All About Climate Grief: What to Know and What To Do About It

All About Climate Grief: What to Know and What to Do About It is a practical and accessible guide developed by climate-emotions researcher Dr Panu Pihkala with the Climate Mental Health Network. It explains climate grief as the sadness and mourning arising from climate change, ecological degradation and the loss—or anticipated loss—of species, ecosystems, places, ways of life and confidence in the future.

The guide emphasises that climate grief is a natural expression of care, attachment and concern rather than evidence of disengagement or defeat. Experiences vary according to personal circumstances, occupation, culture, exposure to environmental change and stage of life. Parents, caregivers and educators may also experience grief or moral distress when considering the uncertain future facing children and younger generations.

Drawing on established theories of grief and emotional processing, the guide describes the distinctive complexity of ecological loss. Climate grief may be socially unrecognised or disenfranchised; uncertain or ambiguous; ongoing or nonfinite; anticipated before losses occur; or associated with chronic sorrow. Environmental change can also undermine people’s sense of safety, identity, purpose and expectations for the future, resulting in “shattered assumptions,” “shattered dreams” and, in severe cases, the loss of entire cultural and ecological “lifeworlds.”

Several frameworks are introduced to support understanding and healing, including Miriam Greenspan’s work on engaging with difficult emotions, William Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning, Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects, and Pauline Boss’s work on ambiguous loss. Although these models differ, they share an emphasis on acknowledging loss, allowing difficult emotions to be experienced, finding meaning and connection, adapting to change, and directing renewed energy towards purposeful action.

The final section offers practical approaches that can be undertaken individually, with trusted people or in a wider community. These include reflection and journaling, breathing and grounding exercises, spending time in nature, music, art, movement, rituals of remembrance, peer support and collective environmental action. The guide cautions against rushing towards positivity before grief has been recognised and processed.

Its central message is that engaging with climate grief does not mean abandoning hope. When safely acknowledged and supported, grief can deepen empathy, gratitude, connection with the natural world and awareness of what matters. It may also help individuals and communities transform sorrow into meaning, resilience, solidarity and constructive environmental action.