6: Overwhelmed by Climate Change? Start Here.
- Author
- Sarah Robertson-Barnes
- Published
- Tue 24 Jun 2025
- Episode Link
- https://sustainableinthesuburbs.com/blog/
Climate change feels HUGE — and it is. The problem is urgent and complex. And when you start looking for solutions, it can seem like there’s an endless list of things you should be doing. All of them are important, and that can feel completely overwhelming.
In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework I often come back to refocus my efforts: the Climate Action Venn Diagram from Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. We’ll talk about how your skills, your joys, and the needs of the world can come together to help you find your own personal starting point — one that feels meaningful, realistic, and sustainable for the long haul.
Takeaways
- The Climate Venn Diagram helps identify a meaningful starting point for climate action by looking at what brings you joy, what you’re good at, and what the world needs.
- Sustainable living isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing something that feels right for you.
- Joy is a powerful motivator in climate work and there are countless ways to contribute your skills.
- Building habits that feel good and fit your life helps make climate action sustainable for the long term.
One Small Shift
Download a copy of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram worksheet, grab a pencil, and just see what comes up. You might be surprised by how much clarity this one little exercise can bring.
Resources
How to Find Joy in Climate Action - TED Talk
What If We Get It Right? (Website)
All We Can Save - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson
What If We Get It Right (Book) - Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
How to Start Living Sustainably: A Simple Framework for Climate Action
Connect With Me
Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio
If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.
