The weather last Wednesday at JCU Market Day mirrored what many students told us they were feeling — overcast, a little heavy.

We set up a large “Climate Mood” board to check in with students about how they’re feeling about the climate crisis. Since the peak of the school strikes and the disruptions of COVID, things have quietened down. We wanted to know — what’s shifted, and where are people at now?

To spark reflection, we shared a mix of recent climate headlines - some confronting, like the Torres Strait Climate Justice Case being dismissed, or record-breaking weather in North Queensland last summer. But we also included hopeful stories: renewable energy hitting over 40% in Australia for the first time in 2025, or the first “cryo coral babies” being planted on the Great Barrier Reef thanks to groundbreaking conservation science.

The responses? Honest, raw, and wide-ranging.
Many students told us they felt sad, anxious, even angry - particularly at governments and corporations for inaction and greenwashing. The state of our Reef weighs heavily. But there was also curiosity, and sparks of hope - especially around new innovations, local action, and the idea of being part of a community that cares.

For NQCC, this was a powerful reminder. The fear and frustration are valid - but so is the hope. We have a responsibility to make sure that hope gets shared, too.

And truth be told, even we found it hard to dig up the good news when Googling headlines to print for the board. But it’s out there - and even more so, it’s right here. In the community-led climate adaptation projects. In conversations at our collaborative heatwave workshop. In volunteers who show up - even when it rains.

The climate crisis can feel too big. But local action makes it smaller, more human, and more possible.

Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat. If you want to be part of finding the hope - and growing it - sign up to our newsletter and get involved.