Fear, grief and hope over climate change
Re: “Grieving over climate change?” Aug. 22 news story
I applaud The Denver Post for calling attention to the linkages between mental health and climate change. I directly identify with the feelings described in the article of being overwhelmed, frozen from action and having heightened despair about our future.
The mental health consequences of a changing global climate include increased stress and distress, highrisk coping behavior such as increased alcohol and other substance use and, mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
There are myriad ways we are failing each other, our children and our planet. There are so many seemingly intractable problems. This article ended on a hopeful note: “there are solutions we can work on. There is hope.”
We can and must all do our part, such as driving less, switching to hybrid if not electric vehicles, reducing meat consumption, expanding sustainable energy technologies, and advocating for more decisive and aggressive political action. It is equally important that we take care of ourselves.
The Denver Post would do its readers a great service to clearly identify and articulate that when experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, it is OK to ask for help. Colorado has resources to support people, including our strong system of community mental health centers, the crisis line, and an ever-growing presence of providers offering telehealth services.
Mindy Klowden, Denver
In reading the article, I see the stress imposed on our youth by media, environmental groups, edu- cators, and the general public on climate change’s “existential threat.”
The very sad part of Andrés Better’s temperament and attitude and eventual withdrawal from college is that he’s not been taught to be a critical thinker. Higher education was where I learned a variety of disciplines, where I saw both sides and the huge middle of various matters, and how I learned how to create a thought process in evaluating issues.
Over the past 20-plus years, education in America has done a massive disservice to our youth by indoctrinating them in focused learning and failing to nurture critical thinkers on a wide array of views. Unfortunately, fellows like Mr. Better don’t have any idea how to ascertain how the world works or how to problem solve.
Jerry Mchugh, Jr., Denver
While I agree there is much to grieve, we cannot let the monumental nature of the problem stop us before we even try to fix it. If we want a bright future for our children and all the precious life we cherish throughout the world’s spectacular ecosystems, we are the only ones who can bring this dream into reality.
I, for one, am more optimistic than ever. Did you know that there is promising action happening in the federal government at this very moment? Congressional leaders currently are focused on the budget reconciliation process, which is expected to be the main vehicle for significant climate policy this year. This budget package could include a price on carbon, a bipartisan solution that would dramatically reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions. Call and write to Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Rep. Diana Degette or your local representative to tell them you want to see a price on carbon included in the budget.
Christina Johnson, Denver
“That’s it!” screamed Charlie Brown to Lucy. Climate Change aphobia — fear of the loss of a healthy planet. The reason for the gnawing, simmering tension eluded me until I read this article. Yet one more real and significant consequence of a crisis that still escapes understanding and action by many. Thanks for exploring and exposing this aspect of climate change. Now if only The Post would stop putting every paper, every day, into a plastic bag. There would be a lot less grieving by this simple act.
Allie Molinda, Centennial
I am a clinical psychologist and climate-advocate volunteer. I hear a lot of fear, sadness, guilt and anger from clients about our climate catastrophe. I encourage people to educate themselves about solutions!
Putting a price on carbon emissions needs to be a part of any solution. Support for a carbon fee and dividend comes from economists, scientists, business leaders, faith leaders, local governments, and editorial boards across the political spectrum. All can see the clear benefits of a fully-rebated revenue-neutral carbon fee. This market-based solution will save lives, create jobs, and boost our economy. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is a bipartisan agriculture and climate bill that passed in the Senate 92-8.
Now the House is struggling to pass meaningful climate solutions. Let them know your feelings and urge them to take strong, brave, bipartisan action to price carbon.
Lesley Lefevre, Centennial