Page 7 - Summer Term One, Eco-Schools Newsletter - English
P. 7

Eco-Anxiety




 We are living in a time of   of the world but in the UK and close to   It is helpful to recognise and   knowledge that others harbour similar
 environmental upheaval, where we   home in Wales.   understand the range of emotions   feelings and that you’re not alone.

 are realising that a changing climate      that we might be feeling about this
 is a reality that is unfolding in front of   The term attributed to emotions felt by   global climate problem that often feels  Climate or Eco-Anxiety is all too familiar
 our eyes. We are seeing that the fears   people in response to this threat is Eco   so far out of our realm of control. It’s   for young climate activist and Youth

 of what could happen as greenhouse   or Climate Anxiety. Although the range   important when learning about the   Climate Ambassador for Wales, Poppy
 gases increase in our environment   of feelings generated can be vast and   issues to make time to talk about   Stowell-Evans, read her blog on her

 is happening in the form of extreme   varied…  your feelings towards climate change,  solution to dealing with the negative
 weather events, not only in other parts   what it means for you, share in the   feelings.




 Some are negative:
 •  Surprise and Confusion can be felt as we learn about the facts

 •  Worry, Anxiety and Dread as we realise the implications of a changing   “...the role I can play has allowed me to lean into a feeling of
 climate         empowerment rather than fear, which can only come when

 •  Sadness and Grief for what we stand to lose  trusting one’s ability to make the change you want to see.”
 •  Guilt, Shame, Feeling Inadequate for how we live our lives and contribute to   - Poppy Stowell-Evans
 the problem

 •  Anger, Feeling Betrayed, Frustration towards the people in power that
 should be doing more to influence the situation, or towards peers that we

 perceive not to be taking climate change seriously
 •  Feeling Isolated, Envy and Jealousy of others that have more resources to
 adapt or we see as ‘doing more good’ than us








 But also, some of the emotions in response can be positive:

 •  Admiration for those that are taking proactive steps to change their lifestyles

 for the better

 •  Motivation and Determination to take action and make a difference
 •  Pleasure, Joy and Pride for knowing we are helping to be part of the solution,

 whatever the scale

 •  Hope, Optimism and Empowerment through taking some control and taking

 positive action

 •  Belonging and Togetherness with other like-minded individuals

 •  Love, Empathy and Compassion towards the future we want for ourselves

 and other living beings
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