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Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think Is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis
A much-needed, evidence-based argument for hope in a world living through planetary crisis.
We are at an inflection point: today, more people than ever before recognize that climate change and biodiversity loss are urgent and existential threats. Yet constant reports of climate doom are fueling an epidemic of eco-anxiety, leaving many of us feeling hopeless and powerless—and hampering our ability to address the very real challenges we face.
Hope Matters boldly breaks through the narrative of doom and gloom that has overtaken conversations about our future to show why hope, not fear, is our most powerful tool for tackling the planetary crisis. Award-winning author, scholar, and educator Elin Kelsey reveals the collateral damage of despair—from young people who honestly believe they have no future to the link between climate anxiety and hyper-consumerism—and argues that the catastrophic environmental news that dominates the media tells only part of the story. She describes effective campaigns to support ocean conservation, species resilience, and rewilding, demonstrating how digital conservation is helping scientists target specific problems with impressive results. And she shows how we can build on these positive trends and harness all our emotions about the changing environment—anger and sadness as well as hope—into effective personal and political action.
Timely, evidence-based, and persuasive, Hope Matters is an argument for the place of hope in our lives and a celebration of the turn toward solutions in the face of the environmental crisis. (Greystone Books)
We are at an inflection point: today, more people than ever before recognize that climate change and biodiversity loss are urgent and existential threats. Yet constant reports of climate doom are fueling an epidemic of eco-anxiety, leaving many of us feeling hopeless and powerless—and hampering our ability to address the very real challenges we face.
Hope Matters boldly breaks through the narrative of doom and gloom that has overtaken conversations about our future to show why hope, not fear, is our most powerful tool for tackling the planetary crisis. Award-winning author, scholar, and educator Elin Kelsey reveals the collateral damage of despair—from young people who honestly believe they have no future to the link between climate anxiety and hyper-consumerism—and argues that the catastrophic environmental news that dominates the media tells only part of the story. She describes effective campaigns to support ocean conservation, species resilience, and rewilding, demonstrating how digital conservation is helping scientists target specific problems with impressive results. And she shows how we can build on these positive trends and harness all our emotions about the changing environment—anger and sadness as well as hope—into effective personal and political action.
Timely, evidence-based, and persuasive, Hope Matters is an argument for the place of hope in our lives and a celebration of the turn toward solutions in the face of the environmental crisis. (Greystone Books)
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 23, 2021
So this summer I read 3 books on hope in what I feel was the correct order:
Jane Goodall's "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times"
Sarah Jaquette Ray's "A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety"
and of course finishing with Elin Kelsey's "Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis"
This all sort of started on accident because I won an advanced copy of Jane Goodall's book in August. I shared this with a friend who recommended these two books which she felt gave a fresh perspective on the subject. I completely agree with her on this! I didn't realize how desperately I needed to read these books, or how apathetic I had become. It's a slippery slope folks!
This book was my favorite of the three, mostly for the parts that addressed how the guilt-tripping Doomer approach to environmentalism was ineffective. It echoed what I had been feeling for awhile now. I was noticing a pattern where conversations kept getting steered down a dark spiral of no return. Everyone seems so eager to share some facts that impressively dismiss any ounce of hope or positivity that might have existed in the conversation before. Rarely, if ever, was anything constructive, positive, or uplifting ever shared in return. Perhaps I'm wrong on that last part; maybe there have been positive points brought up, but I have been so stuck in my head about my impact, guilt, and complicit actions that I didn't even hear them.
All I can say is after reading this book I try find the articles that don't shy from the problem, but are solution-focused. I'm also inspired to add fact-based optimism to the conversation. Yes, the oceans are terribly polluted, but have you heard of the AI that were created to collect trash from the rivers, thus reducing the amount of waste that enter watersheds? This was shared with me last night, and immediately changed the image ingrained in my mind of the gutted albatross with plastic in it's stomach to an image of a droid tirelessly fighting that same problem. I have to remember that me feeling bad and depressed about things doesn't help anyone. This movement needs contagious, positive energy- and a lot of it!
