In 2019, Schmidt’s research led her to develop a framework for climate-focused peer support circles. This framework, known as the “Climate Circle Model,” outlines the structure and function of these circles. The model emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection among participants, fostering a sense of community, and providing a safe space for sharing experiences and knowledge. The Climate Circle Model is based on the principles of social support, shared responsibility, and collective action. It recognizes that climate change is a complex issue that requires collaborative efforts from individuals, communities, and organizations. It also acknowledges the importance of individual agency and empowerment.
The 2024 US Presidential Election is approaching, and climate change is a significant issue that will likely be a major focus of the campaigns. Climate change is a global issue that requires a coordinated global response. However, the US is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and its actions will have a significant impact on the climate. The US is also a leader in climate innovation, and its policies can influence the global climate agenda.
This shift in approach led to the creation of the Good Grief Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for people grieving the loss of a loved one. The Good Grief Network offers a variety of programs, including online and in-person support groups, educational workshops, and individual counseling. The organization’s mission is to help individuals navigate the complex and often challenging journey of grief. They believe that grief is a natural process and that everyone experiences it differently. They also believe that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
The group then moved on to a discussion about the future. The facilitator, Amber, guided the group through a series of prompts designed to encourage reflection and exploration of potential futures.
This is a powerful example of how uncertainty can be a catalyst for growth and change. It highlights the importance of reframing our perspective on uncertainty, moving from a place of fear and avoidance to one of possibility and exploration. The facilitator’s shift in perspective is a testament to the transformative power of embracing uncertainty. By acknowledging and accepting uncertainty, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, opportunities, and experiences.
Witman’s work focuses on the intersection of art and environmental science. She uses her artistic skills to explore the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Her art often reflects the anxieties and fears of climate change, anxieties and fears that she herself experiences. Witman’s art is characterized by its use of natural materials, such as wood, clay, and water. She incorporates these materials into her work to create a sense of connection to the earth and to evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
The Good Grief Network is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources for people who are grieving. The Good Grief Network’s mission is to help people understand and navigate the complexities of grief in a way that is both compassionate and informed. The two works from Witman’s “Index” series are: “The Index of Loss” and “The Index of Grief.” These two works are visual representations of grief and loss, exploring the multifaceted nature of these experiences. They are not simply illustrations; they are complex and layered, each containing multiple meanings and interpretations. “The Index of Loss” is a visual representation of the loss of a loved one.
Keshet’s practice has seen a surge in clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to climate change. She attributes this to the growing awareness of climate change and its potential impact on the future. This awareness has led to a growing sense of helplessness, fear, and anxiety, which can manifest as mental health issues.
The climate cafe is a space for people to connect, learn, and engage with climate change. It’s not just about talking about the problem; it’s about creating solutions. The cafe is designed to be a welcoming and inclusive space, where people from all walks of life can come together and discuss climate change in a safe and supportive environment.
The climate mandala project is a visual representation of the climate crisis, designed to help individuals and communities understand and process their emotions related to climate change. It is based on the principles of mindfulness and meditation, and it is designed to be a tool for self-reflection and emotional regulation. The project involves creating a mandala, a circular design, with each element representing a different aspect of the climate crisis. The elements can be drawn, painted, or digitally created. The mandala is then used to explore the individual’s or community’s emotional response to the climate crisis. The climate mandala project has been used in various settings, including schools, community centers, and environmental organizations.
The Good Grief Network, founded by LaUra Schmidt and Aimee Reau, is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people cope with the climate crisis. The network provides resources and support to individuals and communities facing the challenges of climate change. The network’s mission is to empower individuals to take action and contribute to solutions.
The scientist’s initial assumption was that her colleagues would be supportive and understanding, but she soon realized that her colleagues were not as receptive to her concerns as she had hoped. This realization led her to seek support from other sources, such as her family and friends. The scientist’s decision to seek support from her family and friends was motivated by a desire to feel less alone in her struggle. She realized that she was not alone in her concerns and that her loved ones could offer emotional support and practical assistance.
This statement highlights the psychological impact of climate change and its potential to hinder progress towards mitigating it. It suggests that the human psyche, with its inherent capacity for fear, anxiety, and denial, can become a significant obstacle to effective climate action. The human psyche, in this context, is not simply a passive observer of the climate crisis. It actively participates in shaping our responses to it. Our emotions, beliefs, and values influence our actions, and these are often shaped by our cultural and social contexts. The statement also suggests that the psychological barriers to climate action are not insurmountable. By understanding the psychological mechanisms that drive these barriers, we can develop strategies to overcome them.
We have to learn to live with each other and live as a species together.”
This quote highlights a crucial point about the challenges of facing climate change. It emphasizes the need for collective action and a shift in our mindset from individualistic to a more interconnected and collaborative approach. The quote also underscores the emotional and psychological toll that climate change poses on individuals. It acknowledges that confronting the reality of climate change can be emotionally challenging, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. The quote further emphasizes the importance of community and shared responsibility in addressing climate change.