Transforming Climate Anxiety into Action: Hannah Jurist on Project Drawdown
Finding Hope in Climate Solutions
With climate change dominating the headlines, many individuals feel overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty about the future. But what if solutions already exist?
That’s the core mission of Project Drawdown—to shift the narrative from fear to action by providing clear, science-backed solutions to combat climate change.
In a recent episode of the Are You Happy? podcast, Hannah Jurist, creative lead at Project Drawdown, shared her journey from fashion to climate advocacy and how the organization is inspiring real change.
Before diving into the details, watch our exclusive podcast interview with Hannah Jurist to hear firsthand about Project Drawdown’s work and impact.
Who is Hannah Jurist?
As creative lead at Project Drawdown, Hannah Jurist plays a pivotal role in bringing climate solutions to life. Her work includes:
- Social Media Management – Sharing engaging content that educates and inspires action.
- Art Direction – Crafting visuals that simplify complex climate concepts.
- Storytelling Collaboration – Working with content creators to highlight the human side of climate change.
Her diverse background in fashion, sustainability, and marketing allows her to bridge the gap between science and communication, making climate solutions more accessible to the public.
What is Project Drawdown?
Founded in 2017, Project Drawdown is a global leader in climate solutions, offering practical, science-backed strategies to combat climate change.
Key Initiatives Include:
- The Business Sector – Helping corporations integrate sustainability into their operations.
- The Solutions Library – A comprehensive resource detailing climate solutions across industries.
- The Stories Program – Showcasing frontline communities fighting climate change.
While science is at the core of their work, Project Drawdown understands the power of storytelling, making complex solutions relatable and actionable.
Hannah’s Journey: From Fashion to Climate Advocacy
Hannah’s path to climate work was unexpected. She began her career in the fashion industry, focusing on creative design and product development.
But everything changed when she traveled to China and experienced:
- Weeks of smog-covered skies where the sun was barely visible.
- Severe pollution caused by industrial waste and emissions.
This experience opened her eyes to the harsh realities of environmental degradation, sparking a deep concern for sustainability.
Why She Left the Fashion Industry
- She explored sustainable fashion but found corporate greenwashing frustrating.
- The industry’s slow response to sustainability left her disillusioned.
- She wanted to do more—beyond marketing and surface-level changes.
After working at Potential Energy, a firm dedicated to climate crisis communication, she took a course with Project Drawdown’s Executive Director, Jonathan Foley. His message?
Climate solutions already exist. We just need to scale them up.
Inspired by this hopeful outlook, Hannah transitioned into the climate sector, where she now amplifies Project Drawdown’s message.
Watch the full interview here.
How Project Drawdown is Changing the Climate Narrative
For many, climate change feels like an unstoppable crisis—but Project Drawdown is changing that perception
.Shifting from Fear to Action
Hannah recalls a supporter who shared:
"I went from climate anxiety and depression to relentless joy and action—thanks to Project Drawdown."
This transformation is at the heart of their mission:
- Replace fear with knowledge.
- Turn despair into action.
- Inspire hope by highlighting solutions that already work.
By educating individuals, businesses, and policymakers, Project Drawdown empowers people to take real, meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.
Future Projects and Vision
The Next Big Step: Reimagining the Solutions Library
Project Drawdown is preparing to update and expand its Solutions Library, making it more actionable and accessible.
What’s Changing?
- Shorter Timelines – Focus on solutions that can be implemented in 2-5 years.
- Localized Impact – Featuring climate heroes from communities worldwide.
- Actionable Steps – Breaking down solutions into simple, practical actions.
This update will make it easier for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to understand what steps they can take right now.
The Power of Sharing Climate Solutions
One of the most effective ways to fight climate change is through conversation and awareness.Hannah encourages everyone to:
- Talk about Project Drawdown with friends and family.
- Share climate solutions on social media.
- Inspire action in local communities.
A single conversation can lead to widespread awareness and change.
How You Can Get Involved
Supporting Project Drawdown means amplifying climate solutions that work. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Explore and Share the Solutions Library
- Learn about existing climate solutions in agriculture, energy, and industry.
- Share knowledge to inspire action in your community.
2. Support Climate Storytelling
- Follow Project Drawdown on social media for updates and insights.
- Share their climate hero stories to motivate action worldwide.
3. Engage in Local Climate Solutions
- Advocate for policies that support sustainable solutions.
- Support businesses that prioritize sustainability.
Every action—big or small—brings us closer to a sustainable future.
Final Thoughts: A Future of Climate Solutions
Hannah Jurist’s journey from fashion to climate advocacy is proof that anyone can transition into meaningful climate work.
Through Project Drawdown, she and her team are:
- Reframing climate change as a solvable challenge.
- Providing resources that turn knowledge into action.
- Inspiring a new generation of climate leaders.
Watch the full interview with Hannah Jurist to learn how Project Drawdown is transforming climate anxiety into hope and action.
Join the movement. Share this article. Support Project Drawdown.