If you find that you're encountering more and more conversations that leave you feeling hopeless, or you feel that your impact is too inconsequential- consider reading one or more of the books I have listed. They were fact-based, empowering, and honestly lit a small spark in my heart that I didn't really realize was extinguished.
Jane Goodall's "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times"
Sarah Jaquette Ray's "A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety"
and of course finishing with Elin Kelsey's "Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis"
This all sort of started on accident because I won an advanced copy of Jane Goodall's book in August. I shared this with a friend who recommended these two books which she felt gave a fresh perspective on the subject. I completely agree with her on this! I didn't realize how desperately I needed to read these books, or how apathetic I had become. It's a slippery slope folks!
This book was my favorite of the three, mostly for the parts that addressed how the guilt-tripping Doomer approach to environmentalism was ineffective. It echoed what I had been feeling for awhile now. I was noticing a pattern where conversations kept getting steered down a dark spiral of no return. Everyone seems so eager to share some facts that impressively dismiss any ounce of hope or positivity that might have existed in the conversation before. Rarely, if ever, was anything constructive, positive, or uplifting ever shared in return. Perhaps I'm wrong on that last part; maybe there have been positive points brought up, but I have been so stuck in my head about my impact, guilt, and complicit actions that I didn't even hear them.
All I can say is after reading this book I try find the articles that don't shy from the problem, but are solution-focused. I'm also inspired to add fact-based optimism to the conversation. Yes, the oceans are terribly polluted, but have you heard of the AI that were created to collect trash from the rivers, thus reducing the amount of waste that enter watersheds? This was shared with me last night, and immediately changed the image ingrained in my mind of the gutted albatross with plastic in it's stomach to an image of a droid tirelessly fighting that same problem. I have to remember that me feeling bad and depressed about things doesn't help anyone. This movement needs contagious, positive energy- and a lot of it!
If you find that you're encountering more and more conversations that leave you feeling hopeless, or you feel that your impact is too inconsequential- consider reading one or more of the books I have listed. They were fact-based, empowering, and honestly lit a small spark in my heart that I didn't really realize was extinguished.
February 25, 2021
This was a necessary book, with a good point to make and mainly made it without gaslighting the people who are acting differently than this book recommends.
I particularly like the focus on needing to guide young people to hope not despair and I wish I had been wiser with that in terms of my own kids.
My nit-pick (and it's a fairly small one, I will still be recommending that people read this book) consists of two probably related things. One is that the book tends to rely on journalism as evidence, when it would not have been much harder to cite actual research about things like statistics and findings. Most of the footnotes are media articles and opinion pieces. I know not everyone wants to read an academic text, but there are ways of making actual research accessible.
The other part that I think is related, is the author trying too hard to be apolitical. When I was younger I would have missed this because it's an absence that would appeal to a lot of people. It's not just the case that we have all over the world a succession of well-meaning liberal-democratic governments and simply need to let them know what we think but in fact those in power are strongly invested in the (dying) status quo which makes it all harder. It would be tricky to acknowledge this and keep the central thesis of the book (that we should focus on positives) but for me an unqualified "positive vibes only" approach is naive, dangerous and ineffective. To be fair in other ways the author avoided a "positive vibes only" message.
Read this and then smash white-supremacist, capitalist, patriarchy anyway, but with the knowledge that we can succeed and survive :)
I particularly like the focus on needing to guide young people to hope not despair and I wish I had been wiser with that in terms of my own kids.
My nit-pick (and it's a fairly small one, I will still be recommending that people read this book) consists of two probably related things. One is that the book tends to rely on journalism as evidence, when it would not have been much harder to cite actual research about things like statistics and findings. Most of the footnotes are media articles and opinion pieces. I know not everyone wants to read an academic text, but there are ways of making actual research accessible.
