Everyone experiences uncomfortable emotions in the face of climate change. Teachers have the pedagogical skills to create a “safe” space for students to express their emotions and discuss climate issues authentically, without resorting to denial or avoidance. They can also help students consider active solutions to these problems rather than passive ones (i.e., putting their faith in “future generations” or “green technologies”).

Students should know that they are free to share their experiences (or not) and that nothing in particular is expected of them. The goal is to let students hold space for their emotions and express them in an appropriate manner. According to research by M. Ojala¹, the way in which teachers communicate about climate change influences students’ perception of the issue, the emotions they feel, and the ways in which they process them (avoidance, denial, more or less distress, etc.). You will find an example lesson plan on how to teach about climate emotions in the Teacher’s Guide Book for Primary and Secondary School – Climate Change in our Hands, Climate Change and Land², published by the Office for Climate Education. The guidebook also includes a worksheet with various climate emotions³, though you may also use other “Climate Emotions Wheels⁴.”

It is worth noting that the constant and inevitable threat of environmental disaster can lead to a chronic state of fear, called “eco-anxiety”^5,6. This term is also used to refer to the emotions, thoughts, and behaviours that accompany one’s growing awareness of our collective inaction in the face of climate and environmental change. Eco-anxiety is associated with pro-environmental action and civic engagement, which makes it an important driver of change, but it can also lead to long-lasting denial or avoidance. Intense and persistent eco-anxiety, especially in youth, is associated with a type of psychological distress known as “climate distress,” which can lead to interpersonal conflict, insomnia, difficulties at work or school, panic and anxiety attacks, and symptoms of depression. These symptoms have significant effects on a person’s well-being and are also linked to a loss of confidence in our capacity to fight climate change, as well as feelings of helplessness, guilt, grief, or even anger at the inaction of economic and political decision-makers^7,8 (or all adults!). We must however remain prudent: many experts believe that climate action alone is not a sufficient antidote to eco-anxiety, which can lead to exhaustion and an unrealistic belief in the importance and impact of individual climate action⁹.

You will find a number of useful references in the “Learn More” section below.