The Heat Death of the Universe and Climate Nihilism
The Heat Death of the Universe and Climate Nihilism
Submitted from AU by Wilhelm Anthun
One of the theories about the end of the universe states that all matter and energy will eventually be dispersed so thinly that it is impossible for anything to happen. This is called the heat death of the universe and is a result of the universe expanding and slowly moving towards a state of maximum entropy. It is a disheartening thought that we are heading towards such a sad and cold future, and that the universe seems entirely indifferent to everything that has ever occurred and existed.
An event of this magnitude is something we cannot do anything about, and one quickly succumbs to nihilism, which roughly paraphrased, suggests that nothing means anything, and human existence, in the grand scheme of things, is baseless and without significance. After all, there is nothing we can do that can have an impact on the heat death of the universe. Fortunately, the anxiety can be eased by thinking that this possible scenario is at least 10100 years into the future.
Things that are very far into the future and that we cannot do anything about are perhaps better not to dwell on too much. The problem, at least for me, is that this attitude can arise when faced with very concrete problems that one can do something about. I always reach a point in my exam preparation where I declare “Well, it is what it is”, and that moment has come earlier and earlier in recent years. It goes without saying that it is not smart to think of exams as an inevitable cosmic event that cannot be changed, and I need to step up here.
There are many things we can do something about in this world. The exam result is, after all, a product of our own efforts (contact the complaints board if you suspect otherwise), and if you get sick, you can go to the doctor for help. The climate crisis is also a very concrete issue that we have been given a specific timeframe to address. There is no shortage of good advice for individual actions, and the UN is not exactly subtle about how states should prioritize and invest. We largely know what is happening to the planet, and we understand what needs to be done.
However, apathy is activated, and one feels that there is nothing one can do to prevent a result that is already determined. I know it’s not good for the planet to fly, but I still do it. I know how much nature is being destroyed, but I still can’t summon the anger that would make me chain myself to trees and construction equipment. It is fascinating to stand in such an extreme situation as the world finds itself in, without experiencing the extreme emotions it should perhaps trigger. All kudos to those who can grasp the situation and do what they can to save the planet!
This call is for everyone who is a bit more like me, who would like to have a bit more initiative and a more optimistic view of the climate battle. Don’t give up, find your inner stubbornness, and do what you know is good for the world despite of your state of mind. The climate crisis is avoidable, and our actions have an effect on the outcome. You will never become the perfect, sustainable citizen, but what you do matters, and you are allowed to be proud of your efforts and sacrifices. Keep on going!
Together, we can save the world, but we must never give up.
