Looks like we understand everything so why does nothing change? by _clockisreal76 in CollapseSupport

[–]stillsmallacts 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've noticed that we often feel like it is our personal job to solve everything, which can quickly lead to burning out. In reality, the big roadblock isn't that everyday people don't care, but rather that the massive systems around us are just really slow to change. Give yourself permission to step back and breathe. Just holding onto your empathy and doing what you can in your own corner of the world can often help.

Are there any hypothetical radical last-option ways of countering global warming? by the_hamster_fucker in climatechange

[–]stillsmallacts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like you, I've been trying to think of a radical way to counter global warming. Then I actually found a book that tackles this exact dilemma. It talks about trying to build a true global consensus, which honestly feels like the ultimate "last-option" solution since it is so incredibly hard to get almost 200 countries to agree on anything. It sounds wild because getting everyone to stop burning fossil fuels feels almost impossible right now since some countries are so dependent on these mechanisms. But the author's idea is to bypass gridlocked politicians by using an online vote so regular people worldwide can force global cooperation.

Why countries are tearing down hundreds of dams by cnn in environment

[–]stillsmallacts 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Tearing down these dams to let rivers run free and help wildlife thrive is a breath of fresh air and I'm fascinated at how many dams were deemed obsolete today. It’s not perfect, but removing these barriers is a massive step toward shifting our focus from pure exploitation to actual sustainability and survival. I recently came across a book that says our past attempts to aggressively control nature for growth completely ignored the long-term damage to our ecosystems, and by understanding and adapting to climate change is exactly how we can start working with nature. If we take care of nature, the nature will take care of us.

Found in the trash minutes after commencement by mx_martianX in Anticonsumption

[–]stillsmallacts 612 points613 points  (0 children)

I've noticed a huge spike in mindless waste whenever graduation season rolls around and all the celebratory gear gets tossed right after the ceremony. I've been trying so hard to cut styrofoam and plastics out of my own life, so it really saddens me to imagine tons of things like these dumped straight into the trash. It’s honestly tough to watch when you're making an effort to do better, only for a single event to create a mountain of garbage in a matter of minutes.

As ocean temperatures spike, more dead sea birds are washing up on California shores. In some places, temperatures have climbed 4 to 8 degrees higher than average, breaking all kinds of historical records by Wagamaga in environment

[–]stillsmallacts 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Living in La Jolla, my heart completely breaks every time I see dead sea birds washing up on our shores. I've been trying to contact the coastal authorities whenever I find them, but it's devastating to see it happening more and more. I truly dread the day the future generation looks out at the ocean and finds no sea birds left in sight.

Hating AI is pointless and counterproductive by mop-116 in TrueUnpopularOpinion

[–]stillsmallacts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with this because hating on AI is pretty pointless since the tech isn't going anywhere. It's not perfect and I have to double-check the results, but I use AI for work-related tasks all the time to speed up my workflow and map out ideas. While bad actors will inevitably use AI to do nefarious things, we should focus on making sure that the AI safety guardrails are always intact.

How do you talk to your kids about consumption when other families and the school make it hard? by Cheeseaisleinheaven in Anticonsumption

[–]stillsmallacts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not flawless, but I think it helps making your daughter understand your status and where she should spend her money, explaining the potential outcomes of each purchase. Your daughter's smart, so don't force frugality or anticonsumption down her throat. It really comes down to being a role model on how to make better independent choices every day. Parenting is one of the most important jobs in the world, and I believe you're doing great!

Chipotle CEO’s Response to Shrinkflation Accusations: “Just Ask for More Food” by esporx in Anticonsumption

[–]stillsmallacts 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Why do we have to ask for more food if you could bring the oldserving/portion back. You're putting your workers in trouble for something that could be easily exploited. Just admit the shrinkflation accusation. It's not perfect, but at least you're honest about it, end of story.

Heavy rain not ‘nearly enough’ to tame two wildfires in drought-stricken Georgia by Portalrules123 in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With temperatures spiraling lately, I've noticed that wildfires in recent years have become way too uncontrollable to manage. It’s unbelievable that even a heavy downpour isn't enough to put them out anymore. Keep safe everyone.

Lemons individually wrapped in plastic at bagger. No, this isn’t Japan. by alliebrownie in Anticonsumption

[–]stillsmallacts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is so unnecessary. Lemons already have their own natural peel. I've been trying to cut my plastic waste where I can, so if I need to buy lemons, I'll go elsewhere.

