Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a psychological one. In this podcast episode, we had the opportunity to discuss eco-anxiety, a burgeoning concern that’s quietly seeping into our society. Eco-anxiety stems from a constant fear and anticipation about the future of our planet. It’s a silent epidemic that we, as a society, often fail to acknowledge. Our hosts, Susan Banitt and Linda Aspey, share their personal journeys of grappling with this sense of impending doom. They highlight the importance of breaking the socially constructed silence around this issue and acknowledging the mental strain it brings.
Their discussion doesn’t just stop at identifying the problem; they delve into solutions, turning the spotlight onto Active Hope and community engagement as an effective response to climate change.
A significant part of the conversation revolves around the role of media in climate change discourse. The media, knowingly or unknowingly, plays a crucial part in shaping our perception of environmental health. The episode highlights how the media contributes to climate change denial and the silence surrounding environmental issues. It also underlines the absence of observance and discussions around environmental degradation in Western society and why this matters.
In the face of climate change, the conversation turns towards privilege, decolonisation, anxiety and the power of Active Hope. Linda and Susan discuss the impact of privileged communities on indigenous populations, the importance of reconnecting with nature and the role of community in combating climate change. The discussion underscores the need for empathy, connection and action in creating a more sustainable and just world. The podcast episode also delves into practical steps individuals can take to mitigate their eco-anxiety and actively contribute to combating climate change. It emphasises the importance of normalising feelings of distress and recognising them as a natural response to the state of our world.
Linda encourages listeners to challenge themselves, to be open to making mistakes and to honour their pain as a crucial part of understanding the full picture. The urgency and importance of addressing climate change, not just as an environmental issue but as a societal one. They also emphasise the need for a collective effort to bring about change and encourage listeners to transition from anxiety to action. Through their candid discussion, Linda reminds us that every step, no matter how small, can contribute to creating a more sustainable and just world
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