The existential risks of climate change and planetary destruction are causing a rising tide of psychological distress often referred to as “eco-anxiety.” The response to climate change requires not only a daunting level of investment in new infrastructure — but also investment in greater emotional and mental health care. 

This project will pilot a novel intervention to support people suffering eco-anxiety as a result of climate change. The pilot will run in three locations around the globe: Lagos, Nigeria, East Palo Alto, US, and London, UK. In each location, vulnerable youth and elders will participate in small group conversations led by members of the research team, using evidence-based strategies for coping with eco-anxiety.  The groups will use Local Voices Network (LVN) technology, a speech processing platform that enables partners to bring communities together for listening, understanding, and sharing. 

“We are very excited to develop, execute, and evaluate a pilot for a novel intervention that supports people with eco-anxiety,” said Britt Wray, Stanford Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow and co-investigator. “This project will be one of the first interventions for eco-anxiety to be evaluated in the growing field of climate change and mental health.”

Principal investigators: Britt Wray, Daryn Reicherter

Funders: Sean N Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research

Photo Credit: nIOS via climatevisuals.org