default Climate anxiety and the media: how do we change the story?

Media headlines and fears about climate change are fuelling extreme emotional responses in our communities ranging from despair and hopelessness through to doomsday prepping. A new study suggests we can reframe the public conversation, use non-traditional approaches and act collectively to increase optimism and improve our social and emotional wellbeing. 

This fascinating conversation examines the nexus between polarised media reporting and climate change, and explores how we can use nature, creativity and community activism to re-engage with our personal power and reduce climate anxiety.

Facilitator:

Associate Professor Fiona Charlson, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research. Founder of the Mental Health and Climate Change Research Network.

Expert panel:

Associate Professor Rebecca E. Olson, School of Social Science, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland

Dr Tom Doig, Lecturer in Creative Writing, School of Communication and Arts, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Queensland

Dr Linda Murray, Senior Lecturer, School of Health Science, Massey University, New Zealand

Hosted by:

Mental Health and Climate Change Research Network