ABSTRACT

Climate crisis disrupts the beliefs, values and behaviors of contemporary societies, sparking potential for radical changes in culture and consciousness. Drawing upon her experience as a Jungian psychotherapist and a researcher in the field of climate psychology, Sally Gillespie writes about the challenges, dilemmas, opportunities and transformations of engaging with climate and ecological crises.

Many factors shape how we understand and respond to the existential threats of climate crisis. This accessible book with its discussions about worldviews, cultural myths, emotional resilience, social connectedness, nature relatedness and collective action explores consciousness change in those most engaged with climate issues. Calling upon the words and stories of many people, including Indigenous leaders, ecologists, campaigners, writers and philosophers, Gillespie encourages us to enter into climate conversations to forge emotional resilience, ecological consciousness and inspired action. 

With its unique focus on the psychological experience of facing into the climate crisis, this warm and supportive book offers companionship and sustenance for anyone who wants to be alive to our natural world and to the existential challenges of today. It is an essential resource for counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers and other helping professionals, as well as climate campaigners, policy makers, educators, scientists and researchers.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

Sea change

chapter Chapter 1|20 pages

Departing familiar shores

chapter Chapter 2|22 pages

Falling off the edge of the known world

chapter Chapter 3|20 pages

Encountering our world anew

chapter Chapter 4|26 pages

Extending horizons

chapter Chapter 5|22 pages

Tending to daily life

chapter Chapter 6|24 pages

Sustaining action

chapter Chapter 7|22 pages

Re-storying Earth

chapter |4 pages

Recommended reading and resources