The other part that I think is related, is the author trying too hard to be apolitical. When I was younger I would have missed this because it's an absence that would appeal to a lot of people. It's not just the case that we have all over the world a succession of well-meaning liberal-democratic governments and simply need to let them know what we think but in fact those in power are strongly invested in the (dying) status quo which makes it all harder. It would be tricky to acknowledge this and keep the central thesis of the book (that we should focus on positives) but for me an unqualified "positive vibes only" approach is naive, dangerous and ineffective. To be fair in other ways the author avoided a "positive vibes only" message.
Read this and then smash white-supremacist, capitalist, patriarchy anyway, but with the knowledge that we can succeed and survive :)
November 27, 2023
The book is centered on the premise that we need to incorporate hope into solutions to solve the climate crisis. Simply put: Focus less on the doom and gloom that can lead to despair, burnout and inaction (but is the focus of so much of the media) and put more emphasis on the positives that early work has achieved and celebrate those wins as the world continues to find new initiatives to continue to contribute to broader success.
The first half of the book focuses on what hope is and why we need to make it part of the solutions needed. Less emphasis on the theoretical of what hope is and the why we are here now and more emphasis on those success stories would have probably made for a stronger argument. Or at least demonstrated the premise in action.
One thing is sure: The book helped reinforce my belief that every little win matters and that we must celebrate these even as we continue to strive to make further changes. It is good to hear that message given how much negative news there is.
The first half of the book focuses on what hope is and why we need to make it part of the solutions needed. Less emphasis on the theoretical of what hope is and the why we are here now and more emphasis on those success stories would have probably made for a stronger argument. Or at least demonstrated the premise in action.
One thing is sure: The book helped reinforce my belief that every little win matters and that we must celebrate these even as we continue to strive to make further changes. It is good to hear that message given how much negative news there is.
May 3, 2021
This is an interesting book, with a bit of a different take on environmentalism. Elin Kelsey’s purpose is not to make the case that the natural world is in a state of crisis; she takes this as a given, citing evidence from scientists, governments, and NGOs relating to issues such as climate change, mass extinction, and air and water pollution. Instead, the aim of this book is to create a framework that will help humans to avoid burnout while dealing with environmental disaster. Call it the psychology of environmentalism: how do we live on a warming, struggling planet without breaking down under the psychological weight of impending catastrophe? Kelsey’s answer is to cultivate hope.
For about half of this book, Kelsey focuses on why we SHOULD include hope in our understanding of environmental disaster. Simply put: maintaining hope keeps us motivated to work for positive changes. Kelsey defines hope not as an oblivious optimism or naïve cheerfulness, but as an active state: hopeful people not only care about the condition of our planet, but are motivated to do something about it. In contrast, the experience of hopelessness creates a feedback loop of despair and inaction. Becoming overwhelmed by negative news can cause us to shut down (a common psychological defense mechanism); shutting down makes us less likely to take helpful action; this lack of action means the news gets even worse...and so on. Kelsey provides some excellent advice for helping to combat hopelessness and stay motivated to work, individually and cooperatively, to save our planet. Some of her lessons include actively seeking out positive and empowering stories (something severely lacking in our 24-hour, if-it-bleeds-it-leads news cycle) and using technology to help people see the impacts of their individual actions in real-time.
To the point about seeking out positive planetary stories: the other half of this book is about why we CAN incorporate hope into our understanding of the state of the environment today. While the overall picture can be bleak, our world is full of small victories that very much deserve recognition and celebration. Populations of whales, bald eagles, and other previously endangered species have rebounded significantly due to concerted human-led conservation efforts. Epigenetics allows some plants and animals to change their gene expression in ways that help their offspring to survive in a warmer climate. Informed citizens all over the world use their votes and their dollars to support initiatives that reduce pollution, increase urban greenspace, and create greener food supply chains.
In her research, Elin Kelsey consulted with experts in many fields, from oceanographers to grief counselors. Her end result is an encouraging, inspiring, and easy-to-read book. If you’re still unconvinced that the natural world requires human intervention to remain habitable for the long-term future, this is not the story for you. If, however, you care deeply about environmentalism but need some help overcoming a state of fear and anxiety that are keeping you from taking action, then this might just be the perfect fit.
