OUR WELL-being in a Changing Climate:
A Wellness Tool
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OUR Well-being in a Changing Climate:
A Wellness Tool
Supporting youth in Nova Scotia with tools to manage the emotions that come from experiencing climate change and environmental impacts.
Because building resilience helps us all build toward a better future.
WelCome
INTRODUCTION
Research shows that people of all ages around the world are feeling the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change.
These emotions are valid.
But overwhelming emotions can leave us feeling stuck. More than ever, we need to support our mental health and take action if we want to move toward a better future.
That’s what this toolkit is for.
Let’s get unstuck, together.
Introduction
Get Ready to:
Explore your own emotions, thoughts and reactions to climate change.
Reflect through journalling and creative writing.
Head into nature and try guided meditations.
Create conversation and consider your community.
Build your own toolbox to feel hopeful, strong and resilient.
Introduction
While you’ll find many helpful resources here, this is not a clinical resource. If at any time you might be feeling unsafe, please reach out to the appropriate support systems – guidance counsellors, family doctors and mental health professionals.
You can find more information on the Wellness Page.
This icon is always available for you.
How do I use this tool?
Tells you where you can ‘click’ to see more information, open a video, find an activity or tool and more.
Clicking this button will bring you to a short mindfulness practices that you can use to ‘reset’ or ‘refocus’ if you are feeling overwhelmed.
The navigation button moves you through the pages. You can use this at any time, but it’s best to explore the information on each page before moving ahead.
When you see this icon, take a moment to grab a piece of paper, notebook or journal to write and answer some reflective questions. We recommend moving through this experience with a journal nearby!
This button will always be in the top-right of every page. Clicking it will bring you to the Wellness Page, which includes emergency and non-emergency contact information for mental health resources.
Part 3:
Our Connection with Nature
Introduction & Instructions
Part 4:
Evidence-based Hope
Think of this path like a ‘Table of Contents’. Click on the number to go to that section.
Part 2:
Meeting our Eco-Emotions
Part 1:
Climate Change Impacts Us All
Part 5:
Responding with ResilienceMoving Forward
Take care
We’re about to explore some impacts from climate change, global events and local challenges that may be difficult. You may want to move slowly through this part and take breaks when things feel tough.
Part 1:
Climate Change Impacts Us All
“To feel some distress is an appropriate, even a rational, response to the global threat of climate change because there are a lot of things we care about that are in harm’s way.”
– Britt Wray, Canadian climate anxiety researcher and author
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Climate change has impacts on our world, our communities and our wellbeing.
Studies show that a lot of youth around the world are feeling afraid, anxious and sad about the changing climate.
reset and refocus
Deep breathing is a strategy we can use
when we are opening up to our emotions.
This short, guided mindfulness exercise helps create a sense of calmness in the present moment so we can get in touch with our emotions and support our well-being.
Reset & Refocus – Deep Breathing
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
We know that climate change impacts are already happening to communities all over the planet.
You may have seen stories of or experienced increased temperatures, floods, storms and coastal erosion – to name a few.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
In Nova Scotia, 2023 brought some wild weather and fatal natural disasters. This may have triggered a lot of different emotions.
Let’s start by getting in touch with those emotions so we can learn how to respond to them in a healthy way.
As you watch this three-minute video, notice how you are feeling.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
The term “eco-emotions” is used to describe the wide range of feelings we have when we think about climate change, experience climate impacts or think about environmental damage.
How are you feeling right now, after watching that video?
Next, we’re going to look at some tools we can use to identify our eco-emotions.
You may be feeling a lot of emotions. All emotions you feel are reasonable reactions. Or, you may be having a hard time describing how you’re feeling – and that’s ok.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Research shows that learning to identify or name our emotions can help us learn to manage them.
One of the tools we can use to help us is called the:
Climate Emotions wheel
Climate Mental Health Network, based on research by Panu Pihkala.
Indignation
Outrage
Disapointment
Betrayal
Frustration
Hope
Gratitude
Empathy
Inspiration
Empowerment
Interest
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Start by thinking about which of the four emotions in the middle of the ‘wheel’ are closest to what you’re feeling when you think about climate change. Click the emotion that is closest to how you are feeling.
Positivity
Anger
Worry
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Panic
Overwhelmed
Sadness
Fear
Despair
Loneliness
Loss
Depression
Grief
Shame
Guilt
Then, look at the emotions listed on the outside of the wheel in that part of the circle. Do any of these words help describe what you’re feeling even more closely?
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
A study from Lakehead University found that:
- Nearly half of young Canadians (age 16-25) think humanity is doomed.
- About 3 out of 4 think that the future is frightening.
- However, 71% believe that together, we can do something.
You're Not Alone
People of all ages, around the world, are feeling the weight of climate impacts and the lack of action of leaders and systems that urgently need to change. Your emotions are a normal response to a very real problem.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
And yet, there is hope.
We can:
Learn to recognize and name our emotions.
Develop healthy habits and tools to stay resilient and connected to the earth.
Use our emotions to guide our climate action and calls for change.
Look around us to find community climate leaders and real-life stories of action.
Reach out to others and gain support through community.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Now that you’ve thought about your feelings towards climate change, how are you doing? Click all the apply.
I really don’t know how I feel about climate change.
I have some awareness of my feelings about climate change.
I know how I feel about climate change, but not sure where to go from here.
I feel confident naming and responding to my emotions.
I feel I have the tools to support my emotions and move forward into action.
Part 2:
Meeting our Eco-Emotions
“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them."
– Eckhart Tolle
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
nervous system
Our is wired to protect us. When we are highly stressed, chemicals like cortisol and epinephrine are released, which cause our bodies to react.
