The Best Climate Action Quotes To Keep You Motivated

Discover some powerful environmental quotes to help you stay committed to climate action that can deliver a lasting, positive impact on the planet.

Staying motivated in the face of news about how climate change is impacting the world is essential; even when the enormity of the problem and the challenges global warming brings seem insurmountable and overwhelming. It is normal to experience some level of climate anxiety—feeling distressed or powerless about environmental changes is a natural response to such a pressing issue. However, letting this anxiety turn into apathy can stall the progress needed to create meaningful change.

Whenever motivation begins to dwindle, and feelings of unease about staying optimistic about climate change creep in, it is the perfect time to find strategies to reinvigorate ourselves. This is also an opportunity to remember why we chose to take sustainable action in the first place.

There are many ways to do this. We might join a community of like-minded individuals, briefly reduce our consumption of climate-related news, or practise consistent moments of rest and self-care. Seeking out words of encouragement and wisdom that influence and inspire us can also make a difference. Anything that helps us navigate these challenging emotions and functions as a fortifying pick-me-up is worth investing time and energy in—especially if it empowers us to keep fighting to protect the planet.

Every action matters. Staying motivated not only contributes to solutions but also inspires others to act. By embracing resilience and focusing on what we can do to make a difference, we shift from fear to empowerment, becoming catalysts for a more sustainable future.

This post is part of the Climate Change Collective, a dedicated group of bloggers that tackle environmental and climate-related issues. The lead topic this month, ’Carrot or Stick? Which Works Better to Reduce Our Environmental Footprint?’ was written by Michelle from Boomer Eco Crusader.

How To Connect With What Personally Motivates You

Even though this article specifically focuses on finding and nurturing our love for the planet—and continuing to take environmental actions to protect it—the following principles apply to anyone seeking to maintain personal motivation, regardless of their interests or reasons.

We all experience times when our enthusiasm wanes, and our “get-up-and-go” feels like it has got up and gone. During such moments, it is important to recognise that taking time to regroup is not only completely normal but also an essential practice for preserving both our physical and mental energy.

Finding and retaining motivation is a deeply personal yet universal challenge. At its core, motivation arises from clarity about what matters most to us. Reflecting on our values, passions, and goals helps us identify what excites or compels us to take action. Naturally, when our drive begins to taper off, this is where we should turn to reconnect with our “why”.

Practical ways to do this include creating a vision board, journaling, or conducting regular self-check-ins to assess our progress and mindset. By revisiting what initially sparked our interest, we can reignite—or even redefine—our sense of direction and purpose.

Sustaining enthusiasm and determination often relies on breaking broader goals into smaller, more manageable steps, which is key to bolstering our motivation. Similarly, it is essential to celebrate progress, no matter how minor it may seem. These small victories reinforce a positive feedback loop, keeping us encouraged and moving forward. Sharing this journey with supportive people who respect or share our aspirations provides additional incentive and accountability.

Finally, prioritising self-care plays a significant role in maintaining our motivation. Regular exercise, sufficient rest, and mindfulness practices nourish our well-being, sustaining both vitality and focus. Motivation is not about relentless drive; it is about aligning our actions with what truly uplifts us.

14 Powerful Climate Action Quotes That Will Inspire You

With all this talk of staying motivated, if your enthusiasm for tackling global warming or advocating for environmental sustainability needs a bit of a boost; here are some words of wisdom to help out with that:

“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer—Potawatomi Botanist and Author

“We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.”
Xiye Bastida—Indigenous Otomi Mexican Climate Activist

“We have to recognise that every breath of air we take, every mouthful of food we take, comes from the natural world. And if we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves. We are one coherent ecosystem. It’s not just a question of beauty, or interest, or wonder – the essential ingredient of human life is a healthy planet.
Sir David Attenborough—British Broadcaster, Biologist and Natural Historian

“The environment is where we all meet; where all of us have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
Lady Bird Johnson—First Lady of the United States (1963–1969) and Environmentalist

“We should care about the protection of people as much as we care about the planet—to me, these fights are the same. As a society we often forget that humans are a part of our global ecosystem and that we don’t exist separately from nature; we coexist with it each and every day.”
Leah Thomas—American Environmental Activist and Author

“In nature’s economy the currency is not money, it is life.”
Vandana Shiva—Indian Scholar, Environmental Activist and Author

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Dr Jane Goodall—English Zoologist, Primatologist and Anthropologist

“When we plant tress, we plant seeds of peace and seeds of hope.”
Wangari Maathai—Kenyan Social, Environmental, and Political Activist

“Indigenous peoples are in the front line of the climate emergency, and we must be at the center of the decisions happening here. We have ideas to postpone the end of the world. Let us stop emitting lies and fake promises; let us end the pollution of hollow words, and let us fight for a liveable future and present. It is always necessary to believe that the dream is possible. May our utopia be a future on earth.”
Txai Suruí—Paiter Suruí Indigenous Brazilian Environmental Activist

“When enough people come together then change will come and we can achieve almost anything.”
Greta Thunberg—Swedish Environmental Activist

“My truth will only land if you have the grace to fully listen. My story will only move you if you can open up your heart. I can urge you to act at the pace and scale necessary – but, in the end, your will to act must come from deep within.”
Elizabeth Wathuti—Kenyan Environmental and Climate Activist

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
Ryūnosuke Satoro—Japanese Writer and Poet

“It’s essential that we understand that taking care of the planet will be done as we take care of ourselves. You know that you can’t really make much of a difference in things until you change yourself.”
Alice Walker—Author, Poet and Social Activist

“At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rainforest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.”
Chico Mendes—Brazilian Trade Union Leader and Environmentalist

Listening to the thoughts, lived experiences, wisdom, and expertise of the influential individuals featured here highlights the profound impact of caring for our planet—and for each other. They distil complex ideas into simple yet powerful messages that resonate deeply. These words serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility and interconnectedness, persuading us to take meaningful action.

In Summary

A well-chosen quote can offer clarity, encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose, particularly when grappling with immense challenges such as climate change. These thoughtfully crafted words often illuminate overlooked truths, providing fresh perspectives or much-needed reminders of our shared responsibilities. They have the power to cut through the noise of doubt or despair, serving as beacons of hope that inspire action.

Beyond their individual impact, quotes act as bridges to the wisdom of others—both past and present—fostering a profound sense of solidarity. They remind us that we are not alone in our efforts to protect the planet and care for one another. Whether it is a call to safeguard nature’s beauty or an affirmation of human resilience, these words connect us to a collective consciousness grounded in care and determination.

In challenging moments, a meaningful quote can shift our perspective, reignite our passion, and remind us of the strength we possess to create change—together.

Which is your favourite quote? What do you do to stay motivated about taking climate action?

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Further Info:

Good News – The Daily Climate

6 Volunteering Ideas to Protect the Planet – Do Something