For about half of this book, Kelsey focuses on why we SHOULD include hope in our understanding of environmental disaster. Simply put: maintaining hope keeps us motivated to work for positive changes. Kelsey defines hope not as an oblivious optimism or naïve cheerfulness, but as an active state: hopeful people not only care about the condition of our planet, but are motivated to do something about it. In contrast, the experience of hopelessness creates a feedback loop of despair and inaction. Becoming overwhelmed by negative news can cause us to shut down (a common psychological defense mechanism); shutting down makes us less likely to take helpful action; this lack of action means the news gets even worse...and so on. Kelsey provides some excellent advice for helping to combat hopelessness and stay motivated to work, individually and cooperatively, to save our planet. Some of her lessons include actively seeking out positive and empowering stories (something severely lacking in our 24-hour, if-it-bleeds-it-leads news cycle) and using technology to help people see the impacts of their individual actions in real-time.
To the point about seeking out positive planetary stories: the other half of this book is about why we CAN incorporate hope into our understanding of the state of the environment today. While the overall picture can be bleak, our world is full of small victories that very much deserve recognition and celebration. Populations of whales, bald eagles, and other previously endangered species have rebounded significantly due to concerted human-led conservation efforts. Epigenetics allows some plants and animals to change their gene expression in ways that help their offspring to survive in a warmer climate. Informed citizens all over the world use their votes and their dollars to support initiatives that reduce pollution, increase urban greenspace, and create greener food supply chains.
In her research, Elin Kelsey consulted with experts in many fields, from oceanographers to grief counselors. Her end result is an encouraging, inspiring, and easy-to-read book. If you’re still unconvinced that the natural world requires human intervention to remain habitable for the long-term future, this is not the story for you. If, however, you care deeply about environmentalism but need some help overcoming a state of fear and anxiety that are keeping you from taking action, then this might just be the perfect fit.
September 29, 2022
I loved listening to this book. Kelsey gives us hope beyond the doom and gloom we often feel about the trajectory of the planet, our planet. She talks about how coral reefs are being saved, how humpback whales are returning to waters they haven't been seen in for a long time. She isn't in denial by any means; she's not a Pollyanna. She insists there is hope that we can save our Mother Earth. There is, certainly, work to be done. Often, when listening to other pundits about the climate crisis, I have been left wringing my hands, worrying about what my children and grandchildren (and beyond) will face because of human negligence. This short book lifted some of that. And that helped tons.
June 7, 2021
I like that the author is promoting and encouraging Hope in the midst of the Gloom and Doom narrative commonly seen/felt when people are asked about Climate Change and the state of our environment. However, she spends too much time talking about how hope should replace the gloom and doom. She could do better with more examples and uplifting stories to really bring out the essence of Hope.
June 20, 2022
I 100% agree with the author's thesis: that preaching certain near doom and gloom about the environment and the fate of the planet doesn't inspire anyone to want to do anything about it. It is fundamental to human nature: why expend physical effort, time or emotional energy on combating the inevitable? She made this point in the first 3 pages and I was on board. Then she discussed the human psychology with many studies for the next maybe 4 or 5 chapters to reinforce her point, which I found unnecessary and repetitive. I was hoping for a higher percentage of stories of hope to encourage me and a lower percentage of psychology of why hope is important (since personally, I don't need much convincing here).
August 20, 2024
I forgot to rate this book, and am writing this review two months later. Hope Matters is an important book for all of us worried about the climate crisis. Elin Kelsey reframes the issues to avoid the ubiquitous doom and gloom approach to one of hope and resiliency. I was skeptical, but Dr. Kelsey first addresses our natural skepticism, then focuses on evidence-based solutions and how they are already making positive changes in the world. She offers examples of resiliency in nature and changes in human behavior. I feel so fortunate to have read this book. Since it's already a few years old, I really wish she could update it.