- Our breathing can change.
- Even our digestive system is affected.
This helps us if we are facing a dangerous situation, like a tiger on our doorstep.
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
A is a tool that can help you see how stressors – like difficult climate news – might bring you from feeling calm and collected to upset or
Mental Health Continuum
burnt out.
The Mental Health Continuum is even used by first responders, mental health professionals and teachers to help them understand how they are doing.
Click where you are on the to check in on your own mental health.
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
Mental Health Continuum
Struggling
In Crisis
Thriving
Surviving
"Something isn't right."
- Mood fluctuations - Easily overwhelmed or irritated- Trouble sleeping or eating - Low energy and headaches
Now What?
“I got this."
- Calm and steady -Able to focus -Can communicate well-Normal sleep patterns and appetite
Now What?
“I can’t survive this.”
- Loss of function - Panic attacks- Thoughts of self-harm- Easily aggressive- Inability to focus- Feeling numb, lost or out of control
Now What?
“I can’t keep this up.”
- Exhaustion- Difficulty concentrating- Restless, disturbed sleep- Fatigue, aches and pains-Avoiding interaction with friends and family
Now What?
- Let your support system know you are not feeling ok- Remember you are not a burden for struggling- Focus on meeting your needs and practicing self-care
- Recognize you're feeling off - Add some coping strategies - Use deep breathing to remain calm in tough moments- Connect with your support system
- Ask for help, a guidance counselor or mental health professional- Focus on the short-term: the next day or few days- Focus on taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself
- Notice the good- Help others- Keep up healthy habits- Don’t feel guilty if you are feeling good
Now What?
Now What?
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
Thriving
Struggling
Surviving
In Crisis
When we are moving to the right on the Mental Health Continuum our nervous system is activated.
The danger of climate change is real – but it’s not sustainable to be in a high stress mode for long periods of time. We need to learn how to cope with this stress and take care of ourselves if we want to be able to respond and take action.
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
These practical exercises and tools can support our nervous system to move from ‘fight, flight, freeze, and fawn’ to ‘rest and digest’.
Get moving
Notice our Five Senses
Listen to music
Talk with others. We are rarely feeling something alone. Others may feel the same way too. Be brave and ask for help.
Connect
Put it on and dance…or don’t dance. Enjoy music that makes you happy.
Listen to good music
Remember to drink water regularly. Dehydration can increase stress.
Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression and improve sleep. Move your body in a way that feels good for you!
Stay Hydrated
Get moving
Sunshine and its powerful ability to provide us with vitamin D is great for lowering stress.
Get outdoors and enjoy the sun
Focusing on our five senses can help ground us when we’re feeling big feelings. Try this short, guided “Five senses” exercise.
Notice our Five Senses
Sleep and regular breaks can help with stress levels in our body and mind.
Rest and relax
Notice when your days and weeks and feeling rushed and take time to pause and do simple and fun things
Slow down
Too much screen time can lead to poor sleep cycles. Try setting a daily use timer on your phone – how much do you think you use?
Take a break from your phone
Get outdoors
Stay hydrated
Rest and relax
Slow down
Take a tech break
Connect
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
One of the most effective and simple ways to support our nervous system is through
mindful breathing
This can help when we are feeling overwhelmed with emotion. Practicing this regularly has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Guided Meditation: Simple Breathing
This 8-minute meditation can be done inside or outdoors in a safe space. Find a place where you can focus that feels comfortable to you and press play.
Part 3:
Our Connection with Nature
“Nature is the greatest place to heal and recharge.”
– Alice Walker
Our Connection with Nature
Take a look at one of the many beautiful places we have in our own backyard of Nova Scotia.
Is there a special place that you feel connected to?
Take a moment to write down something you are grateful for in your journal.
Our Connection with Nature
Research shows that spending time outside can have a positive effect on our mental health.
Time spent in nature can trigger many positive emotions including joy, creativity and calmness. It can even help us focus and concentrate more! Special places can also hold special memories or be sacred – they keep us connected to the Earth.
Our Connection with Nature
Let’s connect with where we are, right now.
This seven-minute guided mindfulness meditation is meant to be done outdoors, in a comfortable and safe space, free of too many distractions. A local park, trail or even a backyard is great. Earbuds or headphones might be helpful.
Explore Your Senses Meditation
Our Connection with Nature
The health of the natural world and our own health are tied together.
Netukulimk is a way of being in the world that asks us to take what we need for ourselves and our communities – and leave enough for others, even those 7 generations in the future.
Here in Mi’kma’ki, the Mi’kmaq people have teachings to help guide our relationship with nature in a good way.
Netukulimk
Our Connection with Nature
This means that we are in relationship with the earth and with one another, and that we have a responsibility to show respect in all relationships. Nature gives to us, and we can give back to nature – that is called reciprocity.
Netukulimk invites us to see that all things are connected.
Our Connection with Nature
Let’s take a look at the “4R’s” of Netukulimk.
Click on the 4 R’s below. Find a comfortable place outside and use questions below to spark some writing in your journal.
Relationship
What kind of connection or relationship do I have with nature?
Respect
R's:
How do I show my respect to nature?
Responsibility
How do I take responsibility and care of nature?
Reciprocity
How do I give back to nature?
Part 4:
“Hope is the solution when giving up seems like the only choice.”
Evidence-Based Hope
– Elin Kelsey
Evidence-based hope
All around the world, people are working hard on solutions to climate change – and making real progress.
Data shows that globally we are:
So... why don’t we hear more about that?
Between 1990 and May 2023, the percentage of protected land on Earth increased from 7.7% to 17.1% and a new global agreement called the ‘High Seas Treaty’ will help work towards protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90% of the world's electricity can come from renewable energy (such as wind and solar) by 2050.
