I am deeply passionate about the natural world and strive to facilitate a deeper connection between people and the more-than-human realm, which I term "human rewilding." My primary focus is on working with adults, yet my enthusiasm for aiding people in falling in love with nature remains equally strong when it comes to children. Today, I am delighted to share some background on why I decided to pen a series of environmentally-centered books for young readers. It all began when I was growing up; snowfall was a signal to build a snowman. However, in today's world, many young individuals have their excitement overshadowed by concerns about climate change. Environmental issues weigh heavily on their minds, giving rise to a phenomenon known as eco-anxiety.
Understanding Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety, which refers to chronic worry and fear regarding environmental collapse, is an increasingly prevalent mental health challenge, especially among younger generations who are acutely aware of the climate crisis. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to climate-related fears can lead to symptoms such as insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and even a sense of despair.1Yet, eco-anxiety also embodies something positive: a profound sense of care and responsibility for the planet. With the right support, this concern can act as a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and meaningful action.As parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators, we must pose ourselves the following questions: How can we transform the fears of young people into hope and meaningful action? How can we prevent their anxiety from evolving into apathy?Gus Speth, the former dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, insightfully remarked: "I once believed that the top global environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of excellent science, we could address these issues, but I was mistaken. The primary environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy, and to tackle these, we require a spiritual and cultural transformation. And unfortunately, we scientists do not know how to achieve that."The silver lining is that storytelling presents a viable path forward. For generations, stories have served as a potent tool to assist us in processing complex emotions, inspiring hope, and envisioning better futures. They can act as a catalyst for the kind of cultural transformation that Speth refers to, especially for children and teenagers grappling with issues like eco-anxiety.Stories as a Remedy for Eco-Anxiety
Stories have always played a crucial role in helping us make sense of the world and our position within it. For young people struggling with eco-anxiety, stories offer an opportunity to envision themselves as agents of change, rising to challenges and making a significant impact. They inspire readers to recognize themselves as part of a larger narrative where their actions hold weight.In my experience of applying psychology to storytelling, I have witnessed how the immersive world of stories can transport us—providing not only an escape but a powerful framework for understanding ourselves and the challenges we encounter. This profound experience, coupled with my concern for the psychological well-being of children growing up in the midst of climate crises, inspired me to write the Chronicles of G.A.I.A. series. It is part of a literary movement known as cli-fi—short for climate fiction—a genre that utilizes storytelling to explore the impacts of climate change and envision potential solutions.The Basics
The necessity of presenting complex topics such as climate change to middle-grade readers was emphasized by Karen Jensen in a special Mind the Middle series for School Library Journal's "Teen Library Toolbox." In my guest post for this series, I delved into how storytelling can empower young environmental champions by enabling them to envision a brighter future and equipping them to take meaningful action.Hope for the Future
Preventing apathy and cultivating resilience in the face of eco-anxiety demands intentionality. By sharing inspiring stories, setting an example of care and action, and encouraging time spent in nature, we empower young people to confront the challenges of our time with confidence and purpose. As Gus Speth suggests, the transformation we need is cultural and spiritual, and it commences with the way we nurture the next generation. Let us demonstrate to our children that their actions—no matter how small—are powerful steps toward a more brilliant and sustainable world.READ MORE