What is eco-anxiety:
how to address and prevent it?

Sarah Roberts, working with Eco-Schools, gives a clear description of Eco-Anxiety and outlines how it is effecting many young people. She explores ways teachers can address it and also teach about climate change in a way that doesn't trigger anxiety.

Britt Wray's book "Generation Dread: Why the Future Is Looking Dystopian and What We Can Do About It" addresses the psychological and social impacts of living in a time of environmental and societal uncertainty. Here are some key points from the book:

1. Young people today are growing up in a world that is facing multiple interconnected crises, including climate change, political polarization, and economic inequality. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, despair, and hopelessness.
2. The media and popular culture often portray dystopian visions of the future, which can contribute to a sense of dread and pessimism about what lies ahead.
3. However, there are also many examples of positive actions and initiatives being taken by individuals, communities, and organizations to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable future.
4. In order to overcome feelings of dread and hopelessness, it is important to cultivate a sense of agency and empowerment. This can be done through actions such as engaging in activism, connecting with others, and pursuing meaningful work.
5. The book encourages readers to adopt a "radical hope" mindset, which recognizes the challenges we face but also believes in the possibility of positive change and takes action to create it.
6. The book also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse perspectives in finding solutions to complex problems.
7. Finally, the book argues that it is essential to foster a sense of connection with the natural world and recognize our interdependence with other species in order to create a more sustainable and just future.

Britt Wray also produces a newsletter , exploring the themes -  what is eco-anxiety and how can we overcome the challenges it presents?

Per Espen also has a thought-provoking TED Talk  which sheds light on the theme - what is eco-anxiety and how can we overcome the barriers to action.

David Sobel's book "Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education" addresses the importance of nurturing children's natural curiosity and love for the environment. Here are some key points from the book:

1. Children have an innate interest in the natural world, and it is important to nurture this interest in order to foster a sense of environmental stewardship.
2. Environmental education should focus on positive experiences and emotions related to nature, rather than instilling fear or guilt about environmental issues.
3. Children should be given opportunities to explore and learn about the natural world in a hands-on and experiential way, rather than through textbooks and lectures.
4. Teachers and parents can play a critical role in fostering children's love and appreciation for nature by being positive role models and providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.
5. It is important to consider the cultural and social contexts in which environmental education takes place and to be inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences.
6. The book advocates for a holistic and integrated approach to education, where nature is incorporated into all aspects of learning, rather than treated as a separate subject.
7. The goal of environmental education should not only be to teach children about the environment, but also to inspire them to take action and make positive changes in their communities and the world.

The Climate Change Playbook has 22 interactive exercises that help people (adults and children) to clarify the confusion and misconceptions that are apparent regarding climate change. reflect on the causes, anticipate future consequences in a supportive environment, and most importantly to effect constructive change.

The authors identify the six features of climate system that cause the most difficulties are : habitual behaviour; inappropriate frames; uncertainty; autonomous behaviour; long delays and magnification.

Each game is either a mass game for a lot of people, a demonstration game for a few people to be involved in and others to reflect on, or a participation game for up to 30 people. Drawn from the author's time studying and teaching systems thinking, the games are effective in enabling participants to see the bigger picture, change their perspectives and assumptions, see interdependencies, think about the long term view, see cuase and effect relationships and much more. A fascinating approach: the games are simple and flexible and enable memorable and deep learning. 

A Guide to Eco-Anxiety is a thorough analysis of eco-anxiety, its causes and how to address it. The author and psychoanalyst, Anouchka Grose, explores the growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety and provides a useful selection of emotional tools and strategies to ease anxiety, with a particular focus on taking action both individually and with others. The need for, and power of, talking about climate change are explained and practical ways to provide openings for these discussions suggested.

Different treatments and therapies are explained and a toolkit is provided, full of practical ways to foster connection, provide support and self-care, and strategies to spread awareness and impact change. 

So, if you are keen to explore the questions 'What is eco-anxiety and what can we do about it? this book is for you.

Renee Lertzman has produced an excellent website with tools, strategies and explanations about her approach to being a guide for people at this complex time. Getting Started - PIO (projectinsideout.net)

She provides video explanations of the different stages, approaches and tools. It is a very thorough and meaningful guide - invaluable for practitioners such as teachers as we consider our role not just as imparters of information, but a guides to support our pupils through their journey of discovery, with their sense of self and hope thriving. An excellent resource!