As the climate warms, increasingly intense storms and fires threaten people's homes and safety. Rising sea levels are inundating coastal communities. Extreme heat waves are causing illness and death.
The thought of these dangers can be overwhelming.
Davenport: “Emotional reactions of any kind are completely natural—sadness, sadness, fear, rage, rage.”
Leslie Davenport is a licensed therapist and climate psychology educator. She said it helps connect others and get involved in climate action.
Davenport: “Being part of the solution can be psychologically empowering.”
For people who are already committed to climate change, taking time to process their feelings and readjust when needed can help them maintain their commitment.
bench: “Typically, people choose one or the other. If they are active but don’t care about their feelings, severe burnout can occur. Or, if they are struggling to express their feelings but don’t find a place to engage, they can limit their sense of agency or effectiveness.
So taking action and taking care of yourself can help people cope and stay engaged.
Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media
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