This podcast episode deals essentially with the topic of climate anxiety in teenagers and presents a variety of strategies to support them with this burden.
In the last decade, climate change and environmental issues became increasingly important in young people’s lives: our planet and its well-being receive the attention of almost every member of Gen-Z. Although this is a profoundly positive development, this high degree of awareness and participation can also be quite threatening for their mental health, as, for instance, eco grief and climate anxiety became more and more common among teenagers.
Consequently, as future teachers, it is beneficial to find out how educators can support young people regarding this issue and how one can help them to develop emotional strategies to cope with this burden. To get a deeper insight into this topic, this podcast episode includes interviews with two experts in this field of research, Leslie Davenport and Kailie Drumm, who present different answers and pieces of advice regarding these questions.
Leslie Davenport is a therapist and author of four books, including “Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change”. Additionally, she has worked at Ground Zero on disaster mental health teams and is on faculty with the California Institute of Integral Studies. She works currently as a consultant to institutes recognizing the advantages of behavioral research for cultural shifts and policy change.
Kailie Drumm analyzes in her research projects the intersection of adolescent psychological development, mental health, and the threat of climate change. Her projects include investigating the diverse ways in which teenagers experience concern about climate change and translating that into multidisciplinary education, with the critical aim of supporting the world’s youth. Additionally, Kailie is a registered nurse and teaches nursing at her local community college.
Marie is currently studying English and Spanish as a teaching degree in her fourth semester at the university of Bielefeld. Apart from getting to know new people and cultures, she loves dancing, reading and art.
Maria is a graduate student in English and Spanish education. They are a passionate about teaching and community work.
Music for this episode comes from Nadsat Banda.
Tracks: Mr. Happy, Managua, A Veces, Lala Gartija
With special thanks to Miguel for providing us with the instrumental versions of his band’s songs.
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