What Can You Tell a 17 Year Old Who’s Afraid of Dying from Climate Change? Part 1

How to live a meaningful life in a time of turmoil

A screen grab from the popular video game Fallout 4, a favorite among gaming youth. This is the post-apocalyptic view that greets survivors emerging from Vault 111.

I originally published this post as one long article, but decided to divide it into two slightly more bite-sized pieces. This is Part 1. Part 2 is here.

I recently came across a post on Reddit that said, in part:

“I’m a teen and I’m really scared for my future

“I’m so afraid of climate change. I just turned 17 not so long ago and I’m afraid I’ll never get to grow up because of the way our Earth is going.

“Most of my friends and family are apathetic, such as my parents who don’t like me talking about this stuff since they feel we can’t really change anything. My mom thinks it’s completely irreversible. I hate holding it all inside all the time. …

“I guess what I really wanna hear is it’s all gonna be ok even though it’s probably not the truth. I’m just scared. I’d appreciate any positive news or insight from those who feel the same way and how you manage it while doing everything you can. Thanks for reading.”(source)

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what to say to a teenager like this young person to help them prepare for the dangerous world they are about to inherit. I…