thehe recent victory of Donald Trump in the American presidential elections, he who reaffirmed the return to fossil fuels and the rejection of multilateral agreements, can make daily practices aimed at protecting the environment ridiculous: separate waste collection, composting, buying in bulk, avoiding airplanes , systematic reuse practices, renunciation of meat consumption… What is the point of persevering in these eco-gestures if the world’s leading power brazenly distances itself from its climate obligations – and the seventh, France, does not resolutely commit to respect them?
This issue seems particularly thorny for climate workers, who are presumed to be sensitive to the issue and its dependence on national and international public policies. A recent sociological study carried out by Giuseppe Cugnata, Maxime Gaborit and Yann Le Lann and published in the journal Contemporary societies he was interested in the practice and persistence of eco-gestures among climate march participants.
The investigation is based on a questionnaire filled out by almost 400 protesters and 36 additional interviews conducted. It reveals, first, that eco-gestures are frequent followers of eco-gestures, even if applied unevenly depending on the eco-gestures involved and the social properties of hikers. Over 80% of those interviewed change their diet, 79% regularly choose to buy second-hand goods and 54% say they have already given up flying for ecological reasons.
Virtuous individual choices
If the daily commitment translates into slightly restrictive actions (waste separation, purchase of seasonal fruit, etc.), it is often analyzed as quite transversal to the right-left political spectrum. A more intense commitment, which combines most of the eco-gestures identified in the survey, is instead anchored decidedly to the left of the left. Furthermore, the extensive adoption of these habits is purely female – which should not be surprising given their domestic dimension – but also popular, which demonstrates that eco-gestures are not the prerogative of privileged environments.
The authors highlight an interesting paradox: the adoption of eco-gestures is all the more widespread when confidence in their effectiveness is low and support for collective protest actions is high. How then to analyze the conciliation between a commitment aimed at obtaining political decisions to resolve the climate crisis and daily actions, which are eminently individual and limited? Two modes emerge.
What role do individual eco-gestures play in influencing national climate policies?
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Elizabeth Green, an environmental policy expert and author of several studies on eco-sustainability. Thank you for joining us today to discuss an intriguing topic that has emerged from recent events in U.S. politics and its impact on environmental action.
Dr. Green: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to dive into this pressing issue.
Time.news Editor: The recent victory of Donald Trump has reignited discussions about fossil fuels and climate obligations. Many people are questioning the efficacy of personal eco-gestures—like waste separation and reducing meat consumption—if influential nations don’t take their climate responsibilities seriously. What’s your perspective on this?
Dr. Green: This situation presents a real paradox. On one hand, the policies of national leaders can indeed undermine individual efforts, creating a sense of futility among those who are committed to eco-friendly practices. Yet, on the other hand, the actions of individuals still play a critical role in influencing broader societal changes and can put pressure on governments to act.
Time.news Editor: Interesting point. The recent study by Cugnata, Gaborit, and Le Lann found that a significant number of climate march participants engage in eco-gestures, such as 80% changing their diets and a sizable percentage giving up flying. Why do you think this persists in light of larger political obstacles?
Dr. Green: The study highlights the intrinsic motivation many people have when it comes to protecting the environment. Even when political leadership wavers, individuals often find value in their actions, both for personal satisfaction and for setting a precedent for their communities. These eco-gestures can help create cultural shifts that promote sustainable practices, and they often serve as a foundation for larger, systemic change.
Time.news Editor: So, you believe that individual actions can collectively influence national and global policies, despite the challenges posed by government inaction?
Dr. Green: Absolutely. History shows us that grassroots movements can lead to policy changes. Eco-conscious individuals often become advocates, educators, and leaders in their communities. Their persistence can engage others, raise awareness, and even sway public opinion, leading to political pressure when combined with a larger movement.
Time.news Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective! However, as the study indicates, there are variances in how consistently people practice these eco-gestures based on their social backgrounds. What strategies can we implement to bridge those gaps?
Dr. Green: Education and accessibility are key. We need to create inclusive frameworks that not only educate on the importance of these eco-gestures but also make them more accessible to everyone. Policy initiatives that support social equity can make a big difference, such as subsidies for sustainable products or community programs that offer resources for waste separation and composting.
Time.news Editor: It definitely sounds complex, especially with the current political climate straying from multilateral agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. How should climate advocates respond in this context?
Dr. Green: Climate advocates should focus on local solutions and community engagement. In the face of national setbacks, grassroots initiatives can become powerful. They can harness the energy of local communities to influence policy from the bottom up while also continuing to hold national leaders accountable. Climate activism has always thrived on resilience and innovation, and now is certainly the time to double down on those principles.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insightful comments, Dr. Green. It seems our eco-gestures remain vital, even amidst political turmoil. We appreciate your expertise and look forward to seeing how individuals can still make a difference.
Dr. Green: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going—every action counts!