Recently, I was sitting in the lecture hall when my professor began discussing the wickedness of wicked problems. Wicked problems are “unsolvable”. Problems that, when you address them, are likely to lead to a whole new string of problems. Honestly, I felt overwhelmed because it is very true that trying to live a climate-friendly lifestyle unleashes a whole other monster, especially in current times, when the effects of climate change are no longer hidden or confined to some parts of the world. That’s the thing about nature’s wrath: it shows no favouritism.
Globally, we are experiencing first-hand the implications of our actions as humans on Earth. Of course, some countries are being affected more harshly than others, but the point remains the same: we are all being affected. Originally from the Caribbean, I have lived through intensified, frequent climate impacts, including very “angry” hurricanes and floods. I have also seen the hardships faced by nearby Caribbean countries that have lost so much to natural disasters. Now, in Europe, I am living through weather anomalies. I mean, we can all agree that last week’s heat wave, which impacted France, the Netherlands, the UK, and other European countries, was certainly not normal. And while I am very aware that being reminded of the ongoing climate impacts stimulates many emotions, I felt it necessary to acknowledge the anger, frustration, anxiety, and, oftentimes, silent sadness that shadow those of us who care so deeply about our planet or about making a difference.
Wanting, no, needing a hug as I was immersed in that feeling of overwhelm, I began to reflect on the lessons I learned after reading the most recent book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series. Without spoiling, In the book’s very first chapter, a quote by one of the characters implicitly addresses self-fulfilling prophecies. This character was making a case for believing that change is possible, saying, “And that’s part of our trouble. Thinking things are inevitable and not believing in change”. If you’ve read the book, you probably understand why this little quote is so significant, especially when we reflect on our feelings about climate change and how they ebb and flow. Sometimes, the emotions abruptly strike us in the face, and we feel defeated. In these moments, it is also important to remember that it takes a few pounds with a hammer to break down a wall .
Which brings me to my final point. The biggest takeaway after finishing this book was not its individual ending, but rather how the entire series came together. Similar to events in today’s world (including the climate crisis), I think the series highlighted the complexities of humanity from a socio-psychological perspective. It illustrated how economic priorities shaped that world, and that only certain groups reaped the benefits. It showed how some groups within that society wielded such strong influence that they shaped how the society thought and functioned. The story also demonstrated how the media can be manipulated to tell a particular story.
most importantly, it showed that there were people, throughout the 75-year period, who were displeased with the system and tried to make a change. Each person probably felt defeated and unsure whether true change would ever be possible; those people were unable to see their individual impact. But here’s the thing: all those people who took action, in whatever way, whether through information, education, or rebellion, played their role which ultimately led to a revolution. It was beautiful to read and reflect on the process of change in this way. Not only was I able to visualise how change could happen, but deep in my heart I believed change will happen in this world too.
Still, I am compelled to say that in the midst of current chaos, it is so difficult to see the overall good of a small contribution. But what the Hunger Games Series did so poetically was provide a gentle reminder that true change takes time. And just because the wall hasn’t fallen yet doesn’t mean it is standing as strong as it was before the hammer’s first blow.
