Stubborn optimism is not about wishful thinking,
but about concrete action in combination with purpose and meaning.
Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
UN Executive Secretary for Climate Change and
Senior Political Strategist (2010-2016)
In their book, The Future We Choose, they propose:
Let go of the old world: Ignore nostalgia, burst your own bubble and focus on where you are going.
Accept your sadness but hold on to a vision of the future.
Just because it feels hopeless does not mean that it is useless to struggle.
Fight for the truth: Open your mind to other opinions.
See yourself as a citizen – not just a consumer.
Release the Fossil: Fight for a Renewable Energy Revolution.
Reforest the soil: Plant trees. Protect the spread of nature.
Invest sustainably: New capital flows are important to make a real difference.
Use technology responsibly: Artificial intelligence can make a major contribution to climate work.
Fight for gender equality: Including more women in education, entrepreneurship and decision-making will in the long run lead to a more peaceful and climate-adapted world.
Get involved in politics: Vote, email, question – or throw yourself into politics. Everything makes a difference. Your contribution is not meaningless.
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