New Climate Commitments

Thanks to climate scientist and author, Katherine Hayhoe, for sharing this insightful Great Idea in her weekly Talking Climate post.

Katharine writes:

‘Every year, I adopt two new climate-friendly habits. Sometimes I go big: two years ago, for example, I decided to try going car-free (and I still am!), and we signed up for wind energy after we sold our home with the solar panels. Other times, it’s smaller tweaks: adding a smart thermostat, selling the freezer and changing my grocery shopping habits to reduce food waste, or trying out new plant-based recipes.

Recognizing the importance of “not being such an individual,” as Bill McKibben says, I’ve also included habits that help me connect with others—starting this newsletter nearly three years ago, opening a Bluesky account this past year, and making time to connect with groups, from EcoAthletes to garden clubs, who are fighting for climate action.

This year, though, I’m prioritizing something deeper: love. Surveys around the world show people support climate action because of love—for their kids, future generations, the things and places they cherish. Spending time with the people we love, in the places we love, doing the things we love, is what gives us the motivation to act, and to care. So making this a habit, even when life gets busy, is my goal this year!

If you’re looking for inspiration for a new climate-friendly habit this year, check out the archive of newsletters from the past year. Nearly every issue features an idea or example to try. And when you do, be sure to share it with others. That’s how we make change contagious!’

Find the full post here.

Please do check out her archive – it is full of Great Ideas – ideas that can spark personal, familial, congregational, and communal changes to support a healthier climate.

Find additional Climate Care inspiration for all ages in our Social Justice: Climate & Sustainability and Faith Formation: Creation Care lib guides.