Taking a Cognitive Behavioural Approach to Climate Change

So many people are concerned about the problems of climate change, but too few realise that despite having been part of the problem, they can now just as easily be a part of the solution. By taking a cognitive behavioural approach, it will enable us as a planet to start taking responsibility for the world we live on.

Experts within the area of climate change estimate within the next 30 years, we’ll be facing an apocalyptic-style scenario, and we will be a civilisation on the verge of dying out. But it doesn’t have to end this way. The good news is this situation is still totally reversible. We have the technology available to us to shift to a carbon-neutral energy system, right now.

But to start making this a reality, we must vote for this change with the actions we take in our day-to-day lives. If there is no conscious push from us as a collective, the issue of climate change will continue to be swept under the metaphorical rug. If we want to change people’s attitude towards the problem, we must make it abundantly clear with our actions that there is no other to live except the way that keeps our environment clean and hospitable for our future generations.

Doing so relies on us taking the time to educate ourselves on the facts, but more importantly, taking action. Creating a clean environment isn’t a matter of waiting; it’s a matter of implementing. And we, as the custodians of this planet are those implementers.

Here are some steps you can start taking today to reduce your own carbon footprint.

1. Limiting your air travel until green jet fuels become more widely used.
2. Replace long business trips with conference calls unless you physically need to be on location.
3. Cycle or walk to work, work from home wherever possible or try and negotiate the flexible working conditions with your employer. If you are an employer, try allowing staff more freedom to work from home.
4. Use green carbon fuels in your car or try going fully electric.
5. Try to limit your intake of beef as much as possible or if you can embrace an entirely plant-based diet.
6. Change your electricity and heating to non-fossil-fuel providers.
7. Boycott the use of palm oil, as it’s a massive factor in the deforestation of the Amazon.
8. Reduce, reuse and recycle as far possible. Try to strive for a lifestyle of zero-waste.
9. Vote for leaders with strong environmental policies.
10. Educate yourself on the impact of climate change and try to spread awareness about the issue.

These are just some of the actions you can start taking in your daily life to start creating the momentum of change. It is possible that not all of these will apply to your circumstances, but many will. Because the reality of our current situation is if nothing is done in the present while we still have the chance, it will lead to the wide-scale displacement of around one billion people, increasingly severe weather patterns and the outright collapse of multiple eco-systems throughout the globe. It’s no longer good enough for us to recognise there’s a problem, we must be the change.

About the author:

Dr Becky Spelman is a leading UK Psychologist who’s had great success helping her clients manage and overcome a multitude of mental illnesses.

***If you’re struggling with climate change and/or eco-anxiety and think you might benefit from speaking to someone about your situation, we offer a FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION with one of our specialists to help you find the best way to move forward. You can book yours here.

References

BBC. (10^th Oct 2019). The Harm from Worrying About Climate Change. Retrieved on 15th October, 2019 from, https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191010-how-to-beat-anxiety-about-climate-change-and-eco-awareness

Reachout. (8^th Jul 2018). How to Cope with Worry About Climate Change. Retrieved on 15th October, 2019 from, https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-cope-with-anxiety-about-climate-change

Grist. (9^th Sept 2017). Climate Change Doesn’t have to Ruin Your Life. Here’s How to Manage it. Retrieved on 15th October, 2019 from, https://grist.org/article/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-deal-with-climate-change/

Teach Green Psych. (9^th Sept 2017). The Psychological Impact of Climate Change. Retrieved on 15th October, 2019 from https://www.teachgreenpsych.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Doherty-Clayton-2011-Psych-effects-of-climate-change.pdf