Why I quit being a climate activist

Climate activism is an uphill battle, one that at times feels like you are only gaining inches in the ground, or even worse, being set back. Many climate activists put their heart and soul into the movement, and the troubling fact remains, greenhouse gas emissions are continuing to rise.

This causes a progressively disastrous effect on the environment at large and makes the effort put into activism feel marginal at best.

• Burnout

Climate activism requires a lot of effort, and when your efforts aren't rewarded with significant change, it can cause burnout. This field can be extremely draining mentally and emotionally. The scale of the problem can seem insurmountable and the slow rate at which positive changes are made can also be frustrating.

Many can feel exhausted by their efforts, especially since we haven't been gaining much meaningful ground.

• Being disillusioned

Climate activism can also be very complex in terms of the different groups that participate in the process. Many groups have differences in terms of solutions and strategies, this can make it hard to work together towards real and significant change on the issue.

Lack of progress and not aligning with other climate groups can cause disillusionment, even for passionate individuals.

• Personal situations

Some climate activists quit because of their own circumstances. The time it takes to work on effective activism can be long. This may prevent some from spending time with family members and friends. It can also detract from career goals and even inhibit an individual's ability to start a family of their own. Some other common reasons in this area include:

• Family situations

• Personal health issues

• Lack of appropriate time and energy

• Shifting priorities

• Changes in employment or careers