Beyond Denial and Despair: Honesty and Action on the Climate Change Front Line

Abstract

Beyond denial and despair begins by reaffirming the importance of an honest, evidence-based appraisal of climate crisis risks and consequences as an essential foundation for effective action. An overview of current scientific and experiential evidence of climate trends, impacts and risks is followed by discussion of the psychological and political forces driving climate change denial. The greatest challenge for many climate scientists, activists and citizens is overcoming paralysis resulting from grief and despair in confronting the likely consequences of climate change for human beings, other species and for the Earth’s ecosystems. This chapter therefore concludes by exploring learning from psychologists, health workers and activists about strategies for strengthening emotional resilience and for sustaining individual and collective action.