THE

Conversation.

YOUR WORDS.

The Human Nature Initiative invites you to leave your thoughts below and become an integral part of our vibrant community.


Leave your unique insights, lived experiences, feelings, and ideas below.

What people are saying.

  • “I live in NYC. I became most aware of climate change during superstorm Sandy in October of 2012 when it pummeled every neighborhood below 42nd Street causing severe flooding in streets, tunnels and subway lines along with extensive power outages. It was a very frightening experience to see firsthand how vulnerable the East Coast is to the effects of climate change. After that catastrophic event, I vowed to reduce my carbon footprint in every way I could: that includes recycling, turning lights off in rooms when not in use, installing a low flow shower head, bringing my own bags when shopping, buying vintage fashion, buying local produce, and ditching paper towels for reusable rags. Every action we take individually helps!"

    — Diana Mahiques

  • “Growing up in the age of climate change I am at a constant realization that the world I have inherited today may not be the world of my children. The moment that truly crystallized this fact to me was the fog that occurred in New York City two weeks ago due to the Canadian forest fires. As I went into my history class and saw orange clouds for sky, I was baffled. How is this real? Is this our new reality? But strangely, climate change does not make me scared. I know that each moment on this earth is precious and that we must take things day by day if we are ever able to achieve change. I have the utmost respect for climate activists like Greta Thunberg for putting themselves on the line to fight for our generation. It is critical to be in tune to the climate issues on our world and take beauty in the world surrounding us. We must cherish the Earth as we have it, and fight for change in our own individual ways. I would like to be more in tune to our climate needs, and find a way to make a difference from my own home for hopes of a better tomorrow.”

    — Sanai Rashid

  • Climate change often holds space in conversations between friends and family, but really feels top of mind during periods of extreme weather. Most recently, I’ve been struck by the harsh reality that climate change will create an even greater inequality between socioeconomic classes as it becomes more extreme. A few weeks ago, when New York was facing extremely unhealthy air quality, it was apparent who had access to purified air and who was forced to expose themselves and continue working outside. I think these socioeconomic divides need to be prioritized as we experience these more extreme climates, just as much as we need to do our best to reduce the potential of climate change."

    —Lea Kichler

  • "I grew up spending every summer at the beach, and it’s still my favorite place to be. It’s where I have lasting memories from my childhood and hope that when I have children of my own some day, they’ll be able to share in those same experiences I hold so dear. But recently there have been times where the temperatures are simply just too hot to be outside. It’s scorching, and it’s scary. It scares me to think how much such a sacred place to me is changing."

    — Caitlin Brody

  • “The climate movement is one that I find myself observing from a distance but participating in as an advocate. I may not always lead the most climate friendly lifestyle but I do take small steps to contribute to a healthier environment when I can. It’s important that we do our part and support organizations pushing sustainable initiatives because we need to turn the tide.”

    — Nasir Ellis

  • "Climate change has had a major impact on places that I wished to one day visit, as they have been dramatically changed. I will never see them how they once were. Natural foods that I like are now scarce— because the climates they grow in have changed. The increase in the frequency of severe weather brought about by climate change has significantly limited my travel plans… even to places seemingly unaffected."

    — Benjamin Perez

  • "Climate change is an issue that plagues all of us. Everyone is affected by it, and if they aren’t yet—they will be soon. As an international student, experiencing how climate affects different parts of the world is scary. Spending five years in Thailand exposed me to the severity of extreme heat waves. As a native of Kazakhstan, the infamously severe cold winters have, as a result of global warming, become moderate. More frequent droughts are making it very challenging for farmers to grow enough food, and I worry for the livelihoods of my family.”

    — Ryan Kakimseit