“A problem well-stated is a problem half solved”.

In this episode, we’ll explore the problems the world is facing - from looking at how our economic system is having consequences on all natural systems and exceeding the earth’s biocapacity and planetary boundaries - to exploring the current and predicted state of social, environmental and technological issues like climate change, water scarcity, AI, mental health, biodiversity loss and economic inequality. We then look at what might be underneath all of these challenges and the mental models, beliefs and ways of thinking that might be contributing to the issues we are seeing in the world. I explore the interconnectedness of these issues and how old beliefs and fears, as well as our separation and disconnection from our self, others and the natural world may be driving humanity towards it’s own destruction.

In the first half of the episode, I talk about the role of emotional intelligence and share the approaches that have helped me to find more peace and acceptance with absorbing this type of information about the state of the world. From approaching the world’s problems with acceptance, to holding the stories of the future lightly, to connecting with and welcoming emotions and bringing ourselves back into the present moment. I share an invitation in the episode before I share stats and figures for you to check in with yourself and how resourced you feel to listen to that part and honour what feels right for you.

I’ll also dive into the emotional landscape of these challenges, sharing what feelings this type of information brings up for me and share ways in which you can manage feelings that arise for you and and offer you some space to process your feelings.

Stay tuned for the next episode with Benjamin Casteillo where we will further unpack the metacrisis and emotional intelligence in more detail and in the next solo episode, I will be sharing more about my vision for the future and how I want to support others to contribute to solving these issues.

All sources can be found in my Substack - On Becoming the Change

The climate emotions wheel and the blog I mention can also be found there.

If you found this episode useful, please share it with others. Let me know what you think by contacting me on Substack or on Linkedin - Heather Lynch.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit heatherlynch.substack.com