Cycling networks and public transportation options in cities around the world are growing, along with increased adoption of electric vehicles.
The answer is: we actually do.
Protecting more of our environment
making a huge shift to renewable energies
transitioning to low carbon transportation options
Evidence-Based Hope
This can lead to ‘all or nothing’ thinking, making us feel that all is doomed – even when there is a lot of evidence of good news happening around us.
Research has found that negative thoughts are felt more intensely than positive ones.
Our brains are wired to focus on negative news, even when positive news is being shown at the same time.
This is called a: Negativity Bias.
Evidence-Based Hope
Doom scrolling too much?
Try ‘reverse doom scrolling’ by finding and sharing good news stories.
So, how can we train our brains to see the full picture?
- Notice when we are focusing on the negative.
We can be more mindful about our thoughts by using tools like mindfulness practices.
- Pay attention to the positive.
Take some time each week to find real-world positive climate solutions and stories.
reset and refocus
Try out this mindfulness in nature exercise
that helps you connect to the present moment.
Best done outdoors, this activity uses your sense of sight to focus your attention and notice nature’s calmness.
Reset & Refocus – Mindfulness in Nature
In 2023, the first Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council was established. This platform allows young Nova Scotians to voice their concerns and ideas around climate change challenges and opportunities directly to the government of
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council
Nova Scotia. The council offers grants, hosts summits and events and helps create local action.
The Wentzell family settled in Sin So’sepe’katik/ Bridgwater and cared for the land for 150 years practicing sustainable forestry and agriculture.Over the past 30 years the Drescher family took over with the dream of returning it to the Mi’kmaq. It was transferred to the Ulnooweg Education Centre and will become a place of learning, healing and gathering.
Asitu’lɨsk
Stella Bowles was 11 years old when she learned that household septic waste (poop) was going directly into the LaHave River near her home. Gross! Stella connected with local environmental groups, completed water testing and began to speak out. Six years later, there is no more septic waste flowing into the LaHave River thanks to her advocacy calling for action.
Stella Bowles
Youth in Halifax started a community garden to bring people together and to grow food to tackle food insecurity.
Hope Blooms
They are a great example of how connecting with others can create
community and lead to positive environmental action.
Evidence-Based Hope
Ready for some local climate action success stories?
Asitu’lɨsk
Hope Blooms
formally known as Windhorse Farm
Here are just four of the many real-world examples of young people raising their voices, coming together, and making positive impacts.
Stella Bowles
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council
Our Connection with Nature
Here is a great time for a pause and to
reconnect with our bodies.
This 10 minute meditation helps us identify where we might be holding tension or feeling stress physically. It can be done indoors or outdoors, wherever feels best for you.
Calm Your Body
After this meditation, pull out your journal for some reflection time.
Part 5:
Building resilience
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Taking care of our emotions and wellbeing is an important part of taking care of one another and the earth.
- Margaret Mead
Building resilience
Canadian author and researcher Dr. Britt Wray encourages us all to think about our talents, skills, motivation and joys when looking for climate solutions.
What are your skills?
“What are you good at?
What are the special talents that you have?
…What are the things that get you out of bed in the morning, that bring you joy?”
— Dr. Britt Wray
Let’s take Dr. Wray’s advice and focus on
ourselves as we design our own climate solutions.
Building resilience
The Climate Action Venn Diagram by Dr. Ayana E. Johnson helps us think about what brings us joy, what we are good at and what in the world needs our help.
What brings you Joy?
When we put these three things together, we can discover what overlaps between them.
Your climate action!
What are you good at?
What work needs doing?
This helps us see how we can each respond to climate change in our own unique ways.
Building resilience
Take 10 minutes to create your own Venn Diagram in your journal.
Draw three circles and write some notes or ideas in each part of the circle.
What does the middle of your Venn diagram – your climate actions – look like?
10:00
Building resilience
When we’ve found our own personal actions, it’s important to think about how we can do them in a healthy way. We can explore how achievable change meaningfully addresses big challenges, knowing all the weight of the world should not fall on our own shoulders.
And we can accept that it’s sometimes necessary to pause from climate change work and support our wellbeing.
Building resilience
“Systemic change” is about looking at the root causes of climate change and reshaping the entire system (government policies, social systems, power structures, etc.) so that it creates lasting change and works better for everyone.
You might ask –
will my personal action really have an impact?
Although entire systems absolutely need to change to address the climate crisis on a big scale, every personal action truly makes a difference.
The answer is yes.
What do you think are some “high impact “climate actions that you can do?
Building resilience
Project Drawdown has a great list of high impact climate actions that everyone can participate in.
Which of the following actions do you think has the highest impact?
Reducing our food waste is the second most impactful personal action you can take!
That means making trips to the farmers market to pick up vegetables for dinner is climate action. Want to boost your impact? Take public transit or carpool to get there!
Eating a plant-rich diet is a personal action that has the biggest impact on reducing greenhouse gases!
Although still super important, recycled paper is a low-impact action to reduce greenhouse gases.
reducing food waste
Paper recycling
Plant-rich diet
Building resilience
You're not meant to do this alone —
grow your community.
“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”
Sometimes we forget how important community and connection are. Social media and overwhelming eco-emotions can often leave us feeling lonely.
- S. Kelley Harrell
Try out your local:
Your school’s Green Team or Eco-Club
4H Clubs
Scouts and Girl Guides
environmental or social justice organizations
Building Our Resilience: You Don’t Need to Look Far
Wondering about what you may need for a strong community?
First, start thinking about what is important to you and your wellbeing.
