In this installment of CMF Community Voices, Katie Ferriby, CMF/Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Philanthropy Fellow, shares her reflections on the impacts of climate change and how collective action offers hope for the future.
CMF Community Voices features a series of conversations and insights from leaders across our community of philanthropy. This curated collection of blogs and Q&As lifts up inspiring voices from changemakers providing reflections in the areas of Equity, People, Practice and Policy, with equity at the center.
By Katie Ferriby, CMF/Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Philanthropy Fellow
A 2021 global study of 10,000 participants ages 16 to 25 quantified the deep concern young folks have about climate change. Results showed that 75% of respondents think that the “future is frightening.” More concerning, 45% of respondents report that their fears about climate change interfere with their daily functioning. As we witness the impacts of climate change around the world, it is hard to feel anything but despair.
Daily reminders of the consequences of our actions – and government inaction – fuel this feeling. I find myself easily slipping into a doomsday mentality, adjusting my life around what soon will be lost. Although these reactions are perfectly valid to our circumstances, I must remind myself that I cannot be bound by fear.
Every day, I learn more about the incredible efforts made by community organizations to counteract impending disaster. While advocates fight for much-needed policy change, folks on the ground are uniting to care for their neighbors. From cleaning flooded basements to restoring stretches of rivers to helping kids enjoy the outdoors, all examples of community care remind me that there is hope.
We still have agency in our fight against climate change. It is our responsibility to care for our human neighbors and all who live on our planet. Our collective action can change the trajectory of our shared future to ensure future generations inherit more equitable institutions and are part of healthier, thriving communities. The people who choose to work on these issues each day, despite the daunting task, remind me that not all is lost. We still have each other.
At the Erb Family Foundation, Katie is supporting the Great Lakes grantmaking program team. Connect with Katie.
CMF’s fellowship program, sponsored by CMF members, is designed to support emerging leaders with the experience and skills to advance their careers in the sector while making meaningful contributions to their home foundation and the larger nonprofit community. Each cohort of fellows supports areas of work at their sponsoring foundation and receives comprehensive, wrap-around professional development support from CMF. Learn more.
