How to Face the Painful Emotions Stirred Up by the Climate Crisis
There are resources that can help us face frightening realities without being completely overwhelmed
“The most radical thing any of us can do at this time is to be fully present to what is happening in the world.” –Joanna Macy
Working together to insist that governments and corporations take climate action requires a willingness to acknowledge that there is a serious climate problem, to face it and discuss it. But it seems extremely difficult for many people to even think or talk about the climate crisis. Why is this?
Some don’t believe the crisis is real, or at least downplay its importance (“There must be a simple technological way to fix this, right?”). This denialism is not due to lack of available, accurate information. The facts about climate change are available on the internet, and are covered regularly in many media outlets. And there are many climate activists and organizations devoting themselves to raising awareness. But, on the other hand, the internet and social media are also full of distortions and disinformation, and a tremendous amount of money is being spent to deny or minimize the issue.
Others are blinded by availability bias, especially those not living by the coast and not living in what are now fire or flood zones. People not…
