There are five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Social scientists would not be surprised by our collective response to global crises like pandemics or climate emergencies. Though we all experience grief, we process it differently. Grieving is not an easy undertaking, and the path to acceptance is mentally, physically and emotionally debilitating. We don’t arrive at the same place simultaneously. Some of us won’t ever transition through every stage, an achievement critical to dealing with life-threatening global events like Covid. Therefore, the burden of action falls on those at the acceptance stage.
We can employ several strategies to help the stragglers, and as a parent, tough love comes to mind. The Oxford dictionary defines tough love as the ‘promotion of a person’s welfare, especially that of an addict, child, or criminal, by enforcing certain constraints on them or requiring them to take responsibility for their actions. Interestingly the North American definition is perhaps more appropriate ‘a political policy designed to encourage self-help by restricting state benefits.’ In Canada, tough love policies regarding vaccination are evolving in real-time. From December 4, 2020, to December 25, 2021, the unvaccinated represented 91% of Covid hospitalizations and 89.5% of Covid related death. Despite the science and aggressive vaccination campaigns, this group has not accepted Covid reality and lives between denial and depression on the grief spectrum. It’s not a reason to be angry, but it is time to consider the practical steps to fast-track the grieving process for as many as possible. In Quebec, 10% of the unvaccinated account for 50% of ICU beds at the cost of $50,000 per patient. Facing increasing bed and staff shortages due to unvaccinated Covid patients, the Quebec government expanded proof of vaccination requirements to include the purchase of liquor or cannabis. The daily vaccination rate grew by 400% the next day. Subsequently (and perhaps inspired by success), the Quebec government announced a vaccine tax; vaccination bookings increased exponentially. These actions are excellent examples of tough love as they protect both the individual and society from significant pain and suffering through reasonable incentives and consequences.
We can learn a lot about society and our reaction to the climate crisis from the pandemic. We are collectively grieving the potential death of our planet at different stages. Unfortunately, this includes our governments, who have remained in the early stages of grief for far too long. Facts are not the only decision drivers, and our leaders and citizens must consider this. We are emotional beings, and we need help grieving our sick planet and the destruction we have caused.
In January, The Conversation published an article penned by three climate scientists who are justifiably fed up with the global lack of climate action. They posit three ways forward, none of which are desirable. They are 1. Collect more evidence and hope for action (been there done that), 2. Migrate attention away from evidence towards social more intensive social research and climate advocacy (too little, too late) and 3. Call for a moratorium on climate change research until governments act. (We know without a doubt that the ‘asteroid’ is coming). The question looms. How do those who have accepted the science and processed their grief help others?
Quebec’s tough love strategy comes to mind. Globally, society has made many sacrifices throughout this pandemic. We have followed the advice of scientific experts and the rules of our local government. We reacted quickly and decisively in a manner that would have been unimaginable three years ago. Many of us sacrificed our livelihoods and many more their lives. Our healthcare and front-line workers brave the Covid battle every day despite exhaustion, depression, fear, and devastating losses among their ranks. We took our responsibilities seriously and collectively adjusted to the new normal. We tackled the problem together, and because of that, we survived. The challenge of climate change is no different. We know the science; we need direction from the growing global troops who understand there is nothing left to do but put one foot in front of the other and move forward, despite short-term sacrifice. History proves that the vast majority will get in line and follow strong leadership for a collective cause – especially when it comes to self-preservation.
The irony is that the changes we need to make to preserve life on this planet are far more palatable than the adjustments we needed to make throughout the pandemic, yet we continue to drag our feet. The inaction is clearly on the shoulders of our leaders, who we now know will lay down the gauntlet when they need to, but in this case, they may not have completed the necessary grieving process.
What specifically do climate emissaries need to do? There are a few first steps, including taking personal action. Join environmental organizations, read reputable news, sign petitions and contact your local government to demand change. In short, develop your voice on the issue. The asks are reasonable and well summed up by the David Suzuki clan. It pretty much boils down to climate justice, legal accountability, the end of fossil fuel subsidies, emission reductions and a just transition for anyone affected by the changes. It’s fair, actionable and doesn’t tank the economy.
Lastly, understand each political party’s agenda regarding climate policy, fact-check it and hold them accountable for executing their plan, especially the climate leaders within the party. And perhaps most importantly, connect with people emotionally on the topic. Ask questions, dig a little deeper. Provide the emotional support people need to move through the grieving process. The reality is that as more of us move towards acceptance, the voices demanding climate justice will amplify, and our leaders will listen. Education, caring, empathy and support are underrated assets in the Covid and climate fight. And as for our woke government leaders? We need your love. Tough love. Now.
Photo Credit Daria Shevtsova
Brand for Benefit is a visionary marketing agency that services sustainable, socially responsible clients. Over twenty years of experience building #1 brands.
