Have you heard of the Intention-Action gap?
It’s something of a buzz phrase in behavioural psychology but in the simplest of terms, refers to the difference between what people might say they will do and what they actually do. Many of us may say we want to change the world, for example, but when it comes to taking action the scale of the many challenges involved are just too overwhelming so we instead choose to do nothing.
In fact, there are many seemingly small but impactful things we can do to help bring about meaningful change for our environment. We can start by signing and sharing some of the many online petitions, joining an environmental charity or working to become a more conscious consumer. We can then further the environmental cause by sharing these positive actions far and wide. Check out Friends of the Earth or Fridays for Future to help stoke your passion for helping the planet.
On Friday the 15th of March 2019, more than 1.6 million people worldwide decided it was indeed time to take action by taking part in a global climate strike across more than 125 countries. This Friday 20th September, we have a chance to make a difference, to show the government here in Ireland that we want change. With the new ban on SUP’s (Single Use Plastics), things are moving in the right direction but we need to make sure that our voice continues to be heard. Earthology will join thousands of school children to protest against the lack of change.
There are more than 60 different protests happening all over Ireland at present and there should be one near you. Check this link to see: https://lnkd.in/gKaJYYn Most of them are happening at lunch time so no time off is required! If you want to find out more visit www.stopclimatechaos.ie or www.foe.ie for more information. No previous experience necessary! If you can’t attend a strike, show your support from your home or office with the hashtag #climatestrike
Whatever your location, check out Global Climate Strike to learn more. Above all else, remember that even small changes can be really significant.
As Greta Thunberg says:
“I’ve learned you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to…We can’t solve a crisis without treating it as a crisis. We need to keep the fossil fuels in the ground, and we need to focus on equity. And if solutions within the system are so impossible to find, maybe we should change the system itself.”
– Greta Thunberg, 16 year old Swedish climate activist, speaking at the UN Climate Conference in Poland last December (COP24 in UN lingo).
