But what can I do?

Sometimes I find all the bad news about the state of the planet overwhelming and start to think "But what can I do?"

In these moments I often find myself turning to a touchstone - a list of actions put together by Jared Diamond in Collapse.(It's buried back in the "Further Reading" section, pp. 555-560.)

He says there are half a dozen things every individual can usefully do:

1. Vote (and let your elected representative know your views).

2. Reconsider what you do and don't buy.

3. Draw public attention to the policies and actions of companies (he recommends praising the good as well as condemning the bad). He also points out that it's more effective to target retailers and brands that sell to the public, because they are the most sensitive to consumer pressure.

4. Talk to others who vote and buy.

5. Be involved in work to improve your local environment.

6. Donate money to environmental organisations.

I think it's a good list.