The notion that our Earth is on the brink of collapse has recently permeated the collective consciousness. The term “climate breakdown” has replaced mere “climate change,” emphasizing the urgency and severity of our global predicament. As highlighted by the United Nations in September 2023, this shift in language underscores the critical need for immediate action to address the escalating global environmental crisis.
Amidst the looming specter of climate breakdown, I find solace and guidance in the principles of our “Stay Close” model for healing grief. I’m offering it as a way of helping humans address climate grief.
Grounded in reality, experience, compassion, and resilience, this healing model offers a roadmap for navigating the depths of climate grief and embracing the transformative power of healing. Let us embark on a journey of radical self-change as we confront the monumental challenges posed by our changing world. The “Stay Close” model includes the following elements: Acceptance, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Engagement (or service to others).
Acceptance: We must accept the reality of what we have lost regarding the stability and viability of all life on Earth.
The first step in our journey toward healing our climate grief is acceptance. We must acknowledge the stark reality of our Earth’s collapse and the profound loss it entails. Denial is no longer an option; we must confront the facts head-on and take decisive action to mitigate the ongoing environmental collapse (and find ways to adapt). As Joanna Macy demands of us, “The most radical thing any of us can do at this time is to be fully present to what is happening in the world.” Acceptance requires us to confront the truth of our current reality and take responsibility for our role in shaping its future.
Staying Informed: Educating ourselves about the harsh realities of climate breakdown is crucial to fostering acceptance. By staying informed about the latest scientific findings and environmental developments, we can better understand the challenges we face and the urgent need for collective action. In the words of Greta Thunberg, “I want you to act as if the house is on fire because it is.” Staying informed empowers us to act with urgency and purpose, knowing that the fate of our Earth hangs in the balance.
Gratitude: We must celebrate the beauty of the Living Earth and protect what remains with an air of gratitude.
Despite the grim prognosis for our Earth, we must not lose sight of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Cultivating a sense of gratitude for the Earth’s abundant gifts can provide solace and inspiration in the face of adversity. As American naturalist John Muir famously said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Gratitude allows us to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings and the profound gifts bestowed upon us by the Earth.
Spending Time in Nature: Nature is the great healer. And all great healers have found their voice in Nature. Immersing ourselves in the restorative embrace of Nature can evoke feelings of gratitude and awe. We can hike, tend a garden, or simply bask in the sun’s warmth. Nature has astonishing restorative powers. Connecting with the natural world reminds us of the intrinsic value of all living beings. Rachel Carson reminds us, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
Forgiveness: We must acknowledge and learn from humans’ past mistakes, forgive ourselves, and then let them go while resolving not to repeat them.
Understanding the historical and systemic factors that have led to environmental collapse can help us release anger and resentment. Humans are not uninvited aliens on this Earth. We belong here and have a right to live here. Our challenge is to find the right ways to live on Earth. By forgiving ourselves and others for past mistakes, we can focus on creating positive change and preventing further harm to the Earth.
Rituals of Remembrance: Just as we craft rituals to honor the memory of those who have died, we can create rituals to stop and rest within the realms of Acceptance, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Engagement and find ways to mourn the changing landscapes, loss of whole island nations, and ecosystems, and vanishing species. From tree-planting ceremonies to moments of quiet reflection, these rituals provide tangible connections to what once was and a commitment to what we can still protect. Simple, human-focused rituals of connection can be readily adapted to heal our wounded Earth and our broken relationships with the Earth.
Engagement (or Service): We must find and engage with our “survivor mission” and move forward in ways that promote the healing of the Earth and our relationships with Earth.
There are thousands of ways to serve the Earth, and no time like the present. Every principled organization has “environmental” responsibilities. It’s not necessary to become an outspoken activist. The frontier is long, and there are many ways to serve the Earth.
Young People and Climate Grief
In addition to the broader societal impacts of climate breakdown, it is essential to recognize young people’s unique challenges. As they grapple with the existential threat posed by environmental degradation, many are experiencing profound feelings of grief and anxiety. Recent studies have highlighted the significant emotional toll of climate breakdown on young people worldwide. According to a poignant 2022 study by Shu-Mei Teo and colleagues, nearly one in four young Australians expressed profound anxiety about the future of our Earth. This distress weighed heavily on their hearts and minds, underscoring the urgent need for support and action (“Climate Change Worries and Youth Mental Health,” Journal of Environmental Psychology, 2022).
As we delve deeper into the emotional landscape of climate grief, it becomes increasingly evident that young people are at the forefront of this existential crisis. Unlike previous generations, who may have been shielded from the full extent of environmental degradation, today’s youth are acutely aware of the dire consequences of inaction. From witnessing the devastation of natural disasters to grappling with the prospect of an uncertain future, young people are bearing the brunt of climate breakdown’s emotional impacts and knock-on effects for younger generations.
In Greta Thunberg’s words, “You say you love your children above all else, and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes.” Greta’s impassioned plea is a poignant reminder of the profound injustice young people face today. Despite being the least responsible for climate change, they are forced to contend with its most devastating effects.
As climate grief continues to take its toll on young hearts and minds, it is imperative that we provide them with the support and resources they need to cope with these overwhelming emotions. Mental health services tailored to address climate-related anxiety, educational programs that empower young people to become environmental advocates, and safe spaces for open dialogue and expression are all essential components of a comprehensive response to youth climate grief. As Maya Angelou once said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” In the face of climate grief, young people demonstrate remarkable resilience and courage. They are mobilizing their peers, organizing climate strikes, and demanding action from world leaders. Their collective voice is a powerful force for change, and we must listen, support, and amplify their calls for justice.
As we confront the daunting challenges of climate breakdown, let us not forget its profound impacts on young people’s mental and emotional well-being. By acknowledging their grief, providing them with the tools to navigate these complex emotions, and empowering them to become agents of change, we can build a brighter, more hopeful future for future generations. As we navigate the complexities of climate breakdown and collapse and its profound emotional toll, we can draw strength from the resilience of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
By embracing acceptance, gratitude, forgiveness, and engagement, we can forge a path toward healing and renewal, both individually and collectively. By staying close to Nature and to each other, we can rise to the challenge of our time and work tirelessly to create a more sustainable and compassionate world for future generations of all life on Earth.
Comments