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Guiltandanxietycan be familiar feelings when it comes to climate change.
While our earth has always experienced climate change, it has reached a point of rapid acceleration.
It isnt any wonder that we may be experiencing emotional turmoil when considering the state of the world.
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This is all to say, yourcomplex feelingsare valid.
What Is Climate Guilt?
Additionally, climate change affects different people in different ways.
Climate guilt is just one of the manyemotionsthat can be experienced in response to earth changes.
It isnt uncommon to feel climate guilt and to witness others experiencing it.
You may notice it on yoursocial media feedsor see it come up in conversations with friends.
Regardless of how you experience climate guilt, it is immensely challenging.
One person didnt create climate change.
One person shouldnt shoulder all the responsibility of helping the earth heal.
How Do I Know If I Have Climate Guilt?
Take a moment to consider how guiltfeels in your body.
Do you feel yourstomachdrop?
Does your face begin to feel hot?
Do your shoulderstense up?
Now, consider some of the things that bring you guilt.
Perhaps it is when you unintentionally harmed another person.
Maybe it is when you realize you took action before thinking through the ramifications.
Climate guilt and climate anxiety do have some similarities, but they are two different terms.
Climate Guilt vs.
While guilt is not a pleasant emotion, it actually can be a powerfulmotivator.
A recent study states thatguiltcan lead to significant changes in behavior, resulting in environmentally-friendly behavior.
This is in stark contrast to climate anxiety, which doesnt necessarily translate into positive action.
However, remember collective effort is powerful.
When in doubt, look for those who are focusing on solutions and join them.
Finding like-minded communities that are equally committed to creatingchangeis incredibly important.
Bulkeley H.Cities and Climate Change.
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Mallett RK.Eco-guilt motivates eco-friendly behavior.Ecopsychology.
2020;1(4):189-200. doi: 10.1038/s43017-020-0039-9
