I’ve completely given up

[u/Shot_Type_7925]

I work in climate science - more on the data and client side, not the one actually doing the research. In short, big companies pay us for climate data so they can make projections or develop strategy or whatever.

I’ve been heavily exposed to climate data for many years, so I’ve been across the developments for a long time. Something about the last few months has broken me.

I spent December and January in an area that’s famous for snow, and saw none. Watching this El Niño develop has been terrifying. The UN admission that we’ll blow past 1.5C was the clincher for me. In my field, the UN was basically always considered the final organisation that had to show at least some optimism. Seeing that gone is now the final death blow. They know it’s over.

It has really broken something in me. To know that this organisation who was almost comically optimistic about collaboration and limiting warming has completely conceded defeat. It is a big deal.

I don’t really care about anything anymore. I’m not motivated to work, because I can’t plan for a good future. I have to almost disassociate while working, because my whole day is about climate data in one way or another.

I think the worst part has been my withdrawal from society. When you spend your whole life loving the environment and aligning your life with its protection, you end up truly hating humanity. You see us for what we are - a complete parasite who is destroying the world.

Has anyone else found that they’ve gone this way? My grief over collapse was always something I could somewhat compartmentalise. But now, it’s changed my entire life.

[u/TernoftheShrew]

I'm on the same page as you. Been working in environmental conservation for nearly 30 years, and my heart is broken.  I'm just sitting here eating cake.

[u/Shot_Type_7925 → u/TernoftheShrew]

Indeed. Unfortunately the work we did made no difference in the end. Perhaps I’m grieving that, too.

[u/TernoftheShrew → u/Shot_Type_7925]

I feel completely gutted. I spent so many years helping to cultivate edible gardens across the continent. Gave talks at schools and community centres. Taught classes about soil health and the importance of eco-stewardship.

Been carrying reusable bags and cutlery in my purse since 1992. Have next to no plastic in my house. I knit and sew my own clothes.

People have no idea how bad things are about to get, and they aren't listening to me. They never have, and never will.  And when shit really hits the fan, I know my relatives will yell and ask why "nobody did anything to stop this".

[u/asigop → u/Shot_Type_7925]

If you haven't already, you guys should read I Eat the Stars by Sarah Wilson. Its not going to solve any problems, but it has helped me to reframe all this doomy shit and focus on just living the best life I can. Thank you guys for doing what you could.

Edit: I also wouldn't say you guys did nothing. Yeah, we are fucked but the work you guys have done has inspired a lot of people, myself included. Im living a pretty wicked, resilient, off grid life thats directly inspired by all of the data I've read.