering for a weekly fix of good news between Optimists, keep an eye out for Alaina Wood’s good news updates on TikTok.
WE'RE HIRING
We could make awkward small talk around the water cooler! Just as soon as it's safe to work in person again.
Sign saying we are hiring
We’re hiring a postdoc and a project coordinator to work on our oil and gas projects. Come hang with all the cool kids!
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