A recent global survey led by Bath University across ten countries found that nearly 60% of today's youth experience extreme anxiety about the environment, and an alarming 45% claimed that feelings about climate change affected their daily lives. Environmental anxiety has been on the rise for a while now and has been exacerbated by the continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Psychologists around the world have been struggling to handle this new kind of anxiety and mental health concern. They believe that the most effective way of combating these emotions is by taking action.
If you, too, are struggling for ways to contribute and need some guidance, read on as we share some actionable steps such as ecological volunteering that you can take right now:
1. Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife volunteering is one of the ways you can contribute your time to help the environment. And the opportunities for wildlife volunteering are spread across rural and urban areas, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Some organisations offer both residential and fundraising opportunities. You can also join your local wildlife trust and involve yourself in activities such as GPS mapping, hedge laying etc.
2. Marine Conservation
Volunteering for marine conservation is another way to make a direct impact on environmental conservation while protecting the world’s oceans. As a marine volunteer, you will be working in a variety of areas. You could be involved in taking biodiversity surveys through various activities like diving expeditions, collecting information that is used to influence marine conservation plans and promote environmental education among various communities at the grassroots level. This hands-on interaction with marine life will give you a greater appreciation and understanding of the beauty and importance of the marine ecosystem.
3. Climate Change Volunteering
A great way to get involved in climate change volunteering is by seeking opportunities to work with organisations that are involved in planting trees. Trees are the living, breathing lungs of the world and an important tool that balances the climate. Trees offset carbon emissions, decrease soil erosion and provide food and habitat for wildlife. Involve yourself in community projects and national or international organisations that actively work to preserve the world's forests and trees.
4. Cleanup Volunteering
When we talk about cleanup volunteering, we don't just mean the obvious, that is- cleaning up litter or garbage. We are also talking about volunteering with organisations that conduct structured and in-depth ocean pollution cleanup, river cleanups, removing physical hazards for wildlife and cleaning groundwater, woody areas, fragile ecosystems etc. The best part is that you can get to experience the direct, immediate and visible efforts of your hard work.
5. Work with Advocacy Organisations
Ecological volunteering doesn't just involve hands-on efforts like the ones listed above. You can also align yourself with advocacy organisations that spread the word regarding environmental preservation. Joining international and national environmental organisations are great places to start. If you are somebody who is skilled at writing and talking, you can use that to help organisations collect data, sign petitions, conduct surveys, write and promote content relating to the environment etc.
To Wrap-Up
Ecological volunteering and climate change volunteering are not only great ways of achieving environmental conservation goals but also help build the strength of communities, provide practical experience in the field and provide an outlet for environment and climate change-related anxieties. The key is to be consistent and persistent in one's volunteering efforts and spread the knowledge and awareness gained.