Kate Jorquez is a freshman at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

There are many perspectives and ideas in the world when it comes to energy policy. Energy affects everyone and so everyone has their own opinion about it. However, most opinions and ideas about energy policy stem from two main mindsets: a positive mindset and a negative one, an optimistic outlook or a pessimistic attitude. When we look at energy policy, it is vital to maintain a positive outlook on the issues and the possible solutions in our current situation. 

Ultimately, having a negative view of energy is like being stuck in a deep hole but continuing to dig down. It typically causes more harm than good. A pessimistic outlook can leave you feeling depressed and apathetic, and it distorts your view of the world. Negativity feeds into negativity making you feel worse about the energy situation. This distorts your perception of important energy-related issues like mining, clean energy development, and energy policies.

A warped perspective is dangerous because it can spiral into either apathy or cynicism. Apathy and passive negativity towards energy policy lead to a devil-may-care attitude that lacks the strength to produce solutions out of the misguided belief that problems are too large or dangerous to attempt to fix. Active negativity, or cynicism, is far more dangerous because it can lead to irresponsible or desperate actions in a reckless attempt to fix the current issues without proper consideration of all the effects of an action.

This is why it’s essential to have a positive attitude towards energy policy.

When you have a positive perspective on energy, you’re less likely to be swayed by nihilistic rhetoric. Having a positive mindset reduces the drain on mental health and energy. This effectively combats apathy by acknowledging the issues of the current system and keeping a positive outlook on possible fixes. A positive outlook also avoids the pitfalls of a cynical perception because it is less desperate to find solutions and more likely to fully think through all actions and policies instead of blindly reaching for the first perceived solution. An optimistic approach to energy policy leads to active, effective decisions made calmly after evaluating all possibilities.

But how is it possible to have a positive outlook on energy policy in today’s society?

First, you need to be aware of pessimistic views on energy. If you’re watching or reading something, beware of inflammatory language, especially about extinction or major catastrophe being highly likely or inevitable. 

Do your research about policies and ideas. Notice when issues are depicted in a black-and-white context, because the truth is most things tend to be more nuanced. Try and understand multiple perspectives on an issue and be able to list a few pros and cons. Specifically, try and understand the direct impacts of a policy on your daily life. 

Doing this helps keep impacts in proper reference. 

We see a wonderful example of what can happen when we take an optimistic approach to energy in the Solar Sister project. Located in Africa, Solar Sister maintains a positive outlook about climate change and actively trains African women in underdeveloped areas as entrepreneurs and business owners. The project has generated over $300 million for local economies—all while giving more than 4.3 million people their first access to even small amounts of electricity. Solar Sister is also an excellent example of the right energy source for the right purpose, using localized power sources to reach remote off-grid communities.

Within our current social and political climate, it is crucial that we maintain a positive outlook on energy policies. Having a negative perspective can result in a warped perception that leads to either apathy or desperation. A positive mindset analyzes issues from a calm and active stance to help initiate meaningful changes to our current situation.