Mike Smith spent over ten years as a U.S. fighter pilot. But one day, he decided to change direction. Instead of flying jets and dealing with military missions, he focused on something different: planting trees and promoting sustainability. This shift began years earlier when, as a kid, he witnessed a massive wildfire near his home in Idaho. That experience left a mark on him.
Years later, when Mike returned to his hometown, he was shocked by what he saw. The land where the fire had ravaged was still barren, two decades later. It hit him hard—this isn’t just a memory; it’s a real problem that needs fixing. So, he started a company focused on reforestation and carbon offset projects, helping businesses reduce their emissions.
As he worked in the climate space, Mike noticed something interesting: more women than men were engaged in sustainability efforts. This observation aligns with a concept known as the “green gender gap.” Research indicates that women tend to express greater concern about climate issues, especially in wealthier countries. Studies, like those from Amanda Clayton at the University of California, reveal that men’s worries about the environment decrease as nations prosper. This decline often stems from fears about costs associated with transitioning to clean energy.
Clayton also points out that when climate change becomes a partisan issue, it can influence men’s beliefs negatively. Political messages targeting men often revolve around loss—like job cuts in fossil fuel industries or having to give up their beloved gas cars. This connection between masculinity and fossil fuels is sometimes referred to as “petro-masculinity.”
To address these dynamics, psychologist Vidar Vetterfalk from Sweden’s MÄN organization is attempting a new approach. He encourages men to connect with nature in a way that feels personal, rather than focusing on guilt over climate issues. By fostering conversation around their positive experiences with the environment, he helps create a more meaningful dialogue about sustainability.
However, engaging men who aren’t already interested can be challenging. Mike believes that straightforward and blame-free discussions are essential. He uses his background as an ex-fighter pilot to connect with those who might view climate action as a feminine issue. “No one can take my man card away,” he often says, which gives him an advantage when talking about these subjects.
Furthermore, he suggests that men are more likely to engage in climate action when they see the personal benefits, like saving money through solar energy or electric vehicles. Interestingly, auto companies are starting to market electric vehicles as tough, masculine machines, indicating a shift toward making green options appealing to traditional male demographics.
Ultimately, Mike sees the way forward as creating a sense of purpose. For him, it’s about motivating others in a similar manner that inspired him to join the Navy—a feeling of having a mission that drives meaningful action.
As society shifts its understanding of masculinity, embracing sustainable practices may not just benefit the planet but could also redefine what it means to be a man in the modern world.
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