Climate Change Transition
Although climate change may not yet be on the radar of most Australians' everyday lives, its implications for the future health and wellbeing of individuals and communities are becoming apparent. As we enter an era of major transition, building psychological resilience and a strong sense of community become all the more important. With the growing awareness of the seriousness of climate change, how are we supporting ourselves to feel and share our responses to the daily news reports, and the frustration of Australian politicians doing very little about it?
There are numerous organizations which focus on actions we can do as individuals, families and communities to reduce carbon emissions. Joining such groups takes us out of feeling isolated. Focusing on making changes in our lifestyle also can give us a sense of achievement.
What other resources can we draw upon?
The Climate Wellbeing Network (Sydney and Christchurch) and Psychology for a Safe Climate (Melbourne) are focused on providing support for healthy engagement with the challenges of climate change.
Citizens' Climate Lobby (originating in the US but becoming international and starting in Australia) offers us training in non-confrontational lobbying so that we can take back our democracy from powerful corporate interests.
Active Hope study circles, based on the work of Joanna Macy, offer us support groups within which we can share and transform our climate change emotions to become an empowered community of like-minded people working for the health of our world.
Related to the Active Hope work are Deep Ecology workshops such as the Climate Change Despair and Empowerment workshops and Council of All Beings workshops (developed by John Seed and Joanna Macy).
Arts-based support groups offer a playful way to express issues we care about through arts, chosen from our growing edge. We can engage in dialogue with our art works and receive insights about our next steps.
Although climate change may not yet be on the radar of most Australians' everyday lives, its implications for the future health and wellbeing of individuals and communities are becoming apparent. As we enter an era of major transition, building psychological resilience and a strong sense of community become all the more important. With the growing awareness of the seriousness of climate change, how are we supporting ourselves to feel and share our responses to the daily news reports, and the frustration of Australian politicians doing very little about it?
There are numerous organizations which focus on actions we can do as individuals, families and communities to reduce carbon emissions. Joining such groups takes us out of feeling isolated. Focusing on making changes in our lifestyle also can give us a sense of achievement.
What other resources can we draw upon?
The Climate Wellbeing Network (Sydney and Christchurch) and Psychology for a Safe Climate (Melbourne) are focused on providing support for healthy engagement with the challenges of climate change.
Citizens' Climate Lobby (originating in the US but becoming international and starting in Australia) offers us training in non-confrontational lobbying so that we can take back our democracy from powerful corporate interests.
Active Hope study circles, based on the work of Joanna Macy, offer us support groups within which we can share and transform our climate change emotions to become an empowered community of like-minded people working for the health of our world.
Related to the Active Hope work are Deep Ecology workshops such as the Climate Change Despair and Empowerment workshops and Council of All Beings workshops (developed by John Seed and Joanna Macy).
Arts-based support groups offer a playful way to express issues we care about through arts, chosen from our growing edge. We can engage in dialogue with our art works and receive insights about our next steps.