FEBRUARY

/ˈgrēf/ n. the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or some living thing that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, cultural, spiritual and philosophical dimensions.

It is common to experience grief for the planet, animals, humans, and ourselves when facing the realities of the climate crisis. 
This is known as eco-grief or climate grief.

The consequences of climate change may appear to be a future threat to those removed from the frontlines, but low-income communities of color and Indigenous peoples have already been subjected to climate change-related catastrophe and environmental predation. 

Grief and trauma shouldn’t be compared but rather, acknowledged. Feeling others’ pain as our own creates a sense of unity and shared interest. This can inspire action in civil and environmental rights movements.

We are all made of the same earthly elements and we are all connected to each other through our shared home. Keeping eco-grief at bay and dismantling systems of environmental oppression require empathy, community, collaboration, and love.