Overcoming Climate Change Stockholm Syndrome

In 2023 Earth Overshoot Day falls on August 2. 

But what is Earth Overshoot Day you might ask?
Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the Earth can regenerate in that year. To put it in perspective, in 1970 Earth Overshoot Day fell on December 30…

Why is World Overshoot Day falling earlier and earlier each year?

Our overconsumption is a major contributor to Earth Overshoot Day falling on an earlier day each year. Burning fossil fuels to create objects we later sell and buy releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause global temperatures to rise. This leads to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, storms, and floods, which in turn put pressure on our planet’s resources.

People seem indifferent to climate change warnings

Despite the urgency of climate change, many people seem indifferent or even resistant to taking action to mitigate its impacts. One possible explanation is that some people suffer from a psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm Syndrome, which makes them identify with and defend the very system that is harming them.

Stockholm Syndrome is a term coined by Nils Bejerot a Swedish psychiatrist in 1973, after a bank robbery in Stockholm where four hostages developed a positive bond with their captors and refused to cooperate with the authorities. The syndrome is thought to occur when victims of abuse/violence develop emotional ties with their abusers as a coping mechanism and to help them rationalize their situation by denying or minimizing the harm they are in.

Climate change Stockholm syndrome

Some researchers have suggested that Stockholm syndrome can also apply to people’s relationship with the fossil fuel-based economy that is causing climate change. According to this view, people who depend on fossil fuels for their livelihood, comfort and convenience may develop a loyalty to the system that provides them with these benefits, even if they are aware of the negative consequences for themselves and the planet. They may also distrust or reject alternative sources of energy or lifestyles that could reduce their carbon footprint.

But there’s good news!

Stockholm syndrome is not inevitable or irreversible. There are ways to overcome it and foster a more positive and proactive attitude towards climate change.

How people can overcome climate change inaction

One of the ways to overcome climate change Stockholm syndrome is to cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life that transcends materialistic values and goals. Research has shown that people who have a clear sense of purpose are more likely to care about the environment, act in pro-social ways, and cope better with stress and adversity.

Being purpose-driven can also help people find alternative sources of satisfaction and fulfillment that aren’t dependent on fossil fuels or consumerism. For example, people who are passionate about their work, their hobbies, their relationships, or causes they support, may derive more happiness from these activities than from buying or using things. They may also be more motivated to protect and preserve the natural resources and ecosystems that support their well-being and that of others.

Finding your purpose

One of my favourite quotes from bestselling author Simon Sinek is this: "Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion". To me this quote captures the essence of having a purpose in life. When we find something that makes us feel alive, that gives us meaning and direction, we are more likely to enjoy our work and our lives. We are not just doing it for money or recognition, but for ourselves and for a greater cause. Having a purpose in life is not only good for our happiness, but also for our health and well-being.

Ways you can help push back World Overshoot Day

Overcoming Stockholm syndrome and acting on climate change can help push back the date of World Overshoot Day. So, how exactly can we do this?

One way is to discover and pursue our purpose in life. This can be done by reflecting on our values, interests, strengths, and aspirations, and finding ways to align them with the common good. Joining communities of like-minded people can provide support along the way.
By being purpose-driven and passionate about what we do, we can make a positive impact on the world around us.

We can reduce our carbon footprint by making conscious choices about how we live our lives. Here are some examples of the things you can do:

• Instead of purchasing a new item, you can opt for purchasing second-hand, or you can opt to buy an item from a local seller instead of buying from a foreign website.
• Shopping locally is great for the environment as the item doesn’t have to travel as far to arrive to you, which in turn helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and helps your local economy thrive.
• We can support renewable energy sources and sustainable practices. Like for example getting solar panels to power our houses or choosing an energy provider that has renewable energy sources.
• Volunteer for community projects: Get involved in local initiatives that are making a difference in your area. You can join a community garden, a tree planting project, a beach clean-up, a recycling program or any other activity that benefits the environment and the people around you.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn more about the causes and effects of climate change and how you can adapt to them. You can read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or attend workshops on climate change. You can also share your knowledge with others and encourage them to learn more too.
• Look into the seasonality of fruits and vegetables. The earth can’t provide us with every food item all year round. If certain fruits and vegetables are available off season they are most likely being shipped across the world.
• Reuse plastic packaging and buy things like cleaning products or soap in bulk.
• Share the things that worked for you with others, sometimes just by sharing something that works for you, you can convince many people to adapt the same practice.
• Question things and try to find ways to improve your less sustainable habits.

Climate change is a complex challenge that requires collective action

However, it also offers an opportunity for personal growth. By overcoming Stockholm syndrome and becoming purpose-driven, we can contribute to solving the problem while enhancing our own happiness and well-being.
Let’s act today for a better tomorrow!

Reducing our impact, together