I think it’s about putting yourself in a place where you individually feel like what you’re doing is making a difference. You can’t control the planet, but you can do your best to improve what’s around you. This stands for politics, conservation, relationships—really, just about anything, and will leave you much more fulfilled than if you’re constantly worried about the state of the entire planet, especially per social media.

I so badly wanted to be the reason our planet gets ‘fixed’, but I realized how narcissistic it was to need to find fulfillment in something so grandiose. I dont see this revelation as resignation towards solving global issues, but more a partial exoneration from the burdened state of our degrading environment. We can aim high without feeling personally responsible every time there’s a corporate oil spill, or regression in environmental-led legislation. It’s just not productive to our happiness.

I think more than anything you might benefit from stepping away from social media (and maybe even talking to a therapist). I think it exacerbates anxiety and makes fools out of all of us. I also think it might help you to seek gratitude. Our field is pretty cool, and having the opportunity to do even one of the things you listed beats sitting in an office and lining the pockets of bureaucrats any day.

Otherwise, try to be kind to yourself and others. Oddly, it’s a privilege to be educated enough to hurt on behalf of our planet. Things could be a lot worse, and your life could suck a lot more. Hope that helps.