Since 2018, I have been observing how people have become more planet-conscious:
Most folks who learned of climate change wanted to act on it directly.
At Workplaces
People who believed that entrepreneurship could positively affect the ecosystem chose to make a direct impact—they launched purpose-led businesses. These ventures focused on the triple bottom line: the planet, profits, and people.
Industry leaders have taken to pro-bono mentoring and coaching the younger generation.
Professionals who still wanted to stick to a 9-to-5 and contribute to a more significant cause moved to more impact-based roles within their organisations—they changed departments, upskilled a little, and changed roles or found new jobs in the Climate or Sustainability industries.
Some others figured out that they could impact their existing roles by becoming more planet- and people-conscious, showing that change can happen from within.
Lately, I’ve seen many corporate folks doing 10k marathons for climate, doing more climate walks, or entering sporting challenges for the planet.
At the Personal front
For the older generations over 30s, the path to climate action has led them to civic action. They have formed or joined groups that directly engage with civic governance, waste management, organic gardening or farming, thrifting, animal rescue, or beach clean-ups. These individuals are not just acting alone but are part of a larger community that is making a difference.
Many have joined online peer communities supporting the transition to sustainable and mindful lifestyles, showing that change can be a collective effort. By tipping the supply-demand status quo, they could more strategically counter greenwashing.
I remember many who wanted to reject the existing system, moving to suburbs and small towns to homestead or get into solo or community farming.
Lately, Gen X and Millennial parents are involving their children in climate action (either at school or in townships). On that note, several student-run climate activism groups in India are getting more attention.
People (like me) found their calling in advocacy, so they run independent media (blogs, podcasts, music, theatre, films and documentaries, informational communities, and events) to encourage thought-provoking and political discussions while advocating for the planet.
Some with busy work schedules took up mindful, professional hobbies like upcycling or creating art from waste to demonstrate their advocacy.
Moving the money to disrupt systems
Genuine interest is rising in early-stage impact investments (as one of the options for people who want to support home-grown, local businesses and startups instead of putting all their savings in stocks, government funds and real estate.
However, I want to see how this pans out since profitable impact-led businesses and startups are yet to become commonplace, and smooth exits are unlikely.