The climate crisis is one of the most pervasive and impactful phenomenons happening in our society, affecting almost every aspect of our lives including the economy. human health, mental health, culture and way of life. Yet despite this it rarely gets talked about by everyday people, or even the media. Hyper-partisanship and politicization have shied people away from talking about climate change further. Meanwhile people who experience climate emotions like ecological anxiety and climate dread often keep their emotions bottled up instead of sharing them with other people.
Climate scientist Dr. Katherine Hayhoe says the most important thing we can do about the climate crisis right now “is the exact thing we are not doing- talk about it.” Climate cafes are informal spaces where people can share their thoughts and feelings about the climate and ecological emergency. By meeting like-minded people and talking about climate solutions, climate cafes are a great way to help people feel empowered and remind us that we do not have to face this crisis alone.
To learn more watch Katherine Hayhoe’s Ted Talk on youtube.
In this climate cafe we’ll be discussing the policies, solutions and challenges around energy transitions at a local, provincial, federal and international level. As the climate crisis unfolds, we are in the midst of a clean energy revolution globally. Places like China, Australia, India, Pakistan, California and the European Union are investing heavily in solar and wind energy. Meanwhile, the wider US and Canada, including British Columbia, continue to prioritize the fossil fuel industry instead. However, economics dictates what energy source people will choose, and as solar, wind, batteries and other sources of energy get cheaper, they will eventually displace fossil fuels. The question is can it happen fast enough to slow down or prevent the worst impacts of climate change?
Join us on Monday, March 23 from 6-8pm at Ethos Cafe. This event is free to attend and all are welcome!