Then ask yourself:
Does the group support diverse ages, people and opinions (where no generation is pressured over another to take more action)?
Can the group support and comfort one another?
Is it a place where people can feel safe to share experiences and emotions?
Building resilience
We’ve focused a lot on connection. It’s important to connect with one another and start conversations about our interests and concerns. Did you know that ‘climate conversation circles’ are being hosted in communities around the world? These are spaces for people of all ages to come to connect and share their feelings and emotions about climate change.
How to Start a Climate Conversation
Meaningful climate conversations aren’t that different than ones about the best musical artist or a superior ice cream flavour.
Want to know how to have impactful conversations? Try:
Ask
Inquire about someone else’s perspective or experience.
Use eye contact, letting the other person finish talking before replying.
Active Listening
Reflect
Making sure you understand by repeating what they said back.
Tell
Ask if you can share something you’ve learned or are concerned about.
Close
Thank them and show respect. This can encourage future conversations.
How are you feeling about changes in weather and climate change?
How to Start a Climate Conversation
Try starting a climate conversation within your school or community.
Are there any groups in our community that are working to protect the environment?
What people, plants and animals, or places are already being impacted?
Use questions like:
Any conversation is better than no conversation. Begin by saying hello.
After a climate conversation, jot down some notes on what happened, what similarities or differences there were, and what new knowledge was gained?
Building Resilience Together
Solutions to climate change need to be equity focused.
Some groups of people are more impacted by crises such as housing shortages, food insecurity, extreme weather and more. Climate change is magnifying these issues and making people even more vulnerable.
Equity-seeking and deserving groups or communities are people that are impacted by systemic barriers and lack of access. Communities that have not received equal opportunities due to identity, race, gender, ability or sexuality.
Building Resilience Together
Many people have been and continue to be left out of conversations, policies and support.
Does everyone in your community have equitable access or opportunities to be supported, represented, and treated well?
Can you think of a project or community group in your area that supports equity-deserving groups?
Building Resilience
Take five minutes to answer these questions:
Now is a great time to return to a nearby place in nature to
- What is your hope for your community?
- What do you want your own future to look like?
- How are you going to take care of yourself and your mental health?
reflect on how you’re feeling.
Before you go: The path forward
You’ve done a lot of great work here.
As you moved through this experience, you took time to build:
the connection between you and your emotions
the connection between you and nature
the connection between your wellbeing and climate change solutions
Indignation
Outrage
Disapointment
Betrayal
Frustration
Hope
Gratitude
Empathy
Inspiration
Empowerment
Interest
Remember the Climate Emotions Wheel? Time to check back in.
How are you feeling?
You can select more than once answer.
Positivity
Anger
I really don’t know how I feel about climate change.
I have some awareness of my feelings about climate change.
Worry
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Panic
Overwhelmed
Fear
Sadness
Despair
Loneliness
Loss
Depression
Grief
Shame
Guilt
I know how I feel about climate change, but not sure where to go from here.
I feel confident naming and responding to my emotions.
I feel I have the tools to support my emotions and move forward into action.
Gratitude for you
Thank you for taking part in this experience.
We hope that you continue to give yourself time for self-care, mindfulness and staying connected with nature. If you feel this tool was helpful, share far and wide with your friends and family.
Wellness page
Exploring our emotions can be very difficult, and it’s ok to ask for help. Below are emergency and non-emergency phone numbers, positive mental health programs and services.
Crisis Contacts
“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”
Programs and Tools
Activities & Resources
- Mark Amend
This work is supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
CMHA – Understanding and Finding Help for Stress
Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance
Unicef Climate Change and Environment
Unicef Voices of Youth climate anxiety blog
The Happy Broadcast
George the Poet, The Natural World Poem:
Wild Geese Poem
In her book, Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis, Dr. Britt Wray (Canadian author and researcher) writes that our emotional responses to climate change are a sign of our humanity.
These impacts are often greatest in communities who have added the least to the greenhouse gases that cause climate change and
who already experience systemic inequality.
Hear Elder Dr. Albert Marshall speak about Netukulimk.
Clean Foundation brings specialized teams together to work on complex problems, delivering many climate action and capacity building projects and initiatives around Nova Scotia, PEI and the Atlantic region.
Cleanfoundation.ca
Real change comes from all generations of age working together and listening to one another. Climate action is not to be left to the youth alone, but to be shared by everyone with creative solutions.
If you can’t go outside right now, bring the outside in! Listening to nature ‘soundscapes’ can reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing and calm.
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia supports the resilience, recovery and wellbeing of people living with mental illness and those experiencing mental health challenges across the province. CMHA NS recognizes how climate changes cause emotional hardship and has provided guidance and resources to support the creation of this tool.
cmha.ca
There is no one way to respond to the climate crisis.
Our personal actions can look very different based on our unique skills and interests.
Crisis Contacts
Trans LifeLine
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Peer Support
- 1-877-330-6366
- translifeline.org
Kids Help Phone
- 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
- kidshelpphone.ca
Talk Suicide Canada
- 1-833-454-4566 or text 45645
- talksuicide.ca
Pflag
- 2SLGBTQIA+ Peer Support
- 1-888-530-6777
- pflagcanada.ca
Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line
- 1-888-429-8167
- novascotia.ca/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
- 1-902-429-8167
- ementalhealth.ca
Programs and tools
Mindfulness Exercises
BounceBack: A free, guided self-help program that supports adults and youth 15+ in learning how to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
Deep Breathing
Anxiety Canada: A non-profit organization that supports anxiety through an app, podcast, courses, programs, and helpful online resources.
