If you’re chronically online like me, you probably get a fair share of your daily laughs from internet memes. 

If you also happen to work in climate or sustainability, you’ve probably been exposed to niche sustainability memes that flawlessly capture the struggles and anxieties of this work (with a healthy dose of levity). Beyond releasing some steam, these memes also serve as a great window into what it’s like to work in sustainability right now, particularly corporate sustainability. So, what do these memes reveal?

This year marks a key milestone in the struggle to address climate change.

After decades of continued warming, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident around the world – and are impossible to deny. Temperature records are being shattered year after year. And countless heat waves, severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are affecting millions, often with dire consequences. All the while, greenhouse gas emissions have continued, fueling the unrelenting heating of our planet.

This is a troubling time for people working on climate change.

Despite the widespread, accelerating deployment of climate solutions around the world, events over the last few months are casting doubt on future efforts.

As a community-generated video library, the Global Solutions Diary features individuals from around the world sharing how they’re taking climate action and who or what inspired them to create positive change.