Ulrike Nagel asks: Can we still enjoy the sun without worry?

As has often been the case this summer, it was very hot today. So people headed out in all sorts of ways to enjoy the summer weather. But is it really still possible to enjoy the sun without a care in the world? According to environmental psychologist Karlijn van den Broek, you should definitely do so. “But be aware of why it’s so hot on a day like today: climate change.”

Live TV segment (RTV Utrecht) by Ulrike Nagel.

Ulrike Nagel went to the Lek River to ask whether people can still enjoy the sun without worry, or whether climate change makes them feel guilty.

According to the psychologist affiliated with Utrecht University, more and more people are suffering from climate anxiety. “But anxiety isn’t something that helps us tackle climate change,” Van den Broek asserts. It’s therefore better to actually take action, and that starts with raising awareness about the issue. “It’s important to realize that not everyone has the freedom to just lie on the beach and soak up the sun. In some countries, it’s not a matter of enjoyment; climate change is causing major problems.”

And if you’re aware of that, Van de Broek argues, taking action is the logical next step. For example, by eating less meat. And according to the psychologist, doing so doesn’t just reduce your own CO2 emissions. “People often don’t realize how much their actions influence their social environment,” says Van den Broek. “So by eating vegetarian more often, you’re not only affecting your own consumption, but you’re also setting an example for the people around you.”

Putting It into Practice

In addition, relaxation is also incredibly important, Van den Broek explains. “On a day like this, I’d definitely just lie back and relax in the sun. You definitely shouldn’t spend entire days worrying about climate change and constantly stressing over it. That doesn’t help anyone,” she says. But she does note that there has been a shift in thinking about climate change in recent years. “It used to be: climate change—that’s something for later. A day like today actually shows very clearly that we need to do something about it. Now it’s just a matter of turning that into action.”

And according to the environmental psychologist, that comes down to the little things, such as eating less meat, as mentioned earlier. But it also includes, for example, not setting the air conditioner too high at home or saving energy in other ways around the house. “You really have to focus on the things you can control yourself, especially in your own home. Turning the heat down a degree—things like that. That’s where you can really make a difference.” So on days like these, enjoying the sun outdoors is the way to go. That way, you can leave the air conditioner off at home, too.

TV Reporter

Ulrike Nagel