As climate impacts escalate and environmental news becomes overwhelming, many individuals are grappling with intense emotions related to the climate crisis. In their reflective piece, Linda Aspey and Trang Dang discuss “climate emotions,” which encompass feelings like grief, anxiety, and anger as people confront the complexities of ecological destruction.
The authors highlight that climate change is a “hyperobject,” vast and difficult to comprehend entirely, leading to a pervasive sense of uncertainty. While this uncertainty can induce paralysis, it can also signal hope, as the future remains unwritten. These emotions are vital signals of our interconnectedness with the world.
The article introduces Climate Café Listening Circles (CCLCs) as a supportive tool for individuals to share their feelings about the climate crisis in an informal, judgment-free setting. Here, participants engage in open dialogues about their emotions, fostering connections and facilitating compassionate conversations. Breaking the silence surrounding these feelings often brings relief and clarity, allowing participants to align their actions with their values.
CCLCs help combat feelings of isolation, allowing participants to express concerns ranging from societal apathy to personal conflicts and fears about the future. While not therapy, these circles create a safe space for emotional expression, normalizing climate distress and inspiring renewed motivation toward community engagement and personal values.
The initiative is accessible to everyone, with various organizations increasingly offering CCLCs. To participate, interested individuals can find local circles on the Climate Psychology Alliance’s events page.
