Climate Grief

The emotional reality of global warming, visualized. Originally created for Damn Joan Magazine.

Climate Grief: The Emotional Reality of Global Warming by Perrin Ireland
My dear friend studies how climate change will impact our health. She can also split an apple with her bare hands. Is that a trick? We applaud it like the best magic trick.
She told me once about getting a drink at a conference with a respected climate scientist and a young doctoral student.
So what do you think will really unfold as climate change progresses? The student had asked.
Rich people will have a less enriched, less pleasurable experience he'd said... and poor people will die.
I've always been undateable, but it's gotten worse since I really learned about climate change.
First date guy: Water in Maine feels cold to me! Wanted to reassure you. ...
Should I text him that paper that shows the northwest Atlantic is warming faster than anywhere else? Um, maybe not?
He ghosted, eventually.
Me & my Planetary Pain go out on a date. So what are your hobbies? Well worry.
The Voyager spacecraft launched into space in 1977, carrying the Golden Record
Human laughter, bird song, Chuck Berry
It also included a message: This is a present from a small distant world, a token of our sounds, our science, our images, our music, our thoughts and our feelings. We are attempting to survive our time so we may live into yours. Jimmy Carter, Preside
The record does not say, dear future beings: We need your guidance. Can you help? I wonder: what does an Earthling do when there are no adults who know the ending?
I tell my climate scientist friend that I can't bring babies into this mess. She pauses not. Oh, you must! She tells me. You will raise some of the leaders to guide us through.
Climate scientists are having climate trauma sessions at their conferences. Some suggestions they've shared: Remember your values. Hug. Don't give up. Walk dogs.
"I mean, that's what growing up is: finding out what our own particular shit is, and telling our friends where it hurts." My friend says. What does it mean to act our age?
"Growing up, and being with our grief, allows us to have a bigger sense of time. A different sense of what it means to accomplish something." Joanna Macy.
But many people will die in Puerto Rico because of our racist president, and I'm powerless, a friend says.
That may prove to be horrifyingly true. And.
What a privilege, guilt.
What is your city council member's name? Is there lead in the water at the school on your block? Where is your local food bank? What are the fights in your most intimate biospheres?
Step onto your sidewalk. I will meet you there. Perrin

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