Addressing emotional impacts of climate uncertainty.
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the information we read and hear on the state of the climate and ecosystems. It’s hard as an individual to feel like the action we take is worth it given the task at hand. So what to do?
Collaboration - finding different models that facilitate collaboration within communities to drive local action. In the recent Climate Change Commission Progress Report on our National Adaptation Plan, the number one recommendation? Enable effective local adaptation planning and action. Local action involving governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—is proving to be far more effective in creating the large-scale impact necessary to mitigate climate change.
This is why Wao Summit 2024 is set to focus on collaboration. This year's theme Better Together has helped navigate Wao to curate a festival programme that zeros in on climate support, collective impact and fostering diverse perspectives.
“Better Together means we’re stepping up as a collective and putting resilience front and centre of the action, whether it be for climate, biodiversity, food or waste reduction. At the same time, we are focusing on our communities to ensure they feel supported in the face of uncertainty. We are educating the community about climate change in a way that is factual yet hopeful to help reduce fear and uncertainty. Our sessions create accessible resources, with experts speaking to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to understand the issue and take meaningful action. When people feel informed, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and more likely to focus on what they can do to make a difference.” says Wao General Manager and Festival Curator Monique Kelly.
The Summit also brings together communities with events, workshops and korero specifically developed for all members of the community to enjoy. Communities can share tools, technologies, and strategies for sustainability, making it easier and more cost-effective to implement lifestyle practices that will benefit them.
Emotional and motivational support is nurtured during the week, enabling individuals to make and stay committed to long-term environmental goals while taking care of each other and themselves. For the first time this year, Wao will be hosting a Climate Cafe specifically designed to ease climate anxiety by creating a space for people to openly discuss the emotional impacts of climate uncertainty for them and gain support with tangible tools from experts.
Climate uncertainty has profound emotional impacts, as it triggers feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness in many people. The unpredictability of climate change—manifested through more frequent natural disasters, shifting weather patterns, and threats to ecosystems—creates a sense of instability that can lead to chronic stress. People worry about the future, not only for themselves but also for future generations. This anxiety is often exacerbated by the realisation that individual actions may feel pathetic in the face of such a global and complex crisis, leading to feelings of frustration and despair.
Moreover, climate uncertainty can strain mental health by contributing to a phenomenon known as "eco-anxiety" or "climate grief." Individuals, especially those who are deeply connected to nature or whose livelihoods depend on stable environmental conditions, may experience a deep sense of loss and mourning as they witness the degradation of natural landscapes and the extinction of species. This emotional burden can result in feelings of sadness, guilt, and even depression, particularly as the scope of the crisis becomes more apparent and the solutions seem increasingly out of reach. Equipping people to manage these emotional impacts is essential for fostering resilience and empowering individuals and communities to take collective action against climate change.
Wao Summit is holding a series of sessions that will support our community in the face of climate uncertainty.
Building Community Resilience:
Learn from the Sustainable Hawke's Bay team about their experiences and actions following Cyclone Gabrielle. This workshop is a must-attend for everyone involved in Community Response Groups.
Free Event!
Dr. David Beaumont introduces a new healthcare model centred on empowering individuals as experts in their own health, fostering healing and addressing chronic conditions more effectively.
Cultivating Care in Climate Crisis:
Finding you are being overwhelmed by the climate and ecosystem challenges? Jodie Jarvis, PhD student at Otago University is running a workshop on navigating ecosystems anxiety and climate distress.
A facilitated community space for people to have open conversations about the climate crisis, how it makes us feel, and what we can do about it, combined with real-life local solutions everyone can apply.
Facilitated by: Dr. Carly Green, Dr. Jim Salinger, Jodie Jarvis, Claire Akin-Smith
By uniting individuals, businesses and communities we can pool resources, share diverse perspectives, and amplify impact, leading to more significant and innovative solutions. Collaboration offers strength in numbers, greater influence on policymakers, and mutual community support. Ultimately, "Better Together" emphasises that unity is essential for creating a more effective, healthy and lasting response to climate change.
Tickets and the full programme of events are now live on our Summit 2024 page.