5,4,3,2,1 Noticing
Less Screen, More Green: This Nova Scotian program offers less stress, a healthier screentime/screentime balance, and true connections – with ourselves, each other and the natural world.
Mindfulness in Nature
Our Well-being in a Changing Climate: A Wellness Toolkit
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Transcript
OUR WELL-being in a Changing Climate:
A Wellness Tool
To get the most from this tool, please rotate your screen to landscape view and enter ‘full screen’ mode.
OUR Well-being in a Changing Climate:
A Wellness Tool
Supporting youth in Nova Scotia with tools to manage the emotions that come from experiencing climate change and environmental impacts.
Because building resilience helps us all build toward a better future.
WelCome
INTRODUCTION
Research shows that people of all ages around the world are feeling the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change.
These emotions are valid.
But overwhelming emotions can leave us feeling stuck. More than ever, we need to support our mental health and take action if we want to move toward a better future.
That’s what this toolkit is for.
Let’s get unstuck, together.
Introduction
Get Ready to:
Explore your own emotions, thoughts and reactions to climate change.
Reflect through journalling and creative writing.
Head into nature and try guided meditations.
Create conversation and consider your community.
Build your own toolbox to feel hopeful, strong and resilient.
Introduction
While you’ll find many helpful resources here, this is not a clinical resource. If at any time you might be feeling unsafe, please reach out to the appropriate support systems – guidance counsellors, family doctors and mental health professionals.
You can find more information on the Wellness Page.
This icon is always available for you.
How do I use this tool?
Tells you where you can ‘click’ to see more information, open a video, find an activity or tool and more.
Clicking this button will bring you to a short mindfulness practices that you can use to ‘reset’ or ‘refocus’ if you are feeling overwhelmed.
The navigation button moves you through the pages. You can use this at any time, but it’s best to explore the information on each page before moving ahead.
When you see this icon, take a moment to grab a piece of paper, notebook or journal to write and answer some reflective questions. We recommend moving through this experience with a journal nearby!
This button will always be in the top-right of every page. Clicking it will bring you to the Wellness Page, which includes emergency and non-emergency contact information for mental health resources.
Part 3:
Our Connection with Nature
Introduction & Instructions
Part 4:
Evidence-based Hope
Think of this path like a ‘Table of Contents’. Click on the number to go to that section.
Part 2:
Meeting our Eco-Emotions
Part 1:
Climate Change Impacts Us All
Part 5:
Responding with ResilienceMoving Forward
Take care
We’re about to explore some impacts from climate change, global events and local challenges that may be difficult. You may want to move slowly through this part and take breaks when things feel tough.
Part 1:
Climate Change Impacts Us All
“To feel some distress is an appropriate, even a rational, response to the global threat of climate change because there are a lot of things we care about that are in harm’s way.”
– Britt Wray, Canadian climate anxiety researcher and author
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Climate change has impacts on our world, our communities and our wellbeing.
Studies show that a lot of youth around the world are feeling afraid, anxious and sad about the changing climate.
reset and refocus
Deep breathing is a strategy we can use
when we are opening up to our emotions.
This short, guided mindfulness exercise helps create a sense of calmness in the present moment so we can get in touch with our emotions and support our well-being.
Reset & Refocus – Deep Breathing
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
We know that climate change impacts are already happening to communities all over the planet.
You may have seen stories of or experienced increased temperatures, floods, storms and coastal erosion – to name a few.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
In Nova Scotia, 2023 brought some wild weather and fatal natural disasters. This may have triggered a lot of different emotions.
Let’s start by getting in touch with those emotions so we can learn how to respond to them in a healthy way.
As you watch this three-minute video, notice how you are feeling.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
The term “eco-emotions” is used to describe the wide range of feelings we have when we think about climate change, experience climate impacts or think about environmental damage.
How are you feeling right now, after watching that video?
Next, we’re going to look at some tools we can use to identify our eco-emotions.
You may be feeling a lot of emotions. All emotions you feel are reasonable reactions. Or, you may be having a hard time describing how you’re feeling – and that’s ok.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Research shows that learning to identify or name our emotions can help us learn to manage them.
One of the tools we can use to help us is called the:
Climate Emotions wheel
Climate Mental Health Network, based on research by Panu Pihkala.
Indignation
Outrage
Disapointment
Betrayal
Frustration
Hope
Gratitude
Empathy
Inspiration
Empowerment
Interest
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Start by thinking about which of the four emotions in the middle of the ‘wheel’ are closest to what you’re feeling when you think about climate change. Click the emotion that is closest to how you are feeling.
Positivity
Anger
Worry
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Panic
Overwhelmed
Sadness
Fear
Despair
Loneliness
Loss
Depression
Grief
Shame
Guilt
Then, look at the emotions listed on the outside of the wheel in that part of the circle. Do any of these words help describe what you’re feeling even more closely?
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
A study from Lakehead University found that:
You're Not Alone
People of all ages, around the world, are feeling the weight of climate impacts and the lack of action of leaders and systems that urgently need to change. Your emotions are a normal response to a very real problem.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
And yet, there is hope.
We can:
Learn to recognize and name our emotions.
Develop healthy habits and tools to stay resilient and connected to the earth.
Use our emotions to guide our climate action and calls for change.
Look around us to find community climate leaders and real-life stories of action.
Reach out to others and gain support through community.
How is Climate Change Impacting Us?
Now that you’ve thought about your feelings towards climate change, how are you doing? Click all the apply.
I really don’t know how I feel about climate change.
I have some awareness of my feelings about climate change.
I know how I feel about climate change, but not sure where to go from here.
I feel confident naming and responding to my emotions.
I feel I have the tools to support my emotions and move forward into action.
