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Hi <<First Name>>
As the coronavirus continues to unfold, dominating the media cycle and directly impacting our lives it is understandable, though concerning, that climate change has been pushed even further into the background.
Given our focus on climate change as an organisation, we feel it is important to continue to foreground it and to support those who work on climate change issues, as well as communities who are grappling with climate change impacts, even as we navigate the impacts of COVID-19.
It has been interesting to notice that as we translate some of our in-person workshops into an online context that participants still share how important it is for them to be given the space and time to engage with their feelings about climate change in the midst of living through the evolving stressors of COVID-19 as well. That talking about about how they feel about climate change continues to be a restorative and affirming process that supports them to engage with ongoing action on the issue.
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Del Kathryn Barton and the little toe said….listen, listen to the earth 2019
acrylic on French linen 240 x 200 cm
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We continue to use processes of drawing and art to support people to share their inner worlds and emotional responses climate change. Recently, we came across the project Together in Art from artist Del Kathryn Barton and NSW Art Gallery, that encourages children to connect with each other and share their own inner worlds during this time of distancing and separation, and we thought it might resonate with readers of this newsletter (and offers a wonderful activity to undertake with kids!).
Many of the reflections on self-care in response to coronavirus also have relevance to how we think about caring for ourselves in the midst of working on climate change. As many have reflected in recent years, climate change and other social/environmental issues like racial justice are not separate or competing issues that divide our attention and resources, they are interrelated, compounding issues that need to be held together and solved together. So it is with COVID-19 and climate change as the stories we have shared below discuss.
We hope this newsletter finds you and those you love safe and well in these strange times.
For a safe climate,
Beth, Carol and the PSC team
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Climate crisis: in coronavirus lockdown, nature bounces back - but for how long?
With less planes in the sky and less cars on the road global carbon emissions are falling. This article from the Guardian offers some interesting reflections on the short term impacts of corona virus and the longer term political and structural changes needed to really tackle climate change. You can read the article in full here.
Coronavirus is a wake-up call: our war with the environment is leading to pandemics
Some interesting reflections on the interrelationship between the growing risks of pandemics that accompanies ecological degradation all of the world. Read more here.
'We can't go back to normal': how will coronavirus change the world?
A longer read that dives into the myriad possibilities and dangers that emerge in the wake of coronavirus. This article builds on existing reflections from authors like Naomi Klein, Rebecca Solnit and others on the social change that can emerge in the wake of upheaval. Read more here
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How can we live with coronavirus uncertainty?
Vulnerability and lack of control has been a theme in much of our work at PSC. Both the fresh encounter with our own vulnerability that climate change brings about, and the opportunities for growth inherent to the realisation of interdependence and the recognition of our shared vulnerability. This podcast from ABC's Minefield with Waleed Aly offers some wonderful insights on the themes of hubris, vulnerability and uncertainty as it relates to coronavirus that is very relevant for climate change as well. You can listen here.
Consciousness and Conversation in the Climate Crisis
A conversation between four psychologists; Sally Gillespie, Carol Ride, Christine Canty and Bronwyn Gresham, in the wake of the Climate Emergency conference discussing the importance of consciousness and psychology in facing the climate crisis. You can listen here.
Margaret Klein Salamon - a panel from Psychology for a Safe Climate from SLF2020
If you couldn't make it to the live event back in February here's your chance to catch up and hear from Margaret Klein Salamon, Charles le Feuvre and Sally Gillespie on how you can use your emotions and pain about climate change to transform yourself and take action. You can listen here.
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Scientists describe climate grief
This video shows a variety of scientists discussing their own grief, fear and anger about climate change and the necessity of emotional and psychological support for communities who are facing the predicted social and ecological changes associated with climate change . Watch here.
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Online Event: Empathy Cafe, viral empathy for a global shift 17th of May, 2pm-5pm
There are no in-person events happening right now because of coronavirus, but there are some wonderful online initiatives. The Empathy Cafe is an online event run by Pachamama Eastern Alliance and Be Regen. Here you can learn about and practice the art of deep listening. It's a space where you might find common ground with others and participate in conversations that will support the development of empathy as a skill and resource in your activism, and in your professional and personal life. You can book here.
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