Climate Anxiety
EcoSocial Justice Grant Climate Anxiety Project
Many of the events in this guide were made possible by a 2023 EcoSocial Justice grant, which is being coordinated by Roberta Richards and Taryn Oakley. Gratitude to the students and staff who coordinate the EcoSocial Justice Grant program.
Feedback and questions about this guide can be directed to Roberta Richards, rrichard@pcc.edu.
Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety, sometimes called eco-anxiety or climate grief, refers to the feelings of sadness, loss, fear and hopelessness caused by climate disruption. Youth and young adults are often the ones experiencing climate anxiety most acutely.
The Oregon Health Authority conducted a study on the impact of climate change on youth mental health, and found results similar to those found in international studies. A summary of the experience of Oregon youth:
- They are experiencing feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety and frustration about climate change
- They feel dismissed by adults and the older generation.
- They feel angry that not enough is being done to protect their future
- They understand climate change as closely linked with systemic racism and oppression. They believe both need to be addressed at the same time. "Climate Change and Youth Mental Health," June 2022, p.5.
This guide includes resources for understanding and addressing climate anxiety, including programming and support available here at Portland Community College. See below recommended books, web resources and podcasts. Use the tabs on the left to find events and resources for students and faculty/staff.
Online resources
TED Talk, How to turn climate anxiety into action, with psychologist Renée Lertzman (14 minutes)
Web resources:
- Climate Mental Health Network resourcesTips and downloadable tip sheets, guided meditations, recommended books and more
- Resources for working with climate emotionsBlog post by Britt Wray providing an extensive list of resources. August 2021
- 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
Highly recommended climate anxiety books!
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 by Call 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
Generation Dread : finding purpose in an age of climate crisis by Call Number: audio book 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.
- 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
- Facing the climate emergency : how to transform yourself with climate truthPrint and ebook, 2020
- How to talk to your kids about climate changePrint and ebook, 2020
Podcasts
- Climate Change and HappinessA psychologist from Portland, Oregon and a climate emotions researcher from Helsinki, Finland have an international dialogue about climate change feelings and coping.
- Facing It: A Podcast about Love, Loss, and the Natural World6 part podcast by Dr. Jennifer Atkinson exploring the emotional burden of climate change, and why despair leaves so many people unable to respond to our existential threat. Dr. Atkinson leads seminars on eco-grief and climate anxiety at the University of Washington, where she is professor of environmental humanities.