I recently read an opinion piece from an online publication that discussed the need to prepare younger generations for ecological decline. The article advises adults to have a serious conversation with children about biodiversity loss that is occurring to help nature-loving youth cope with eco-grief, eco-anxiety, and eco-paralysis. These feelings, which many will experience in the future or are already experiencing, appear to be similar to those of losing a loved one which can easily lead a person into a depressive state of mind especially when it feels like no solutions to climate change exist.
Although conversations about ecological devastation need to happen among all generations, solutions on what can be done also need to be talked about and it seems environmental representatives in the media fail to provide readers and viewers with ways to curb the crises. Perhaps this is because there is no technologically sound resolution to halting climate change, but there are human solutions that can come in the form of shifting our consumption habits to become more moderate and fostering a sense of gratitude for the ecological services the Earth provides. In addition to shifting habits and being mindful of ecological services, teaching people of all ages the importance of rewilding and implementing sustainable practices in everyday life can be the initial steps taken to change how we as humans see the Earth and interact with all elements of the planet. Learning about and using the methods native earth keepers once practiced and continue to practice is also an important part of the conversation.
When I say native earth keepers, I am talking about indigenous groups that apply their extensive knowledge of ecological systems to care for sensitive landscapes and foster a sense of respect for our fellow inhabitants on Earth. Practices that have been long ignored by settler-colonial countries that seek to continue extractive methods of natural resources which are exacerbating the effects of climate change leading to the feeling of doom many of us encounter.
Issues presented by climate change such as mega-droughts, impenetrable wildfires, and colossal hurricanes can easily cause feelings of hopelessness to become insurmountable leading to the notion of doom and gloom. After all, humans have been talking about the end of the world for centuries and the acceleration of climate change definitely makes it seem like the world is coming to an end. However, as humans, we have the ability to make changes that slow the process and prepare future generations for shifting temperature changes, a reduction of natural resources, and ecological loss. We cannot wait for governments, large corporations, and non-governmental organizations to make these changes for us. Instead, we must implement these practices at home first so future generations can follow our lead.
Gracias!
Anthrolatina 
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