Climate change and mental health
Details:
11:30 am – 12:20 pm
5th of December
Room: 4N-265
Rebecca (Becky) Harth
The impact of climate change on the physical health of people and environments is widely known. However, research shows climate change also affects mental health in a number of ways and that many young people in particular experience significant climate distress. It’s important that we don’t pathologise responses that are appropriate for the current situation.
What does it mean to be a climate-aware leader or outdoor educator? How can we acknowledge climate-related distress and support healthy coping for ourselves, our peers and participants?
This session will introduce some research, language and tools to begin the conversation about climate change and mental health.
About the Presenter
Rebecca (Becky) grew up on Djabugay country in Far North Queensland and now lives by the beach on Dharawal country (Wollongong area). A blissful childhood outdoors led to studies and work in psychology, primary teaching and outdoor education. Becky now supports wellbeing, diversity and inclusion in the outdoor education space. She kite-surfs, climbs and runs when she can.
