Debating the purpose of life in a warming climate

As we face the realities of a rapidly warming climate, humanity is confronted with existential questions about the purpose of life. With extreme weather events, rising sea levels and the loss of biodiversity threatening our survival, the question arises: Can we still find meaning and purpose in life amid a climate crisis that increasingly jeopardises the future of life on our planet?

While the answers may vary across personal, religious, philosophical and cultural perspectives, exploring this question allows us to confront our deepest fears, beliefs, hopes and responsibilities. The climate crisis may seem like a recipe of despair, but it can also provide a profound context for rethinking and reimagining what it means to live with purpose.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality. Global temperatures are rising at an unprecedented rate, largely due to human activity, and this has led to increasingly severe consequences. Wildfires, droughts, hurricanes and floods are becoming more frequent and intense. For many, the sheer scale and inevitability of these changes invoke fear, anxiety and even hopelessness.

How can one think about a meaningful life in the face of existential threats? If the world as we know it may become uninhabitable, does it still make sense to pursue long-term goals, build relationships or strive for personal fulfillment?

The emotional toll of this crisis is evident in the rise of terms like "eco-anxiety" and "climate grief", which describe the feelings of despair that accompany the awareness of environmental degradation. For some, this sense of loss is paralsiing, leading to questions about whether it is even worth trying to build a future when the planet's systems appear to be disintegrating. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, the search for meaning of life continues and it might be more essential now than ever.

In times of crisis, humanity has often turned to philosophy to grapple with questions of meaning. The existentialist tradition, for example, suggests that life's inherent meaninglessness is something we must confront, and that it is up to individuals to create purpose in an indifferent or even hostile world. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre argued that, while life may be absurd, it is precisely in the face of this absurdity that we must find and make meaning. The struggle to live and to find purpose in a warming world without inherent meaning is itself a heroic act. 

From this perspective, finding purpose is not about avoiding suffering or difficulty, but about how we respond to these challenges with courage and integrity. In the context of climate change, this might mean accepting the reality of the crisis while still striving to live ethically, contribute to the common good, and find joy in the present and look forward for whatever time is left.

For many, the climate crisis has not only heightened their sense of purpose but transformed it. The environmental movement has given rise to a new kind of moral calling: stewardship of the Earth. Protecting the planet and its ecosystems has become a central tenet for those seeking purpose in the face of climate change. This sense of duty extends beyond individual survival to encompass the well-being of future generations, other species, and the planet itself.

Environmental activism, conservation efforts and sustainable living practices provide tangible ways for people to align their values with their actions. These movements offer a sense of community and collective purpose, as individuals come together through a feeling of belonging to confront a global crisis. While the scale of the problem can feel overwhelming, engaging in efforts to mitigate climate change, whether through political activism, lifestyle changes or technological innovation, can help restore a sense of meaning. In this way, the climate crisis becomes not just a challenge but an opportunity to redefine humanity’s role and purpose in the world.

Another way to find purpose in a warming climate is through the recognition of our interconnectedness. The climate crisis has underscored the reality that human beings are not separate from nature, but rather deeply embedded within it. The health of the environment is intimately tied to our own well-being, and the choices we make, individually and collectively, have far-reaching consequences for all of biodiversity in the planet.

This recognition of interconnectedness can inspire a sense of responsibility, not only for the Earth but for one another. Relationships, community and cooperation become central to living a purposeful life in a warming world. Whether through family bonds, friendships, civic engagement, or intercultural dialogue, fostering these connections can help create resilience in the face of climate disruptions. In this sense, the climate crisis can remind us of the importance of caring for one another, sharing resources equitably, and building societies that are both sustainable and just.

Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that finding purpose in a warming climate does not exclude joy, beauty, or wonder: A sunset, the sound of rain, the laughter of loved ones. These moments remind us of what we stand to protect, and they can provide the emotional fuel necessary to continue the fight for a livable future, regardless of its extent.