Part 2:
Meeting our Eco-Emotions
“Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them."
– Eckhart Tolle
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
nervous system
Our is wired to protect us. When we are highly stressed, chemicals like cortisol and epinephrine are released, which cause our bodies to react.
- Even our digestive system is affected.
This helps us if we are facing a dangerous situation, like a tiger on our doorstep.Meeting ouR eco-emotions
A is a tool that can help you see how stressors – like difficult climate news – might bring you from feeling calm and collected to upset or
Mental Health Continuum
burnt out.
The Mental Health Continuum is even used by first responders, mental health professionals and teachers to help them understand how they are doing.
Click where you are on the to check in on your own mental health.
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
Mental Health Continuum
Struggling
In Crisis
Thriving
Surviving
"Something isn't right."
- Mood fluctuations - Easily overwhelmed or irritated- Trouble sleeping or eating - Low energy and headaches
Now What?
“I got this."
- Calm and steady -Able to focus -Can communicate well-Normal sleep patterns and appetite
Now What?
“I can’t survive this.”
- Loss of function - Panic attacks- Thoughts of self-harm- Easily aggressive- Inability to focus- Feeling numb, lost or out of control
Now What?
“I can’t keep this up.”
- Exhaustion- Difficulty concentrating- Restless, disturbed sleep- Fatigue, aches and pains-Avoiding interaction with friends and family
Now What?
- Let your support system know you are not feeling ok- Remember you are not a burden for struggling- Focus on meeting your needs and practicing self-care
- Recognize you're feeling off - Add some coping strategies - Use deep breathing to remain calm in tough moments- Connect with your support system
- Ask for help, a guidance counselor or mental health professional- Focus on the short-term: the next day or few days- Focus on taking care of yourself and being kind to yourself
- Notice the good- Help others- Keep up healthy habits- Don’t feel guilty if you are feeling good
Now What?
Now What?
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
Thriving
Struggling
Surviving
In Crisis
When we are moving to the right on the Mental Health Continuum our nervous system is activated. The danger of climate change is real – but it’s not sustainable to be in a high stress mode for long periods of time. We need to learn how to cope with this stress and take care of ourselves if we want to be able to respond and take action.
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
These practical exercises and tools can support our nervous system to move from ‘fight, flight, freeze, and fawn’ to ‘rest and digest’.
Get moving
Notice our Five Senses
Listen to music
Talk with others. We are rarely feeling something alone. Others may feel the same way too. Be brave and ask for help.
Connect
Put it on and dance…or don’t dance. Enjoy music that makes you happy.
Listen to good music
Remember to drink water regularly. Dehydration can increase stress.
Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression and improve sleep. Move your body in a way that feels good for you!
Stay Hydrated
Get moving
Sunshine and its powerful ability to provide us with vitamin D is great for lowering stress.
Get outdoors and enjoy the sun
Focusing on our five senses can help ground us when we’re feeling big feelings. Try this short, guided “Five senses” exercise.
Notice our Five Senses
Sleep and regular breaks can help with stress levels in our body and mind.
Rest and relax
Notice when your days and weeks and feeling rushed and take time to pause and do simple and fun things
Slow down
Too much screen time can lead to poor sleep cycles. Try setting a daily use timer on your phone – how much do you think you use?
Take a break from your phone
Get outdoors
Stay hydrated
Rest and relax
Slow down
Take a tech break
Connect
Meeting ouR eco-emotions
One of the most effective and simple ways to support our nervous system is through
mindful breathing
This can help when we are feeling overwhelmed with emotion. Practicing this regularly has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Guided Meditation: Simple Breathing
This 8-minute meditation can be done inside or outdoors in a safe space. Find a place where you can focus that feels comfortable to you and press play.
Part 3:
Our Connection with Nature
“Nature is the greatest place to heal and recharge.”
– Alice Walker
Our Connection with Nature
Take a look at one of the many beautiful places we have in our own backyard of Nova Scotia.
Is there a special place that you feel connected to?
Take a moment to write down something you are grateful for in your journal.
Our Connection with Nature
Research shows that spending time outside can have a positive effect on our mental health.
Time spent in nature can trigger many positive emotions including joy, creativity and calmness. It can even help us focus and concentrate more! Special places can also hold special memories or be sacred – they keep us connected to the Earth.
Our Connection with Nature
Let’s connect with where we are, right now.
This seven-minute guided mindfulness meditation is meant to be done outdoors, in a comfortable and safe space, free of too many distractions. A local park, trail or even a backyard is great. Earbuds or headphones might be helpful.
Explore Your Senses Meditation
Our Connection with Nature
The health of the natural world and our own health are tied together.
Netukulimk is a way of being in the world that asks us to take what we need for ourselves and our communities – and leave enough for others, even those 7 generations in the future.
Here in Mi’kma’ki, the Mi’kmaq people have teachings to help guide our relationship with nature in a good way.
Netukulimk
Our Connection with Nature
This means that we are in relationship with the earth and with one another, and that we have a responsibility to show respect in all relationships. Nature gives to us, and we can give back to nature – that is called reciprocity.
Netukulimk invites us to see that all things are connected.
Our Connection with Nature
Let’s take a look at the “4R’s” of Netukulimk.
Click on the 4 R’s below. Find a comfortable place outside and use questions below to spark some writing in your journal.
Relationship
What kind of connection or relationship do I have with nature?
Respect
R's:
How do I show my respect to nature?
Responsibility
How do I take responsibility and care of nature?
Reciprocity
How do I give back to nature?
Part 4:
“Hope is the solution when giving up seems like the only choice.”
