> We grew up with the threat of nuclear destruction
The difference is that nuclear destruction required some sort of action. Climate catastrophe just requires inaction. "Do nothing and we're OK" vs. "do nothing and we're toast" is a pretty big difference psychologically. The idea that it might be too late for any action to change the outcome only makes it worse.
> as well as global warming
I was old enough to be aware at the time, and the level of concern about global warming then is practically nothing compared to what it is now. People were at least as concerned about a nuclear winter.
Responding to others' concerns with "big deal, I had it worse" is almost never helpful. Regardless of whether those concerns are objectively valid or among those you personally share, an empathetic and curious response would be to understand why those concerns loom so large and what can be done to allay them.
The difference is that nuclear destruction required some sort of action. Climate catastrophe just requires inaction. "Do nothing and we're OK" vs. "do nothing and we're toast" is a pretty big difference psychologically. The idea that it might be too late for any action to change the outcome only makes it worse.
> as well as global warming
I was old enough to be aware at the time, and the level of concern about global warming then is practically nothing compared to what it is now. People were at least as concerned about a nuclear winter.
Responding to others' concerns with "big deal, I had it worse" is almost never helpful. Regardless of whether those concerns are objectively valid or among those you personally share, an empathetic and curious response would be to understand why those concerns loom so large and what can be done to allay them.