July 20, 2021
This is the book I now recommend to everybody. It’s the book I wished I had written with A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety- it’s even better! I love how Kelsey uses so much great hard data to support the ideas that an orientation of optimism is necessary for the work of climate justice. The book is easy to read, and would be a great book for skeptics of hope, doomsdayers, and those who can’t seem to shake their climate anxiety. This is the kind of book I want the whole planet to read.
November 30, 2022
This book and its perspective is just what I needed. The news on the climate is tough to take in every day and focuses on the negative, but there are successes. Keeping hopeful enables us to continue to strive to improve the situation and potentially save species and ecosystems. The actions of individuals do matter and we can't give up. Being hopeful does not mean being oblivious to the current situation, but acknowledges that actions can be taken which can make a difference.
November 15, 2023
This is a good entry point for many people in thinking about climate change without getting totally depressed. Hope does matter, and Kelsey makes a good case for why hope is still possible. If you are just starting to think about the most important issue of our time, this is a good book to try. Or, if you’re trying to get someone else to think about it, this is a good book to recommend or give as a gift. Buy it as an e-book and save the trees.
February 6, 2022
Fantastic book. I lead an ECO-Book Club, for Cumming Nature Center, in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Many environmental books tend to end up with doom and gloom discussions since individuals do not know how to take action. This book had a focus on solutions and provided hope, even in the face of the difficult situations facing our planet earth.
Read
November 2, 2022read for a course I’m taking taught by the author at UVic
I’ve never read more hopeful conversations and conservation statistics about the climate and the state of the planet we are in
also a fun side note: my undergrad research advisor was interviewed for this and I didn’t know so when I was reading page 131 I was in SHOCK love you Hollie and the Putnam Lab (:
I’ve never read more hopeful conversations and conservation statistics about the climate and the state of the planet we are in
also a fun side note: my undergrad research advisor was interviewed for this and I didn’t know so when I was reading page 131 I was in SHOCK love you Hollie and the Putnam Lab (:
January 18, 2021
I had to slog through the first two chapters (the environmental bad news) but the last chapters made the initial slogging worth it: lots of good news stories and much reason to hope for a better future.
July 21, 2022
Author elfin Kelsey describes the phenomenon known as "the finite pool of worry" which is why so many of us turn away from the environmental crisis. A good read for anyone who wants to reframe the way we think in order to act on environmental issues.
October 14, 2024
An easily accessible read with both anecdotes and scientific research that had me changing my social media habits within the first chapter.
Really valuable research to support why hope and positive messaging might bring us further than doom and gloom reporting and media sharing.
Really valuable research to support why hope and positive messaging might bring us further than doom and gloom reporting and media sharing.
January 26, 2021
Interesting read and good things to know/think about. Not a page turner though.
March 24, 2021
Very much enjoyed the early chapters advocating the need for hope.
May 17, 2021
“Hope is wild and contagious.” This should be required reading for all environmentalists.
dnf
July 5, 2021DNF @ 30%. It was good but I just didn’t need it!!
August 3, 2021
A very inspiring book about climate change
January 29, 2022
I enjoyed this for it's ability to invoke some positive thinking and examples after feeling a bit stuck in the continuous climate catastrophe stories.
May 16, 2022
repeated itself too much
May 31, 2022
Great book in terms of timing and messaged delivered! I hope that the momentum of the messages and successes of positive solutions within this book continues exponentially!
March 28, 2023
Such a hopeful and informative read 📚
November 16, 2023
A little bit all over the place. Some good themes, but I pretty much knew what was in the book by the cover. It help me put into words what I was thinking
July 14, 2024
Great premise
Do not feel hope
Do not feel hope
February 28, 2025
Well written, grounded in reality.
March 28, 2025
The idea of the book is good which becomes clear in the first chapters. After that it becomes a bit too much of the same thing: a lot of anecdotes of positive developments in nature
August 3, 2025
Essential reading for environmentalists. Really rearranged some things in my mind and made me feel more hopeful and empowered. I have newfound energy to re-engage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews