The Climate Cafe-share your feelings about the climate crisis

What to expect

Perhaps you have begun to worry about what is happening to our climate and what this might mean for you and your family and friends, also for other species. Or maybe you are an activist or professional in the climate field, used to feeling the pain of climate grief or eco-anxiety and keeping it at bay by all the work you do.

The focus of discussion in a Climate Café is participant’s immediate thoughts and feelings, rather than what we are doing (or not doing) about it. In a word we make space for the trouble, instead of merely wishing it away. It is a simple, friendly hospitable space where fears, uncertainties and other difficult feelings can be safely expressed and acknowledged. This allows for a conversation without pre-set themes or objectives in mind, other than how you are affected by the climate emergency and related biodiversity crisis.

That this is happening for real is taken as read. Accordingly it is NOT an event for arguing about the validity of the science. It is also an advice-free zone with no pressure to take action, join a group or change your mind on anything.

You may on a previous occasion, in some other context, have felt shut down when you have tried to voice your concerns. Perhaps someone else found the topic too difficult or challenging. With this in mind Climate Cafes have 5 simple guidelines:

• Say what you really, actually feel
• Take it in turns to speak. Be mindful of how much space you are taking up; and try not to interrupt others.
• Observe confidentiality i.e. you don’t report what others said to third parties who were not present.
• Listen and take an interest in other’s views, and don’t try to impose your own.
• Silence is fine. So is anger. Tears also have a place.

Facilitated by Guy Gladstone

Member of Seaford Environmental Alliance and The Climate Psychology Alliance.

If you have a question about this event please ring me on 01323 891097.