Climate grief is a personal or community response to the human-influenced negative impact on climate, biomes, humans and all life forms, such as melting glaciers, natural disasters, species extinction, deforestation and pollution. It affects all aspects of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

 

We might experience feelings of anxiety over the future of the Earth and future generations, and grief at the loss of lifeways connected to the local environment and biodiversity. With few cultural supports in place, those experiencing climate grief may feel alone in their experiences, but they are not.

 

Research shows that indigenous communities, people working in environmental-related fields, youth and children may be most impacted. Due to natural disasters, some may experience food insecurity and lack of housing. According to the American Psychological Association, climate grief represents a growing mental health concern in which trained mental health professionals can provide important support. Today and on Earth Day, April 22, reflect upon climate grief and explore some of its ramifications.

 

Talk with a healthcare provider about concerns over anxiety or depression. Be part of a new dream for humanity’s relationship with the Earth. Joanna Macy’s The Work That Reconnects is an important free, open-source resource to explore (WorkThatReconnects.org). Connect with Earth via barefoot walks, meditating outdoors and forest bathing. Connect with your culture and spirituality and what they teach about caring for the Earth. Form or join a climate grief support group. Support environmental justice organizations locally, nationally and globally. Vote.

 

Justin Ferko Ed.M., MTS, is a spiritual counselor, forest bathing guide and owner of Wild Spirit Paths, LLC, in central Pennsylvania. For more information, call 717-220-5034, email [email protected] or visit WildSpiritPaths.com.