Climate Cafe Conversation

DO YOU WORRY ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? COULD A CLIMATE CAFÉ CONVERSATION HELP?

We know that those who frequent the Osage Forest of Peace find connection and peace within the Forest and in
the presence of nature. More recently however, our relationships with nature and our natural world are changing as
a growing ecological crisis reshapes our earth environment.
Climate change poses the biggest health threat to humanity according to the World Health Organization. There are
mental health effects which include anxiety and stress as well as existential threats involving environmental
destruction and ecological degradation to our forests, waterways, air quality, and food supplies which impact our
physical health and wellbeing.

Eco-distress is a term used to describe “the generalized sense that the ecological foundations of existence are in
the process of collapse” (Albrecht, 2012). The climate has become an increasing source of worry for people aware
of threats either from direct experience or indirect media exposure to the reporting around extreme weather
events. Worrying can be unhealthy and destructive.

Many of those experiencing eco-distress report feeling silenced or ignored when they attempt to talk about climate
change or share their feelings related to environmental changes. Their inability to voice their emotional responses
can create feelings of isolation, disconnection, and alienation which increases their distress.
The “Death Café” was a movement that began as a challenge to confront the social silence around death and
dying. Although death is a topic often avoided in conversation, it provides a significant comparison to climate
change, which can result in destruction, loss of life, and extinction. The “Death Café” offers a single, informal, one
session event where people meet in a small, intimate, facilitated space to talk about death and dying.
“Climate Cafes” are based on the “Death Café” model. A Climate Café is a 90(ninety) minute facilitated
conversation offered by people with an understanding and training in climate emotions and group psychology. It is
a simple conversation among a small group (5-12 people). Prompts are offered up to allow group participants to
tune into their own personal reflections about climate change.
The Cafe is not meant as a substitute for group therapy. Group participants are not given solutions, advice, or
action plans. While actions are important, they are not the focus of a Climate Café conversation. The Café is an
open, private space which offers a temporary and safe place to give voice to individual climate concerns in the
company of others.

The Osage Forest of Peace will be hosting Climate Café Conversations on a quarterly basis to offer additional
support to those already seeking connection and peace within the Forest. The Forest recognizes the value and
benefit of shared community and will offer Climate Café Conversations as a self-care practice to enhance coping
and living with a changing natural world.

(*** There is no charge to attend the Climate Café, however donations to The Forest are always
welcome and appreciated, Or a small donation of $5 covers snacks and tea or meal option or whatever you
decide).