Natural Superpowers are those that help you connect to nature to do something about climate change, and to take care of your own wellbeing. They are also related to actions that young people do to take care of natural places and life. Natural Superpowers help us become aware of the beauty of ecosystems and the benefits they have for our health and wellbeing. They are also key to understand how to use natural resources wisely and sustainably: air, land, soil, water, minerals, energy, weather, geographic location, flora, fauna, food, and biodiversity.
Natural Superpowers often involve:
- Caring for Country.
- Going out to nature (hiking, camping).
- Going to natural spaces in the city (parks).
- Enjoying time spent with pets and animals.
- Gardening, planting trees, composting.
- Cleaning litter from forests, parks, beaches, etc.
- Reducing, recycling, and reusing waste.
Actions
Climate change is a complicated problem. To tackle it, we need all sorts of people working on all sorts of actions, big and small.
By taking on one (or more!) of these climate actions, you can use your Climate Superpowers as an agent of change at home, your community and beyond. Each action will also help your superpowers grow even stronger!
So, how do want to use your superpowers today?
In these pages, you’ll find ideas, tips, and resources to help you with your chosen actions. We’ll suggest special actions that we think you’d ace, based on your superpowers.
When you complete an action, you can return here and share notes with other young people who are about to take on a similar action in their own lives. Let’s dive in!
Start by choosing which type of action you’d like to explore first:
Explore how connecting to nature can help you learn about climate change and climate action.
Try new ways to make your diet more sustainable.
Delicious and sustainable snacks!
Check out this delicious list of recipes for sustainable snacks by WWC UK and tips on how to eat more sustainably.
Connect with and learn about the local natural environment where you live.
Improve your knowledge of how greenhouse gases are affecting natural environments around the world. For example, watch the ‘Our Planet’ documentary by David Attenborough.
Natural Superpowers help us connect to nature in our everyday lives, no matter where we live, study or work. Connecting to nature in everyday life can help you stay healthy and centred, while contributing to climate action at the same time.
Make a veggie garden at home or school, or volunteer at a local garden in your community. Make compost. Use pots it you don’t have a lot of space.
Recycle and compost your waste. If there’s no compost system at your home or school, do your best to set one up!
Pick up litter that you see on the street or in nature.
For example, you could join Clean Up Australia Day.
Clean Up Australia Day happens every year on the first Sunday of March. But you can also organise your own Clean Up anytime! Just go to this webpage for information, resources and to create or sign up for a clean up.
Connecting to nature can be a source of comfort, relaxation, and help you recharge. Spending time in nature can also help you feel more hopeful, for example, when we contemplate the rebirth of plants and animals.
Do some gardening or take a walk in nature, the park, or by the sea. Close your eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air.
Use all your senses to contemplate and appreciate nature.
Listen – to the birds, wind, waves, water.
Look – contemplate the sunrise, sunset, moon, stars, the sea.
Touch – your pet’s soft fur, the grass or sand on your feet, the warm sunlight on your face.
Smell – the flowers, the soil after it rains, gum trees.
Taste – fruits, veggies, fresh water, mint leaves.
You can practice this mini meditation to appreciate nature by HeadSpace.
Watch funny animal videos, gardening shows or soothing nature documentaries.
Spend time with your pets. Talk to them (we can’t guarantee they will talk back).
Natural Superpowers help us transform our society so that humans can live in harmony with the world around us. They are also necessary to preserve our flora, fauna, water, soil and habitats for future generations.
Avoid products that you know are affecting nature in your country and other parts of the world.
If you are interested in how to buy clothes responsibly, these resources might be useful for you: Navigating Ethical and Sustainable Fashion for Teens by Good on You and Shop Ethical gives advices on different products, including youth fashion
Care for Country. Listen to what First Nations peoples are saying about what Country needs, and help spread those messages to people around you.
Get involved in an organisation that protects and restores the natural environment.
Make a garden with native plants from your area. Tell your Council to do the same in your community’s parks and green areas.
