As we continue to face growing instances of extreme weather events and other climate-related emergencies around the world, it is common to experience feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or grief. Join us for a panel discussion on November 4 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST on the mental health consequences of climate change, commonly referred to as “climate grief” or “eco-anxiety.” Co-hosted with the Sustainability Office, the aim of this event is to raise awareness of climate anxiety, explore strategies for managing those feelings, and share campus resources and supports.
Moderator
Brendon [bren-duhn] Larson (he/him)
Professor and Associate Dean – Undergraduate, Faculty of Environment
As a father, an educator, and a life-long naturalist, he has a keen personal and professional interest in how our relationship with the natural world is affected by interwoven socio-ecological-technological changes. Some of his recent writings concern children’s technological connection to nature and how to prepare children for ecological decline (Toronto Star and associated journal article). Learn more about Brendon.
Panelists
Washington [wash-ing-ton] Silk (they/them)
Counsellor, Counselling Services
Washington is transgender and a queer therapist and social worker. They are a white settler from Alberta and have lived experience of ADHD and learning disabilities. They are also a parent. Their life experiences inform their approaches and motivation for supporting students during this unique time of growth in many students’ lives, including issues regarding environmental connection, anxiety, grief, and rage.
Sriranjini [sree-ran-gin-knee] Raman (she/they)
Student & Community Organizer
Sriranjini is a student in Environment, Resources, and Sustainability, and among many experiences is a community organizer with Fridays for Future India, a sustainable menstrual health educator with Eco Femme, and UNESCO World Heritage Volunteer. They are passionate about centering the climate justice movement around youth from Most Affected People Areas, anti-caste climate justice and intersectional environmentalism.
Jahanvi [jan-vee] Desai (she/her)
Campus Coordinator, Impact Alliance
Jahanvi is a student in Environment and Business and a former co-op student with the Sustainability Office. She is currently doing air quality and climate change work for the City of Hamilton and is the Campus Coordinator for Impact Alliance. She is also helping bring MealCare to UW, a national effort to redivert food waste away from the landfill, and is involved in Project 30, a Canadian youth effort to act on climate change. She has worked with a wide network of students through her range of experiences and is passionate about the 2030 Agenda.
Please register and submit your questions for the panel.
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