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It’s not easy being green — especially when you’re a scientist in an environmental field. Sometimes we’ve been at it for so long we lose sight of the many sympathetic folks and resources that surround us.
But there’s much we can do to find local, national, and international colleagues, and more importantly help the public understand the importance of what we do every day.

Dear Dr. Green,
I’ve been active in the environmental movement ever since high school. I’m a microbiologist studying the ability of bacteria and fungi to break down pollution. I also partner with organizations like Mossy Earth to restore degraded land. I’m seeing a lot of burnout and pessimism in environmentalist circles, but I’m really optimistic about humanity’s odds to beat climate change, habitat destruction, and our other problems. The scientific discoveries I make show me that nature is resilient. I can’t seem to convince anyone, though. My question is: How do people find hope again? Sometimes it feels like I’m carrying a torch in the dark all by my lonesome.
T.F.
Hello T.F.,
First, thank you for your service and dedication to environmentalism. We need people with the optimistic, whole-hearted commitment to our natural world more than ever. Your optimism is invigorating and your work sounds fascinating and fulfilling.
Loneliness seems to be part of the package, too, but you don’t have to feel alone. Like the discoveries you’ve made about nature’s resilience, you need to nurture your own resilience and gather other environmentalists around you in a vibrant collective.
Let’s look at how we can get you more grounded with others who share your values and work ethic and how you can inspire hope in the process.
Start with yourself, then friends and colleagues, and expand from there.
Do you like to write about your ecological science work in language accessible to the public? That might be a great way to contribute to local and regional newspapers’ editorial sections; or contact the editors of regional media and suggest an environmental section if there isn’t one already. Such pieces can get people involved in local issues that affect their health and wealth.
Look for local events like farmers’ markets and monthly town celebrations where you might try having an informational table or booth and meet and greet. It may cost you a bit, but you can set out a donation jar to offset costs and get friends involved to help. The World Wildlife Fund has a great guide on how to host an information booth.
Next, reach out to your circle of professional contacts, groups and colleagues — even if you haven’t talked to them in ages. I’m not a fan of Facebook, but it can be a handy place to seek out old comrades and colleagues in your field, as can other social media platforms or LinkedIn. You mentioned your work with Mossy Earth; did you make connections there? Reach out and find where they are gathering with other environmental scientists. What are some other environmental circles you have worked or participated in?
Consider becoming an educator and mentor for younger folks interested in the work you do.
Young people — and really, anyone at any age — love learning about cool stuff like using bacteria and fungi to destroy pollutants. Mentor school kids: They might want to follow in your footsteps. Look for some public presentation opportunities at your local library, community and youth centers, the YMCA/YWCA, Rotary and other clubs (Lions Club, Elks, Veterans), local outdoors clubs — like hiking, gardening, surfing, boating — churches, schools (especially science classes), and community colleges and universities. These places are always looking for guest speakers or experts.
Develop a PowerPoint projected slideshow, handouts, and other educational materials. Again, a little out-of-pocket cost for screens, projectors, and your time is cheaper than feeling lonely or despairing.
In giving these talks, you’ll meet people and have a chance to enlighten them. Remember to speak in layman’s terms: Explain any concept in simple easy-to-understand language and don’t get in the weeds with overly academic or scientific terms. Focus on the enthusiasm you have for what you do, and the audience will be enthusiastic too.
People can rediscover hope when you show them good news about new developments in environmental science.
Shine a light for everyday people who are not scientists, but who are eco-curious. Communicate to them what you and your colleagues are doing to save the environment, such as with Mossy Earth and other organizations and teams. Your rich experience and optimism will get people engaged.
Scientific achievements mean little to the public unless people in the sciences, like us, get out there and talk about what we’re doing.
Let our readers know how it’s going and ask more questions about the dissemination of scientific work to the public. We want to know how you move forward with this!
See you next time!
Cheers, my friend
Dr. Green

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Disclaimer: This column is not a replacement for therapy, and the advice given is educational in nature, not a replacement for professional psychological or psychiatric therapy. This is a peer-driven support effort by The Revelator to inform and build community with environmental and wildlife defenders.
If you are feeling critically depressed and suicidal, it’s time to immediately find professional help. Go to your closest emergency room or call the following numbers to get immediate help in your area:
SUICIDE HOTLINES
Worldwide: http://www.befrienders.org/support/
United Kingdom: http://www.samaritans.org
USA: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-TALK
Resources:
“Feeling Hopeless About the Climate? Try Our 30-Day Action Plan” (The Revelator)
“Yes, Your Friends and Neighbors Want to Talk to You About Climate Change” (The Revelator)
WWF: “How to Host a Booth or Table at a Community Event”
The Nature Conservancy: “Ways to Get Involved”
Mossy Earth: A Team Restoring Nature & Fighting Climate Change
American Scientist: “12 Tips for Scientists Writing for the General Public” by Katie L. Burke
Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe
What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson