Nov. 8-9, 2021 — Former U.S. President Barack Obama said climate dystopia creeps into his dreams as he sleeps.

“There are times when I feel discouraged. There are times where the future seems somewhat bleak. There are times where I am doubtful that humanity can get its act together before it’s too late…and images of dystopia start creeping into my dreams.

“And yet, whenever I feel such despondency I remind myself that cynicism is the recourse of cowards. We can’t afford hopelessness.”

He didn’t detail his nightmares.

He urged young people rightly feeling anxious about the climate crisis not to not sulk, but “get busy,” speaking at talks in Glasgow.

“Change what needs to be changed,” he said.

That’s what young people are now doing, he said, citing activist Greta Thunberg and others.

He urged the young to enter the political fray; “vote like your life depends on it, because it does.”

He cautioned people to beware of the misinformation and propaganda that “floods out” of the media.

Obama blamed a lack of power in congress for his failure on climate policy. He said President Joe Biden is also facing a dearth of a “robust majority,” limiting the USA’s inability to do more on climate right now.

“Saving the planet isn’t a partisan issue.”

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Link to speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2ScHyXs50Q