The awareness and experience of escalating climate threats and inaction can generate distress or worry about climate change. Its effects on people, the environment and the future impact us all, making feelings of “doomism” ever more daunting. As a self-confessed over thinker, these feelings are made worse considering a heightened awareness and scientific and technological advancements – the climate crisis is an elephant in the room we can no longer ignore. 

Climate guilt comes from our inability or unwillingness to effectively protect the environment. Many find themselves scrutinizing every trip, meal or purchase – yet for many, living a fully sustainable lifestyle is simply not financially viable. Being informed and caring deeply is important, but no one can carry the weight of the climate issue alone. It’s also fair to say that the climate crisis is not always reported with the urgency it requires. In the UK, Teach the Future are a student-led campaign that push for a reform if the UK education system around climate justice, sustainability and the natural world. 

In 2023, UNESCO revealed that when 58,000 teachers were asked about the challenges of teaching climate change, 30% admitted they were not familiar with suitable teaching methods. 

While we now have more resources than ever to educate ourselves on climate issues, we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves for not knowing enough or let this discourage us from learning more. Undoubtedly, we all have a responsibility in the climate crisis. But we all have a responsibility to look after ourselves as students and individuals, and to enable mental wellbeing and long-term engagement. Integrating sustainable habits where we are able can make a difference, and students still can contribute meaningfully by staying open and informed. UEA Climate Week offers a range of engaging and enlightening events; on Thursday, 20 March Greenpeace campaigner Ruby Rae will give a talk on international oil, activism and the new Greenpeace vs. Big Oil campaign. Immediately after this, there will be an interactive “climate action simulation” event taking place. It is a role-playing negotiation game, allowing participants to rapidly assess different solutions to climate change such as land use changes or energy efficiency. This event sounds both fun and educational; especially for those like me who feel regrettably underinformed about key stakeholders and real-world, practical climate solutions. More information can be found under events on the SU website! 

Whilst this stage of the semester is a busy time for a lot of us, why not find some time to check out some of the events on offer? It’s a great way to step away from academic work, learn something new and alleviate feelings of climate anxiety and guilt. After all, taking and open and active approach to learning is valuable and productive! As well as this, climate wellbeing and resilience are essential green skills, and recognising their importance is a key step in developing climate awareness