Hurricanes, and our digital stimulation
Coping with the Psychological Toll of Climate Disasters
Ive Velikova
October 17, 2024
Rolling Fork, MS 3.24.23 Getty Images Jake Bittle
In today's world, every glance at social media or news outlets reveals alarming headlines about climate disasters. This year’s hurricane season has been particularly brutal, with storms like Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton causing unprecedented destruction across the southeastern United States. These back-to-back hurricanes come on the heels of climate scientists reporting that this summer was the hottest on record, raising urgent concerns about the impact of climate change.
The stark reality is that climate change, driven by human activity, is making hurricanes more powerful and frequent. Recent studies show that the warm waters and increased rainfall in the Gulf of Mexico significantly contributed to the intensification of these storms.
The pervasive narratives surrounding climate change can lead to feelings of despair and burnout. Veteran meteorologist John Morales openly teared up in the face of overwhelming evidence and destruction. Over 70% of Americans express concern about climate change. 60% feel that climate change is happening now and that immediate action is necessary to address its impacts. “Collapse narratives” further intensify perceptions of environmental and societal breakdown.
While this overwhelming climate news can lead to apathy, research shows that people experiencing distress are more likely to engage in collective action on climate change. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help you process and act on your climate anxiety:
Acknowledge Emotions
Focusing on future scenario can lead to us spiraling into catastrophic “what ifs.” Instead, try focusing on what has already happened – and all the emotions that come with it. Allow yourself to grieve for what has been lost. You can use a feelings wheel to identify the specific feeling that are coming up. Consider using movement or somatic experiencing to complete the stress cycle.
Walk Through Worst-Case Scenarios
Set a timer for 20 minutes and brainstorm your specific climate-related fears. Understanding your worries can help you understand what specific scenarios you’re most concerned about. While we can never be prepared for everything, having some stored items or a disaster preparedness checklist can give us sense of control over the situation and ease our anxieties.
Set Boundaries Around Media Consumption
While staying informed is vital, it’s also important to set boundaries for yourself when it comes to social media and news outlets. Negative headlines get more clicks, spread more easily, and cause more emotional distress – creating a significant bias towards negative news. Choose times where you avoid social media, such as early mornings and shortly before bed. This can help mitigate anxiety while maintaining awareness.
Nurture Collective Hope
Engaging with like-minded individuals fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Start with manageable actions within your community. Consider attending a Climate Circle or event in your area. Join local organizations focused on climate initiatives that resonate with your values.
As we face an uncertain climate future, we must remember that our actions today shape our world tomorrow. While climate news may fill us anxiety and despair, we can navigate these challenges through collective action.
By fostering hope and resilience within ourselves and our community, we can empower ourselves and our communities to confront climate change head-on, ensuring that we remain active participants in our unfolding story.
Ive Velikova (she/elle/тя), a science educator and communicator based in Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), on the traditional unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk).
