As natural disasters and heat waves escalate worldwide, UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell recently announced that humanity has only two years to save the planet. He said that while his warning may sound melodramatic, the urgency of taking action has never been clearer—and he called out not just governments and business empires to act now, but every person on the planet.

But is there really anything we can do? Do eco-conscious individual acts still matter? How do we remain hopeful, positive, and proactive instead of panicky and in despair? What should our mindset be? 

Award-winning journalist Lou Albano helps us gain clarity, navigate our complex climate emotions and break down the urgent call to action to spur change towards a sustainable future.This GMA News Online managing editor has reported on reforestation and sustainable travel, water and gender, urban development and transport, and plastic pollution and health, and is a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network. In 2023, she participated in the pilot climate + environmental reporting program of the International Media Support x Unesco, where she came up with an award-winning climate strategy for the newsroom.