Evidence-Based Hope
– Elin Kelsey
Evidence-based hope
All around the world, people are working hard on solutions to climate change – and making real progress.
Data shows that globally we are:
So... why don’t we hear more about that?
Between 1990 and May 2023, the percentage of protected land on Earth increased from 7.7% to 17.1% and a new global agreement called the ‘High Seas Treaty’ will help work towards protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
For example, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that 90% of the world's electricity can come from renewable energy (such as wind and solar) by 2050.
Cycling networks and public transportation options in cities around the world are growing, along with increased adoption of electric vehicles.
The answer is: we actually do.
Protecting more of our environment
making a huge shift to renewable energies
transitioning to low carbon transportation options
Evidence-Based Hope
This can lead to ‘all or nothing’ thinking, making us feel that all is doomed – even when there is a lot of evidence of good news happening around us.
Research has found that negative thoughts are felt more intensely than positive ones.
Our brains are wired to focus on negative news, even when positive news is being shown at the same time.
This is called a: Negativity Bias.
Evidence-Based Hope
Doom scrolling too much?
Try ‘reverse doom scrolling’ by finding and sharing good news stories.
So, how can we train our brains to see the full picture?
We can be more mindful about our thoughts by using tools like mindfulness practices.
Take some time each week to find real-world positive climate solutions and stories.
reset and refocus
Try out this mindfulness in nature exercise
that helps you connect to the present moment.
Best done outdoors, this activity uses your sense of sight to focus your attention and notice nature’s calmness.
Reset & Refocus – Mindfulness in Nature
In 2023, the first Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council was established. This platform allows young Nova Scotians to voice their concerns and ideas around climate change challenges and opportunities directly to the government of
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council
Nova Scotia. The council offers grants, hosts summits and events and helps create local action.
The Wentzell family settled in Sin So’sepe’katik/ Bridgwater and cared for the land for 150 years practicing sustainable forestry and agriculture.Over the past 30 years the Drescher family took over with the dream of returning it to the Mi’kmaq. It was transferred to the Ulnooweg Education Centre and will become a place of learning, healing and gathering.
Asitu’lɨsk
Stella Bowles was 11 years old when she learned that household septic waste (poop) was going directly into the LaHave River near her home. Gross! Stella connected with local environmental groups, completed water testing and began to speak out. Six years later, there is no more septic waste flowing into the LaHave River thanks to her advocacy calling for action.
Stella Bowles
Youth in Halifax started a community garden to bring people together and to grow food to tackle food insecurity.
Hope Blooms
They are a great example of how connecting with others can create
community and lead to positive environmental action.
Evidence-Based Hope
Ready for some local climate action success stories?
Asitu’lɨsk
Hope Blooms
formally known as Windhorse Farm
Here are just four of the many real-world examples of young people raising their voices, coming together, and making positive impacts.
Stella Bowles
Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council
Our Connection with Nature
Here is a great time for a pause and to
reconnect with our bodies.
This 10 minute meditation helps us identify where we might be holding tension or feeling stress physically. It can be done indoors or outdoors, wherever feels best for you.
Calm Your Body
After this meditation, pull out your journal for some reflection time.
Part 5:
Building resilience
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."
Taking care of our emotions and wellbeing is an important part of taking care of one another and the earth.
- Margaret Mead
Building resilience
Canadian author and researcher Dr. Britt Wray encourages us all to think about our talents, skills, motivation and joys when looking for climate solutions.
What are your skills?
“What are you good at?
What are the special talents that you have?
…What are the things that get you out of bed in the morning, that bring you joy?”
— Dr. Britt Wray
Let’s take Dr. Wray’s advice and focus on
ourselves as we design our own climate solutions.
Building resilience
The Climate Action Venn Diagram by Dr. Ayana E. Johnson helps us think about what brings us joy, what we are good at and what in the world needs our help.
What brings you Joy?
When we put these three things together, we can discover what overlaps between them.
Your climate action!
What are you good at?
What work needs doing?
This helps us see how we can each respond to climate change in our own unique ways.
Building resilience
Take 10 minutes to create your own Venn Diagram in your journal.
Draw three circles and write some notes or ideas in each part of the circle.
What does the middle of your Venn diagram – your climate actions – look like?
10:00
Building resilience
When we’ve found our own personal actions, it’s important to think about how we can do them in a healthy way. We can explore how achievable change meaningfully addresses big challenges, knowing all the weight of the world should not fall on our own shoulders. And we can accept that it’s sometimes necessary to pause from climate change work and support our wellbeing.
Building resilience
“Systemic change” is about looking at the root causes of climate change and reshaping the entire system (government policies, social systems, power structures, etc.) so that it creates lasting change and works better for everyone.
You might ask –
will my personal action really have an impact?
Although entire systems absolutely need to change to address the climate crisis on a big scale, every personal action truly makes a difference.
The answer is yes.
What do you think are some “high impact “climate actions that you can do?
Building resilience
Project Drawdown has a great list of high impact climate actions that everyone can participate in.
Which of the following actions do you think has the highest impact?
Reducing our food waste is the second most impactful personal action you can take!
That means making trips to the farmers market to pick up vegetables for dinner is climate action. Want to boost your impact? Take public transit or carpool to get there!
Eating a plant-rich diet is a personal action that has the biggest impact on reducing greenhouse gases!
Although still super important, recycled paper is a low-impact action to reduce greenhouse gases.
reducing food waste
Paper recycling
Plant-rich diet
Building resilience
You're not meant to do this alone —
grow your community.
“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.”
Sometimes we forget how important community and connection are. Social media and overwhelming eco-emotions can often leave us feeling lonely.
