Climate Anxiety

Question 1

What does Jennifer Atkinson argue is the role of grief in climate work?

Answer 1

Grief is a natural and necessary response to loss and we must allow ourselves to feel and express this grief. The process of grieving can help us to connect with the natural world on a deeper level and to better understand the important of protecting it. We can build a sense of solidarity and community through grief that inspires action through collective responsibility as a catalyst for action.

Question 2

What is solastalgia?

Answer 2

Solastalgia is a neologism formed by the combination of Latin and Greek words that describes a form of emotional or existential distress caused by environmental change. It is best described as the lived experience of negatively perceived environmental change

Question 3

How does Sarah Jaquette Ray conceptualize the path from idealism to resilience?

Answer 3

Idealism –> lost innocence –> guilt –> nihilism –> self-care/ rediscover pleasure (baking cookies) –> hope –> efficacy —> resilience

Question 4

What is the role of emotions in building resilience?

Answer 4

1. Identify and understand our own needs and strengths (something is important to us)
2. Provide motivation and energy to take action
3. Help us to connect with others and build supportive relationships - feel less alone and more connected builds resilience
4. Source of creativity and problem-solving