Wildfires, hurricanes and massive floods dominate the headlines.
The coral reefs are doomed.
The United Nations is calling our current state “code red for humanity.”
It’s all overwhelming, and you’re likely feeling anxious, scared and angry.
Just know that you’re not alone.
Cue the rising blood pressure.
“People are saying, well, we’ll set targets for 2050,” she said.
We can help ourselves by preparing to feel disappointed by COP26, said Hickman.
“We’re not going to get everything sorted,” she said.
“you oughta balance up the capacity to tolerate the disappointment with the successes.”
It’s also important to remember that we needn’t focus solely on the political negotiations at COP26.
Something that appears on the surface to be a failure can yield powerful new voices and movements.
“It’s about power in the people.”
“Look internally first, and figure out what those climate emotions are.
Are you feeling scared?
Are you actually feeling scared but empowered, ready to do something?”
“You’ve got to learn resilience to feel this stuff,” she said.
Older people can feel shame and guilt, whereas younger people can feel betrayal and abandonment.
Older generations should engage with and listen to younger people, even if it makes them uncomfortable.
“For young people to feel empowered, we actually need more adults exploring those feelings.”
Not everyone has to be out banner blazing on the streets, she added.
Inaction only contributes to further anxiety, so finding a role for yourself could be beneficial for your well-being.
“We may be getting off a cliff, but we’re going down fighting,” said Hickman.
“There’s so much we can do.”
For further help, includingindividual therapeutic support, you could find more resources atForce of Natureand theClimate Psychology Alliance.
