5 (Very Important) Reasons Your Climate Actions Matter
How to keep showing up even when you doubt your power to make a difference.
The Art of Influencing Change
I know the thought of changing the world can be tantalizing.
It’s like we deep inside know we can make an impact, but when the daily impression is that our actions are tiny compared to the political influence of the few, not to mention the power of dirty industries, it’s hard not to get discouraged.
Move on to trying to influence your aunt (or yet — your partner) to live more sustainably, and suddenly you feel like your feet have dug themselves twelve inches into the ground.
You’re not even snailing in your efforts anymore, you’re sinking.
I get it, feeling like our small actions don’t matter is normal. I would even go as far as to say it’s justified. Because, to play the devil’s advocate here, they don’t measure much when it comes to the stubbornly rooted systems we exist within.
However, and here’s the beautiful caveat, they actually do.
This is why we cannot afford to give in to the thinking that we don’t matter, especially in a time when we matter more than ever before!
Here are five (very important) reasons your actions matter
1. They make you feel better
Taking climate action helps counter feelings of helplessness and despair. When you make a conscious choice (like biking instead of driving, or eating more plant-based meals) you remind yourself that you do have agency. These small choices become daily acts of empowerment, helping to reduce eco-anxiety and boost mental well-being through a sense of purpose and alignment with your values.
2. They build character
Sustainable living often asks us to pause, reflect, and choose differently. By taking personal responsibility, we are forced to reckon with who we want to be and the changes we want to believe in. That process strengthens qualities like resilience, patience, creativity, and integrity. We also show up differently in conversations with others, and what we pay attention to will shift. We are not just asking for change, we’re becoming it.
3. They plant seeds
Every climate-conscious choice is both a message and an invitation — to friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. When others witness your actions, it can spark curiosity or inspire change, whether or not you see it instantly. When you actively choose to be something different, you will stand out a little at first, but know you’re planting seeds. People come to awareness at their own time, and the more seeds you plant, the faster we can start growing something new together!
4. They shift norms and culture
Cultural change begins at the individual level. What feels “radical” today can become tomorrow’s new normal, simply because more people start doing it. Whether it’s carrying a reusable water bottle or choosing to fly less, consistent personal choices help redefine what’s considered acceptable, aspirational, or necessary in society.
5. They build community and belonging
Individual actions open the door to collective ones. By living your values, you naturally connect with others who care too. This shared purpose fosters community, collaboration, and a sense of belonging that’s deeply needed in the climate movement. We realize we’re not alone — and that’s a powerful motivator to keep going.
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