Eco Anxiety and Climate Trauma: Navigating the Psychosocial Impact of Climate Change on Communities

This session is sponsored by IARTC.

Anthropogenic climate change is a reality, with extreme weather events occurring more frequently worldwide, across the U.S., and recently in Florida. Eco-anxiety and climate trauma are genuine responses, with potentially serious psychosocial impacts. This panel of trauma experts will discuss the stressors and traumas associated with climate- and weather-related crises and disasters, drawing on recent global, national, and local events. Additionally, the panel will explore effective strategies for counselors to support individuals and communities facing these psychosocial challenges. Join us to deepen your understanding of how climate change affects mental health and discover ways to build resilience in those impacted.

· Participants will describe the difference between anthropogenic and natural climate change, distinguishing human-induced factors from natural environmental processes.

· Participants will name two stressors associated with climate change and weather-related crises, such as displacement and loss of livelihood.

· Participants will name two effective strategies for counselors to support individuals and communities facing climate change challenges, such as fostering resilience through trauma-informed care and promoting community-based coping mechanisms.