I realized today that I’ve become utterly pessimistic about the future of our world. When you look at climate change statistics and estimates and also follow the news and how the world is (not) handling this crisis, it gets scary. As an individual it feels like there’s nothing you can do. I’ve just now realized consciously: I’m afraid for the human race and for the future of the planet.

But fuck that. I also have a choice. I can choose how I feel and how I look at the future. And from today onwards, I’m choosing to become an optimist about the future. We can change the world! And we will. We can stop climate change and make the world a sustainable and wonderful place for future generations.

Think of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the nuclear arms race between the USSR and the United States during the last half of the last century. People were scared we were going to blow up the world. But we didn’t. And we won’t succumb to climate change now. We will rally, we will cooperate, and we will change the trajectory of our world. Let’s view our current circumstances as humanity’s greatest ever opportunity to change our world.

Once you choose to believe this, action must follow. So let’s do all we can. Vote for a presidential candidate who will fight climate change to the death—and more importantly, because Congress is the body who makes laws in the United States—vote for congressional candidates who will fight climate change to the death. Contact your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure they do all in their power to keep our planet inhabitable. Buy from sustainable sources and environmentally conscious companies; boycott those who refuse to adapt. Adopt zero waste principles in how you run your household. Eat less meat. Cycle to work. Use community transport. Talk about climate change to others and persuade them to act. Donate your time and money to organizations that are fighting for the environment. Reduce your consumption. Reuse what you already own. Recycle.

This crisis is global—we cannot leave it to scientists and policy makers. We all must act. We must do anything and everything in our power to avert catastrophe. We can change the future. But the moment is now. Let’s change the world. Let’s save it.