Hope is not passive: How activism keeps optimism alive

“Playing and goofing off is a really important aspect of keeping optimism alive.”

Yet not all have lost faith, particularly among the young adults coming into the climate movement. Many of them are hopeful, even guardedly optimistic, that things can — and will — get better. Their outlook is shaped not just by an acceptance of the problem, but also a belief in solutions along with the determination to implement them.

hope is the byproduct of action, not a prerequisite for it, says Sarah Ray, who leads the environmental studies program at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. Action leads to results, which fosters hope, creating a virtuous cycle.

hope is by no means a universal feeling. One recent study found about one-third of young adults describe themselves as encouraged about the future, but 60 percent are “very worried.”

Yet Byrne sees optimism in their frustration, because their dissatisfaction with the status quo is inspiring them to act.

It can be hard to stave off despair these days. We’re inundated with bad news about everything from COVID-19 to the mounting threats against democracy to, of course, climate change. The headlines on that front have been particularly awful.

This “challenge accepted” attitude, combined with a mounting sense of urgency, an understanding of climate and environmental science, and a yearning to feel connected to a community of like-minded people, can provide renewed hope even to those who have been engaged in the movement for years — or decades. It also is creating a feeling that society h... See more

They take that justice principle seriously, he says. “This generation has hope about a future that is in balance, and they’re no longer waiting for science or policy or the economy or new technology to tell them what they should do. They want to act.”

“I really like talking with people about what they think could be changed, or what solutions they think we should do, and then talking about what solutions have been created or are being created,” Hidalgo says. “That makes me more excited than just thinking about how many issues there are. I like to look at it as an opportunity to do something abou... See more