Mental Health in Sustainability

At this event you’ll hear from activists, practitioners and researchers on the mental health challenges linked to climate change, eco-anxiety, why access to nature is so important for wellbeing and mental health, and how these issues can inspire climate action. The event will feature three speakers, followed by a networking event, to inspire a deeper conversation and get everyone involved!

Eco-Anxiety

According to a 2018 national survey, almost 70% of people in the United States are worried about climate change, and around 51% feel “helpless.”

Anxiety around environmental issues may stem from the awareness of a rising risk of extreme weather events, losses of livelihood or housing, fears for future generations, and feelings of helplessness. 

We will discuss this perspective with Dr. Katie Hayes. Her research investigates the mental health consequences of climate change, with a specific focus on addressing the inequitable risks and impacts on marginalized groups. Her research also explores what is being done to support psychosocial resilience within a changing climate in Canada.

Nature as a Solution

Looking for a simple way to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and maybe even improve your memory? Take a walk in the woods. This is an oft repeated advise, let's explore the science behind it.

Spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and depression. For example, research into ecotherapy (a type of formal treatment which involves doing activities outside in nature) has shown it can help with mild to moderate depression.

Speakers

Florence Williams

Florence Williams is a journalist, author, and podcaster. She is a contributing editor at Outside Magazine and a freelance writer for the New York Times, New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, The New York Review of Books, Slate, Mother Jones and numerous other publications. A fellow at the Center for Humans and Nature and a visiting scholar at George Washington University, her work focuses on the environment, health and science. Her most recent book, The Nature Fix, was an Audible bestseller and was named a top summer read by J.P  Morgan. Florence was named “Author of the week” by The Week in May, 2012. The Wall Street Journal calls her writing “droll and crisp,” which makes her feel like a pastry.

Dr. Katie Hayes

Dr. Katie Hayes is a climate change and mental health researcher based in Canada. Her research explores the mental health consequences of climate change with a specific focus on addressing the inequitable risks and impacts on marginalized groups. Katie has published a number of recent articles exploring the topic and she is currently leading the mental health chapter for the upcoming National Climate Change and Health Assessment report being led by Health Canada.

Allie Rougeot

Aliénor (Allie) Rougeot has been a human rights advocate since a very young age, focusing on climate justice since high school. She co-founded the group Fridays for Future Toronto and, with her co-organizers, she led the large youth climate strikes in late 2019. She is a public speaker and workshop leader, using these opportunities to raise awareness on the urgency of the climate crisis, discuss the solutions that are available to us as a society and empower others to join the fight. She graduated from the University of Toronto in June 2021, and now works in a non-profit organization where she advocates for climate justice and environmental protection.

Schedule

6:30 PM – 6:40 PM: Introduction from CEP

6:40 PM – 7:00 PM: Eco-Anxiety Discussion

7:00 PM – 7:20 PM: Nature as a Solution

7:20 PM – 7:45 PM: Panel Discussion

7:45 PM – 8:00 PM: Audience Q&A

You will receive the zoom link when you register for your free ticket. Thank you.