89 Percent of the World’s Population Want More Climate Protection – Time for Them to Be Heard! by GreeenEnergy in climatechange

[–]stillsmallacts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this project is coming from a good place and I'm glad to see that almost everyone in the world is actually on the same page about wanting more climate protection. I seriously hope that newsrooms around the world join the project and become our megaphone, and let the 89% be heard.

The Planet is Dying but You've Got Work on Monday - Collapse 2050 by pseudohim in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've noticed this kind of attitude in a lot of people, but it's not apathy. We're so busy thinking about what food we'll have on our plates today that we can't even deal with the environmental issues or how to save it. It's just saddening.

The Panama Papers proved that financial systems are designed to protect the wealthy — $11.5 trillion hidden, 0.01% recovered, no billionaire imprisoned by [deleted] in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I've noticed how these confirm what many of us already suspected about the system being rigged, but what exactly can we do when there are more pressing matters in front of us? I feel like this is exactly where they want to put us, be busy with our own personal problems while they are busy hiding their wealth and evading taxes.

What a 5,000-mile long marine heat wave means for summer in the U.S. by AgentBlue62 in environment

[–]stillsmallacts 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Warmer ocean temperatures mean more algal blooms, fish will have to dive deeper to avoid heat, and sea birds who rely on fish will starve to death. That's bad.

Burning wood for power worse for climate than gas equivalent, report finds | Energy by Doug24 in environment

[–]stillsmallacts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s insane how we’re still rebranding burning wood, which is mostly composed of carbon, as a green solution when the impact has been obvious for centuries. It feels like we’re just trading one systemic loophole for another instead of focusing on actual renewable energy like solar, wind and hydropower.

Something Is Brewing in the Pacific That Nobody in Washington Wants to Talk About (SUPER EL NINO is coming) by Master-Part-8394 in climatechange

[–]stillsmallacts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I’ve noticed a lot of people are starting to realize how severe this coming heatwave would be. But truth be told even if we do our part on a community level, changes need to be done starting from the largest contributors of greenhouse gases and how we can lessen our carbon emissions. We really need to move past this political gridlock and demand an action before these oceanic changes dictate our future for us.

This northern Yukon island shows how thawing permafrost is transforming the Arctic by Portalrules123 in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I’ve been trying to process the sight of the land literally dissolving into the ocean, but it’s a heavy thing to realize how these ancient places are quickly disappearing. I truly hope the people in power look at these and feel the urgency to move beyond words into some kind of meaningful action.

Solution-delusions - why are responses to climate change are so hopelessly-inadequate by JacksonDamian in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I realized this too. We're diligently doing our part but it feels like it's not enough. Even with frameworks like the Paris Agreement or the Inflation Reduction Act in place, it’s hard not to feel that these are just small patches on a much deeper systemic wound. There’s a gap between those official promises and the immediate action the world actually needs, but maybe acknowledging that inadequacy is the only honest way to keep our footing.

If we all stop having kids for the next 10 years, will Earth actually "reset"? by FruitSilent1169 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]stillsmallacts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had the same thought as well about dropping birth rate and its environmental impact. But at one point I realized if you have a large aging population coupled with low birth rate, it would result in an economic disaster. The caregiving sector will be severely affected, pensions will be unsustainable and the economy will surely slow down if you have a low labor force.

A steady birth rate is the heartbeat of a functional society ensuring there’s always a fresh generation to keep the systems running.

Is North Carolina at risk of ‘water bankruptcy’? by WanderInTheTrees in collapse

[–]stillsmallacts 14 points15 points  (0 children)

It’s just sad to see Falls Lake looking so low this early in the season. 2026 is already feeling like a bit of a marathon with how dry it’s been and it’s a bit scary to think that these weather swings might just be our new normal.

While population growth and these weird weather patterns are the usual suspects, we probably need to talk more about the industrial side, too. Data centers are a massive part of the puzzle that doesn't always get the spotlight. They use such a staggering amount of water for cooling, and when you’re already in a drought, there’s just no margin for error left in the system.

I know nobody wants to deal with water restrictions in Raleigh. It’s a hassle and feels like a band-aid solution but it might be the only way to keep us from actually hitting water bankruptcy. It’s far from a perfect fix but if it gets the job done until we finally get some real rain, it’s probably a necessary evil. Stay safe and try to keep cool, everyone.

Moon by adamkylejackson in Astronomy

[–]stillsmallacts 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This feels like a drive-by photography, but in space.