WR 121 Cowan: Eco-anxiety resources
Environmental issues assignment
Eco-anxiety resources
Thinking about environmental issues can be distressing. The terms eco-anxiety and climate anxiety or grief refer to the feelings of sadness, loss, fear and hopelessness caused by environmental and climate disruption. The resources on this page help explain eco-anxiety and how to address it.
“Generation Dread” Author Britt Wray Shares Insights on Eco-Anxiety
Britt Wray, Human and Planetary Health Fellow at Stanford University and author of the new book Generation Dread, is interviewed on Metrofocus to discuss environment-related fears and anxieties, and to suggest strategies for turning climate despair into positive action. (13 minute video). Link to video.
Online resources
TED Talk, How to turn climate anxiety into action, with psychologist Renée Lertzman (14 minutes)
Web resources:
- Eco-anxiety: What is it and how to manage itFive things you can do to ease your fear and improve your overall wellbeing, from Brock University.
- Resources for working with climate emotionsBlog post by Britt Wray providing an extensive list of resources. August 2021
- Climate Mental Health Network resourcesTips and downloadable tip sheets, guided meditations, recommended books and more
- What is Climate Grief?Comprehensive introduction from Climate & Mind, compiled by psychotherapist Andrew Bryant
- "Climate grief and anxiety"Resources on PCC Library's Climate Change research guide
- PCC counseling resourcesPCC counselors provide workshops and offer free, short-term counseling to students.
Quick hits of hope
- The Climate OptimistMonthly newsletter from the Harvard School of Public Health with good news about climate change.
- Reasons to be CheerfulNewsletter and website founded by artist and musician David Byrne, with a focus on solutions.
- Schoolchildren Give Sweet Pep Talks on New Hotline You Can Call Now: 'Pure Joy'The PepToc hotline offers recorded words of encouragement from kindergarteners to callers.
Highly recommended eco-anxiety books!
- Generation Dread : finding purpose in an age of climate crisis byCall Number: streaming audiobook and print 155.915 W73g 2022Publication Date: 2022Weaving in valuable insights from climate-aware therapists; reflections on the emotional impact of ecological catastrophes; critical perspectives on the role of race and privilege in this crisis; ideas about the future of mental health innovation; and creative coping strategies to foster connection, meaning and resilience, Generation Dread brilliantly illuminates how we can learn from the past, from our own emotions, and from each other to survive--and even thrive--in a changing world.
- Hope matters : why changing the way we think is critical to solving the environmental crisis byCall Number: Hope matters : why changing the way we think is critical to solving the environmental crisisConstant reports of climate doom are fueling an epidemic of eco-anxiety, leaving many of us feeling hopeless and powerless--and hampering our ability to address the very real challenges we face. Hope Matters boldly breaks through the narrative of doom and gloom that has overtaken conversations about our future to show why hope, not fear, is our most powerful tool for tackling the planetary crisis.
- Turn the Tide on Climate Anxiety : sustainable action for your mental health and the planetCall Number: Available online and at all four campus librariesPublication Date: 2022The climate emergency can trigger emotions such as worry, anger, and even grief. Harnessing these emotions, validating them, and transforming them into positive action is all possible with this book. With an explanation of eco-emotions and practical strategies to try, this book will empower you to protect your mental health and the planet.
- A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety : how to keep your cool on a warming planet byCall Number: Online and at all four campus libraries (363.738 R39f 2020)Publication Date: 2020Drawing on ten years' experience leading and teaching in college environmental studies programs, Sarah Jaquette Ray has created an "existential toolkit" for the climate generation. Combining insights from psychology, sociology, social movements, mindfulness, and the environmental humanities, Ray explains why and how we need to let go of eco-guilt, resist burnout, and cultivate resilience while advocating for climate justice
- Active hope : how to face the mess we're in with unexpected resilience and creative powerBy Joanna Macy, 2022 revised copy of her classic Active Hope.
- All we can save : truth, courage, and solutions for the climate crisisPrint and ebook, 2020
- How to talk to your kids about climate changePrint and ebook, 2020