- S. Kelley Harrell
Try out your local:
Your school’s Green Team or Eco-Club
4H Clubs
Scouts and Girl Guides
environmental or social justice organizations
Building Our Resilience: You Don’t Need to Look Far
Wondering about what you may need for a strong community?
First, start thinking about what is important to you and your wellbeing.
Then ask yourself:
Does the group support diverse ages, people and opinions (where no generation is pressured over another to take more action)?
Can the group support and comfort one another?
Is it a place where people can feel safe to share experiences and emotions?
Building resilience
We’ve focused a lot on connection. It’s important to connect with one another and start conversations about our interests and concerns. Did you know that ‘climate conversation circles’ are being hosted in communities around the world? These are spaces for people of all ages to come to connect and share their feelings and emotions about climate change.
How to Start a Climate Conversation
Meaningful climate conversations aren’t that different than ones about the best musical artist or a superior ice cream flavour.
Want to know how to have impactful conversations? Try:
Ask
Inquire about someone else’s perspective or experience.
Use eye contact, letting the other person finish talking before replying.
Active Listening
Reflect
Making sure you understand by repeating what they said back.
Tell
Ask if you can share something you’ve learned or are concerned about.
Close
Thank them and show respect. This can encourage future conversations.
How are you feeling about changes in weather and climate change?
How to Start a Climate Conversation
Try starting a climate conversation within your school or community.
Are there any groups in our community that are working to protect the environment?
What people, plants and animals, or places are already being impacted?
Use questions like:
Any conversation is better than no conversation. Begin by saying hello.
After a climate conversation, jot down some notes on what happened, what similarities or differences there were, and what new knowledge was gained?
Building Resilience Together
Solutions to climate change need to be equity focused.
Some groups of people are more impacted by crises such as housing shortages, food insecurity, extreme weather and more. Climate change is magnifying these issues and making people even more vulnerable.
Equity-seeking and deserving groups or communities are people that are impacted by systemic barriers and lack of access. Communities that have not received equal opportunities due to identity, race, gender, ability or sexuality.
Building Resilience Together
Many people have been and continue to be left out of conversations, policies and support. Does everyone in your community have equitable access or opportunities to be supported, represented, and treated well?
Can you think of a project or community group in your area that supports equity-deserving groups?
Building Resilience
Take five minutes to answer these questions:
Now is a great time to return to a nearby place in nature to
reflect on how you’re feeling.
Before you go: The path forward
You’ve done a lot of great work here.
As you moved through this experience, you took time to build:
the connection between you and your emotions
the connection between you and nature
the connection between your wellbeing and climate change solutions
Indignation
Outrage
Disapointment
Betrayal
Frustration
Hope
Gratitude
Empathy
Inspiration
Empowerment
Interest
Remember the Climate Emotions Wheel? Time to check back in.
How are you feeling?
You can select more than once answer.
Positivity
Anger
I really don’t know how I feel about climate change.
I have some awareness of my feelings about climate change.
Worry
Anxiety
Powerlessness
Panic
Overwhelmed
Fear
Sadness
Despair
Loneliness
Loss
Depression
Grief
Shame
Guilt
I know how I feel about climate change, but not sure where to go from here.
I feel confident naming and responding to my emotions.
I feel I have the tools to support my emotions and move forward into action.
Gratitude for you
Thank you for taking part in this experience.
We hope that you continue to give yourself time for self-care, mindfulness and staying connected with nature. If you feel this tool was helpful, share far and wide with your friends and family.
Wellness page
Exploring our emotions can be very difficult, and it’s ok to ask for help. Below are emergency and non-emergency phone numbers, positive mental health programs and services.
Crisis Contacts
“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”
Programs and Tools
Activities & Resources
- Mark Amend
This work is supported by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
CMHA – Understanding and Finding Help for Stress
Mental Health and Climate Change Alliance
Unicef Climate Change and Environment
Unicef Voices of Youth climate anxiety blog
The Happy Broadcast
George the Poet, The Natural World Poem:
Wild Geese Poem
In her book, Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis, Dr. Britt Wray (Canadian author and researcher) writes that our emotional responses to climate change are a sign of our humanity.
These impacts are often greatest in communities who have added the least to the greenhouse gases that cause climate change and
who already experience systemic inequality.
Hear Elder Dr. Albert Marshall speak about Netukulimk.
Clean Foundation brings specialized teams together to work on complex problems, delivering many climate action and capacity building projects and initiatives around Nova Scotia, PEI and the Atlantic region.
Cleanfoundation.ca
Real change comes from all generations of age working together and listening to one another. Climate action is not to be left to the youth alone, but to be shared by everyone with creative solutions.
If you can’t go outside right now, bring the outside in! Listening to nature ‘soundscapes’ can reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing and calm.
The Canadian Mental Health Association of Nova Scotia supports the resilience, recovery and wellbeing of people living with mental illness and those experiencing mental health challenges across the province. CMHA NS recognizes how climate changes cause emotional hardship and has provided guidance and resources to support the creation of this tool.
cmha.ca
There is no one way to respond to the climate crisis.
Our personal actions can look very different based on our unique skills and interests.
Crisis Contacts
Trans LifeLine
Kids Help Phone
Talk Suicide Canada
Pflag
Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team
Programs and tools
Mindfulness Exercises
BounceBack: A free, guided self-help program that supports adults and youth 15+ in learning how to manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
Deep Breathing
Anxiety Canada: A non-profit organization that supports anxiety through an app, podcast, courses, programs, and helpful online resources.
5,4,3,2,1 Noticing
Less Screen, More Green: This Nova Scotian program offers less stress, a healthier screentime/screentime balance, and true connections – with ourselves, each other and the natural world.
Mindfulness in Nature