ABSTRACT
An awareness of the climate crisis and contributing factors raises many dilemmas, especially for those living within affluent, carbon intensive societies. This chapter explores how climate awareness can play out in daily life and the range of responses and actions this might engender, including feelings of anxiety, guilt and powerlessness. Central to this discussion is an analysis of the psychological consequences of consumer cultures, especially those underpinned by neoliberal ideologies. This discussion then extends into the emotional landscape of disengaging from high consumption, high waste lifestyles, within societies that promote individualistic values and competition. A vital counterbalance within all of this is developing an understanding of individual relationship to collective agency, particularly in relationship to effecting changes in social mores and values, as well as behaviours. The chapter concludes with a discussion about building dialogues around common values and community action.
