Climate Activism and Burnout
Climate activist burnout is problematic and threatens the strength and effectiveness of the climate movement. Activists’ efforts are making a difference but haven’t manifested in the changes needed on policy and societal levels to secure a habitable Earth and a safe future for everyone. Decision-makers continue to ignore and minimize the demands of activists, and it’s logical to stop trying after doing activism for a while.
It’s important that activists find ways to self-sustain in order to continue pushing for political action and societal change without becoming overly self-sacrificial.
Activist burnout can also result from trauma. We are all probably living with some level of trauma as we witness extreme weather events around the globe or experience them ourselves. Being an activist means choosing to open ourselves to vicarious trauma by staying informed and exposed to climate disasters and the resulting suffering and loss of life of plants, humans, and animals. This can lead to compassion-fatigue and ultimately burnout.
Here are some ideas to avoid activism burnout:
If you join a climate or activist group, find a group that’s a good fit for you. Make sure you’re okay with the leadership, decision-making procedures, and the overall culture of the group. Nonviolent communication, conflict resolution processes, and a culture based on promoting equity and gratitude are all good signs. If you are an introvert, you might prefer to do climate activism from home or in a smaller group.
Boundaries and self-care are very important for the well-being of activists. Resting, exercise, getting outside, eating well, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and connecting with supportive people can help prevent burnout. Learning to say no, cutting back on reading bad news, and taking activism breaks can also help. Personally, I look at and create art to process and find joy & beauty in a world that’s increasingly dystopic.
Read a roundup of the headlines:
“I used to think burnout wouldn’t affect me, that I could push so hard, invest so much, and be OK. I thought because I was fighting for something bigger than me, because I believed so strongly in our ability to pull ourselves out of the climate crisis, that I could keep burnout at bay.
Turns out I was wrong. And it’s not just me. There are lots of young activists who invest a lot and work really hard, only to get burned out. Activists like Jamie Margolin and Leah Thomas have been open about the effect that climate activism can have on mental health, and I know from personal conversations with other young people that they, too, deal with burnout and feelings of disillusionment due to leaders’ lack of action.”
Yes Magazine, Don’t Let Youth Climate Activists Like Me Burn Out
“Activism burnout is particularly rife among Black racial justice activists, not only because they are fighting a centuries-old fight, but they're also experiencing something called racial battle fatigue, which Gorski says is the "cumulative impact of experiencing racism day to day.”…
"A lot of the racial justice activists of color we interviewed were pointing to white activists as one of their primary sources of burnout, dealing with the attitudes and behaviors of white allies," Gorski added...
It's really prioritizing yourself, which many people are uncomfortable with, especially people who are activists, who really are selfless and give everything that they have to others, to their movement, to what they believe in," Hairston said. "But you really also have to protect and preserve yourself, because if you don't, you'll have nothing left to give.’”
NPR, Black Activist Burnout: 'You Can't Do This Work If You're Running On Empty'
“Before anything else is said, I want to make it clear that taking time for yourself—to heal, to mourn, to recharge, whatever it is—isn’t just okay, it is a necessary part of activism. Ray, in her book A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety, writes, “To burn out trying to resist a system that is fueled by burning things out is not resistance.” Every one of us will get tired or distracted or disheartened at some point in our journeys as activist citizens and designers; after all, if what we are fighting for was easy to achieve, we wouldn’t have to be so, well, active. Burnout though may lead to cynicism, despair, or even a desire to abandon the cause.
Supporting others as they act is activism as well. Not everyone can be at the front of the pack all of the time. We all have moments where we need to be taken care of, especially in those moments when we are putting ourselves on the line to help others. Bringing pro-choice protesters water on a hot day is activism, reminding your friend who has been designing websites with resources for LGBTQ+ advocates to get up, take a walk and enjoy the outdoors is activism. Enabling those who, at the moment, can be at the front of the pack to lead, is activism. It isn't a lesser form of activism, it is just as important—it may be less glamorous, but that is our fault for fetishizing the big, flashy leadership roles. Remember that “burning…out is not resistance.” Trying to do everything all the time isn't a heroic goal. The problems we face are too big for each of us to go at them individually. Accept support. Offer it. Rest. We need you rested up, not at the end of your rope.”
Climate Designers.org, Rest and Resistance
‘We offer uplifting and nurturing community-building activities, articles, stories, and programs to give voice and support to those who share our passion for a sustainable, flourishing, nature-connected future.”
“Talk to anyone who works on climate change—whether they’re an activist, a scientist, or a writer—and you’ll hear the same thing. They’re tired. They’re tired of the inadequate climate policy, sure, but they’re also tired of how they’re treated. Climate work is often thankless work…It’s why Tamara Toles O’Laughlin launched her organization Climate Critical Earth: to transform the operational and emotional workings of climate and environmental organizations—and the individuals in them. She has over 20 years of experience in this field, so she knows firsthand the challenges that exist and how to overcome them.”
Atmos, The Environmental Movement Faces Burnout. This Woman Wants to Repair That
“Learn when to step back and say no.
At the end of the day, it’s important to know when you are stretched beyond your mental, emotional and psychological means.
Taking on more work than you are capable of handling may seem like the “right” thing to do in the moment, but it can end in burnout. Listening to your body and knowing when to say no could be the difference between preserving your mental and emotional health and suffering through the inherent stress that accompanies the role of a dedicated activist. After all, a burnt out activist isn't much good to anyone.”
Rewire, Here's How to Recover from Activism Burnout
More reading & resources:
Thomas Huebl, What the Climate Movement Can Learn From Collective Trauma Healing
Amnesty, How activists and reporters can protect themselves from secondary trauma
Popsugar Fitness, How Can Activists Take Care of Their Mental Health?
Laurence Cox, National University of Ireland Maynooth, How do we keep going? Activist burnout and personal sustainability in social movements
Activist-Trauma Support, Activist Trauma Support
1 Million Women, A Self Care Guide To Helping The Planet
Climate & Mind, Climate Circle