From Individual to Collective Action

We are at a time on earth where there are both great crises and great possibilities. One of the biggest challenges facing humanity is our changing climate and the impacts this will have on all of our lives. We are already seeing effects far and wide so, on this Earth Day, we’d like to focus on the importance of collective action for meaningful change.

Taking individual actions is an important start, but we are at a point when it’s critical to rapidly scale up, connect with others and focus on impactful levers – social, political and cultural, and organizational. Working with others inspires hope, increases our ability to make a difference, and creates momentum.

Not sure where to start? Here are 5 impactful things you can do to advance collective action:

  1. Expand your Climate Knowledge: increase your understanding about climate change and what it will mean for you, for your community, and for future generations. Find out more about solutions and ways to make an impact – both on reducing emissions and preparing for the impacts that are to come. Below, we’ve added ways to learn more.
  2. Talk & Listen: Share what you learn – with your friends, family, work colleagues, and others – and keep talking about it. The more we can increase awareness about the issues and our collective agency, the faster we can scale up action. It’s important also to listen to the perspectives of others, and to find common interests, concerns and see where values overlap.
  3. Get involved: Find a local organization or initiative that is working on climate change initiatives. Connecting with local groups, grassroots projects and friends will help to build the community resilience we will need in the days ahead.
  4. Advocate for climate action: Speak up at meetings with your community, municipality, local government and at RRU. Write letters or call on your elected officials. Local, place-based solutions can serve as inspiring examples from which larger-scale change can emerge. Find ways to champion a better balance for all.
  5. Think about who’s not at the table: Climate change will affect people differently. Underprivileged or marginalized people will be hit harder, and inequities will be further exacerbated by coming challenges. Ensuring decisions and solutions include climate justice and equity is a key way to ensure that the shifts we make are inclusive, grounded in human rights, and do not perpetuate existing injustices.

A sampling of resources to increase climate literacy and knowledge:

JOIN A CLIMATE PSYCHOLOGY WEBINAR: On April 28 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PDT, join Dr. Hilary Leighton for a conversation about climate psychology and agency-enhancing strategies in the face of climate despair. Visit the webinar event page to find out more and register today for the next session in the Environment & Sustainability Webinar Series.

VIDEOS: Check out this RRU YouTube playlist of climate-related content including webinars, panel discussions and program info sessions featuring current students and alumni.

COURSES & PROGRAMS: RRU offers dozens of courses and programs that range across fields such as sustainability, the environment and climate action.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER WAYS TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND TAKING ACTION

  • Project Drawdown aims to showcase climate solutions, increase engagement and motivate grassroots movements. Both Drawdown BC and the Global Drawdown Project provide great resources. Climate Solutions 101, from Project Drawdown, is a six-unit video series showcasing important science and insights from global thought leaders. Free and full of hope.
  • Check out the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network providing information, resources and education through the Sustainable Development Goals Academy.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers in-depth information and solutions. The Sixth Assessment Report series has just been released.
  • Want a quick starter video? Watch Bill Nye explain climate science and impacts in this Climate Change 101 video.
  • Check out RRU’s Climate Action Plan 2022-2027 for other ways to get involved in this important work. It’s a university-wide plan and collective, collaborative and transformative action are key components.

Reconnect with the Earth

Join us as we unplug, step outside and remember why we care so deeply about our planet. Grounds and Gardens, the Climate Action & Sustainability Team, and Healthy U have collaborated to offer two guided walks for Earth day:

  • April 20 – Forest Walk. Join us for a special guided walk with Supervisor, Gardens and Grounds, Jeff Wright on the Wednesday before Earth Day. On April 20th the tour will focus on local ecology and native plants within the campus forests. Wear good footwear!
  • April 22 – Earth Day Tour of the RRU Gardens. On Friday April 22nd, Jeff will take us out again, this time through the RRU gardens to explore the artful balance between the cultivated and natural world.

Numbers for both walks will be limited so we don’t overwhelm the forests and gardens. Reserve your spot by emailing healthyu@royalroads.ca. We have a few sustainability themed prizes to give away and hope to see you there.