The Rise of Eco-Anxiety: positive and practical ways to prepare for and process climate related events.
Climate anxiety is increasing worldwide and affecting a wide range of groups, especially younger people and other vulnerable groups such as older people and those with limited resources to take preventative action or adapt to climate risks. A 2023 Mission Australia study of 19 000, 15-19 year olds found that 60% have some level of concern about climate related events and 21% were very or extremely concerned.
Older Australians are also vulnerable to heat stress and the effects of cold weather, however many lack the financial resources to install or use air conditioning which can lead to isolation and poor health outcomes.
Essentially “Eco Anxiety” is a worry, fear or sadness and in some cases a “sense of doom” or helplessness and overwhelm related to natural events over which we have limited control. Often these stressful situations result in trauma, grief, loss of freedom and in some cases anger against Governments and organisations for their perceived lack of empathy and appropriate responses to the events or preventing future loss.
Links:
The Granite News - prepared by the Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative this newsletter contains essential information on sources of help and community connection for anyone dealing with the impacts of the fires or who would like to be part of the recovery process. To get on the mailing list, Email: pdphroberts@gmail.com
The Tiaki Promise www.tiakinewzealand.com
Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship and Conservation. It is a way of managing the environment and looking at the world in an interconnected way. This concept informs land and tourism management and ensures that future generations are equipped to hand down culturally important values www.environmentguide.org.nz www.kaitiakitanga.org
Qualmark program https://www.qualmark.co.nz
A highly regarded quality assurance organisation that helps Tourism businesses improve their sustainability and providing benefits to local communities and the broader economy.
Taupo Bungy Jump Sustainability Initiatives www.bungy.co.nz/environment
US Climate Resilience Toolkit Based around the concept of 72 hour resilience for all city infrastructure eg, power, water, supplies, relocation centres. Practical advice and suggestions for preparedness and self sufficiency
Climate Justice Toolkit Climatejusticetoolkit.org.au
This organisation highlights how climate change unfairly impacts groups who may already experience inequality, marginalisation and discrimination. The Toolkit provides free advice and resources for community service organisations to help with disaster resilience and social justice responses for all affected by climate events.
Parents for Climate
Champions for Climate Action within their communities and protect children with a safe environment and clean air for a better future https:// www.parentsforclimate.org
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia
Connection and training to transform Australia’s response to environmental and climate issues https://wela.org.au
Psychology for a Safe Climate (PSC) https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org
PSC strengthens the emotional foundations of communities responding to critical climate and nature events. They recognise that climate change response is not just about science and policy but about feelings, emotions and cultures. They aim to provide relief, build resilience and empower systems change
