"I Have No Future” - The Critical Need to Counter Climate Doomism

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 10: Environmental Sociology Imaginations and Futures

Abstract

In the last five years there has been an increase in climate doomism, or the belief that it is too late to act to reduce global warming and that apocalyptic climate catastrophe is inevitable. Doomism not only undermines any motivation for climate action, but also reduces personal wellbeing and flourishing. This position, however, is not supported by climate science and is largely based on misunderstandings spread by the media and public figures. This paper highlights three key messages to counter doomist thinking and then discusses an alternative to doomism: acting to demand bold climate action, no matter what. This position is largely supported by a virtue ethics approach and by what some scholars call “active hope.” This alternative to doomism increases the chances of significantly limiting global warming and enhances personal wellbeing.

Author

• Diana Stuart, Northern Arizona University