Climate Cafés and the Power of Community
By Riley Ramirez, Environmental Studies ‘24
Image Credit”: "Cafe Poster by Kira Mason" by theworldcafe is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Image Credit: Climate Café CIC, https://www.climate.cafe/.
Beyond the ecological impacts, mental health struggles have emerged as a significant consequence of climate change. In recent decades, many of us have become more aware about the worsening state of the environment. The result has been heightening levels of “eco-anxiety,” defined by the American Psychological Association as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” This fear likely stems from the overwhelming scale of the climate crisis, as well as the inability to escape from the proliferation of depressing headlines in the media. Powerlessness is one of many emotions induced by climate anxiety, which can have severe consequences on a person’s motivation to make change and seek solutions. Younger people seemingly suffer the most from this form of anxiety. A recent study by Friends of the Earth suggests that the younger generations are more likely to feel heightened concern due to their likelihood of experiencing the worsening, long-term effects of climate change.
To help alleviate this anxiety, grassroots organizers around the United States have begun to assemble “climate cafés.” The Climate Psychology Alliance defines climate cafés as “informal, open, respectful, and confidential spaces to safely share emotional responses and reactions related to the climate and environmental emergency.” The first of these cafés was hosted by Rebecca Nestor at Oxford in Britain in 2018, however, they have since taken shape in many different ways and places. In its simplest form, climate cafés provide individuals the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences regarding climate change and to find community with those who feel similarly. The main goal of these facilitated meetings is to leave those experiencing climate anxiety feeling less alone in their fears.
Image Credit: Inspiring coffee cup on a table, Danielle_MacInnes.
Through providing a safe space and connection to like-minded individuals, climate cafés have created strong communities of passionate eco-stewards. Community is a significant catalyst of empowerment and social change. Progression in society has historically begun when people in the community work together to envision and bring about change. Localized climate-solutions brought about by city governments and grassroots movements have been highly successful in improving climate resiliency and lowering the carbon footprints of cities.
Through creating and providing community to individuals who care about the environment, climate cafés have considerable promise to mobilize and empower citizens to take climate action and make meaningful change. The personal connections that climate cafés foster help alleviate feelings of powerlessness and inspire people, despite their fears, to fight for and protect the planet not only for themselves but for the people they love on a local and global scale.
Interested in attending a climate café? Check out this link with ongoing events all over the world! Also, UW EarthLab is hosting a Climate Conversations and Connections Event for UW students, which will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 10 AM - 1 PM at the HUB. Register here.