Last Sunday, I cried while reading this article in which David Suzuki tells us “It’s too late”. I sat in my favourite café near the beach, sipping coffee from my reusable cup quietly weeping for humanity. The young staff member at the next table – probably in her twenties – likely thought I was an old hippie nut. I don’t blame her; I totally am.

One moment, I was in awe of our beautiful nature – the beaches, the vibrant joy of people walking and breathing in the ocean air, feeling gloriously alive. 

The next, I was in deep despair for humanity. For our incomprehensible stupidity. For the current generation of unconscious TikTok kids, who will find out – sooner or later – and turn angry as they battle through this forever changed world. I’ve always admired David Suzuki and his life’s work. I loved his optimism and hope. But now that’s gone. Poof! 

And if I’m completely honest, I’ve secretly felt the same way over the last few months- like we’re beyond saving, like we’ve gone too far for too long. Hearing Mr Suzuki voice my deepest fears struck a nerve in me. – That buried dread that everything we (the sustainability/waste/environmental warriors) do might be fruitless. That we might be pouring our lives into a cause already lost.

Sitting there in that café, I genuinely had no idea how to end this post. How do I give you hope I don’t feel myself? How do I keep going without feeling like a fraud? How do I find joy while letting myself feel this overwhelming sadness? The next day, I decided not to share this post. Because sharing only despair isn’t helpful – at least not to anyone else.

So instead, I researched what IS actually helpful for climate anxiety, and how to understand and deal with it. So here it goes: 

How to Cope With Climate Anxiety

1. Acknowledge and validate your feelings

• Recognise that climate anxiety is a normal response to the shit*uckery of a situation we now find ourselves in.
• Don’t dismiss or invalidate your emotions — acknowledge and name them. (I personally like to write them down in my journal.)
• Feel what you feel. It’s normal to feel down, worried, and angry – sometimes all at once. Let yourself cry, or punch a pillow. Just let it out.

2. Limit exposure to scary news

• Avoid media full of nonsense and misinformation. I haven’t watched the regular news in years, and the moment Trump’s dumb face pops up in my feed, I B2B (block to burn).
• Stop doomscrolling on Instagram and unfollow any catastrophising content creators.
• Instead follow legit climate news, like Carbon Brief, and real scientists (I like Simon Clark and Dr Gilbz).
• Connecting with fellow climate warriors on LinkedIn and celebrating their wins helps too.

3. Take action IRL (in real life)

• Channel your anxiety into something constructive: collect coffee grounds from your local café, start a movement, declutter your shed, or sign a petition.
• Start with what excites You – upcycling, planting trees, composting organics, whatever.  

4. Connect with like-minded humanoids

• Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your worries.
• Join climate action or Facebook groups like Zero Waste WA, or come to one of our Circular Economy meetups.
• You’re not alone in feeling this way—connection really helps, according to ReachOut Australia.

5. Practice self-care

• Spend time in nature, do yoga, meditate, or find new fun hobbies. (I just took up swing dancing at the Juan Rando Academy.)
• Remember – if you’re burnt out, you can’t help anyone else.

6. Focus on solutions and progress made

• Start local – get inspired by the climate solutions in your area. By the way, the Waste Sorted finalists for 2025 were just announced! . Come meet them at the Waste Sorted Awards night.
• Keep an eye on the progress happening and the potential for a better, sustainable future. (Also, Damon Gameau has a new film out this weekend, August 8th at Luna – Future Council. Who’s coming?)

But here’s the thing, Eveline: I feel much better now.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve run seven workshops and connected with over a hundred humans who care. Seeing their genuine interest, hearing their stories, and watching their excitement to bring sustainable action home to their own friends and families made me feel useful again.

I may not be able to build Rome – no one Shark can. But maybe, just maybe, I’ve helped to create a few ripple effects in the ocean too.

And if you’re reading this, know you’re part of that ripple too, Eveline! So let’s keep inspiring (and leaning on) each other, even on the days when hope feels hard to find.

Here’s to small actions, shared stories, and a hopeful future.

As always, your feedback and questions are what I feed on.

Your
Donut Shark  

PS: If you’d like to inspire your staff, colleagues, or local community, email me and I’ll send you my workshop flyer today. 😉

PS2: My friend just sent me this Insta video of Suzuki talking to his daughter. Get your tissues at ready – you’ve been warned! 

PS3: Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out on fun stories like this one. 😉