How collective action can tackle eco-anxiety

An event* bringing people together to explore and share feelings around eco-anxiety arrived in Nottinghamshire a few weeks ago. ‘Are You Listening?’ was a collaborative session which saw the blending of music and dialogue to challenge the climate emergency, unpick eco-anxiety, and highlight the strengths positive action can have. 

Storyteller and Councillor Emma Oldham invited me along to experience the event. It was an honour to be included in such an inspiring discussion with like-minded individuals sharing ideas and networking. During her dialogue, Emma explained the importance of us all talking openly about the planet and how it’s crucial that the environment becomes a normal part of our conversations with everyone, not just those who think and feel the same way we do.

I felt the whole evening was approached in a sensitive way, relatable and accessible for all without causing fear surrounding environmental issues. The Allotment in Collingham provided a beautiful setting and relaxed atmosphere, with the whole occasion feeling like the building blocks of a community were being placed as people came together to share ideas and discuss how we can all work collaboratively to make positive change.

“When I was suffering with eco-anxiety I felt like I was the only person, so it is about finding other people who feel that way, opening up and talking about it,” explained Emma.

“Don’t be afraid to challenge your local councillors, MPs, and leaders into doing more for nature and also praising those who are getting it right so that they know it is important to voters.”

Emma Oldham with her book 'The Whale Who Disappeared'

"Eco-anxiety looks different for different people. Generally, most suffer from a burdening feeling of dread for the future based on our planetary-scale crisis and the impacts it delivers. Symptoms include struggling to sleep, or focus, shock, loss of personal identity and control and lacking passion and motivation about things you care about.

"It is a healthy reaction to the crisis we are facing, but it should be taken seriously. 

Without support, it can lead to mental health conditions, substance abuse and the breakdown of relationships," explained Emma.

The statistics for how prevalent feelings of anxiety toward the Earth's future are shocking, particularly among children. Save the Children conducted a study in 2022 which found that 70% of the 3000 young people surveyed are worried about the world they will inherit with over half believing that ecological breakdown is causing a deterioration in child mental health worldwide.

When asked about what actions people can take, Emma added: “Actions would be to marry what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, so if you’ve got a skill or a talent think about some creative ways you could weave into helping the planet. 

“For example, in my children’s book the hero of the story is a little girl and she uses artwork and campaigning, talking to children and just using her voice really. It’s to inspire children to show them that whether you’re good at football, art, whatever it is, just being brave to open that up and present that to the world can really help."

The story's main character, Arry, shown here leading the way for future generations. Illustrated by William Monteiro.

‘The Whale Who Disappeared’ by Emma Oldham is a bite-sized story with a huge message. The power that we all have as individuals has been adapted in such a way that little ones will be able to understand and hopefully feel inspired. Each page features beautiful illustrations by William Monteiro, as they accompany Emma’s mix of rhyme and reflection. 

The book has been designed to help children who are struggling with eco-anxiety and the feelings surrounding environmental uncertainty, whilst cleverly being inspired by the true story of the coast of Aran which was declared the first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in Scotland. It is the perfect read for little eco-warriors with big ideas everywhere to lead the way towards more MCZs and other positive environmental change.

‘The Whale Who Disappeared’ by Emma Oldham was published in October 2023 and is available now to order at Waterstones.

British singer-songwriter Sam Eagle.

Music on the night was provided by Sam Eagle during excellently timed mini-breaks to give listeners a chance to digest information and thoughts. I felt this helped really connect with how the event made you feel and process the points being made. Sam’s music complimented the whole relaxed vibe of the discussion perfectly, with its easy-listening jazz undertones and nature-inspired lyrics.

“I grew up around a lot of nature in the Essex coast so it’s always worked its way into my music.” - Sam Eagle

Emma and Sam’s collaborative, thought-provoking event at The Allotment gave an insightful exploration into eco-anxiety, its effects on society, and encouraged everyone to join together and share ideas of how we can take continued action. During the event we were all invited to write down a point or two on a Post-It note of ways which we have found inspiring when doing our bit to fight the climate emergency. At the end of the event as we were going out of the door, we all chose someone else’s ideas to take home, bringing a collaborative theme to the event, from start to finish.

I’ll leave you with the steps toward positive change that were on the notes we picked up, and hopefully it’ll inspire you too.

1. Take responsibility for litter picking in your local area.

2. Plant native wildflowers for pollinators.

3. Make your employer environmentally accountable.

4. Art Therapy as social action, “Dr. Jamie Bird’s work in Derby in particular!”
   

You can order Emma Oldham’s book ‘The Whale Who Disappeared’ from Waterstones. Sam Eagle’s debut album ‘Are You Listening?’ is out now.

*AD - I attended this event following a PR invitation, but all opinions in this blog post are my own.

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