The EIB Climate Survey made the headlines earlier in November and it was quite a reality check (if anyone still needs one) with very worrying results showing that over 80% of Maltese fear they will be forced to move due to climate change while 99% recognise it is important for their country to adapt to these challenges. Climate anxiety is on the rise and many feel that not enough is being done. This, coupled with a sense of helplessness, can often lead to climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, which refers to the levels of distress related to the realities of climate change and environmental destruction.
To address this rising trend Friends of the Earth Malta partnered up with environmental and mental health NGOs from Estonia, Germany and Denmark on the EU funded project CALM-EY: Coping with Climate Anxiety: Learning Methods for Mental Health for European Youth (2023-2025). The project is developing knowledge on climate anxiety for specialists working with youth, providing the necessary tools to recognise climate-related anxiety in young people as well as competencies and self-help methods for young people to be able to support their own mental health and wellbeing and increase their participation in civil society. As part of the project, FoE Malta held a one day pilot training session for professionals on 2nd November 2024 on “How to Support Youth in Climate Anxiety”. It was led primarily by Claire Bonello, Mental Health Professional and FoEM Project Support for the CALM-EY Project and was supported by educator and FoEM Project Assistant Annalise Falzon and Climate Campaign Coordinator Dr Suzanne Maas.
With backgrounds ranging from: education, youth work, social and environmental sciences to research, the participants came with varying motivations such as to enhance their coaching of youths, research, lecturing in sustainability and climate change, support to peer activists but also for self-knowledge.
The day was intense but very rewarding as the participants participated fully and contributed with different insights and experiences. For some, it was the first time viewing environmental issues from an emotional point of view and found that the exercises done throughout the day were applicable to many different settings as well as for one’s own benefit in everyday life. The first session gave an overview of climate change and the concept of climate anxiety, including the different terminology in use. Participants themselves had time to reflect on their own climate anxiety and worries, which highlighted the prevalence and salience of speaking about emotions and thoughts about climate change and the environment for people of all ages. The second session delved into emotions, their usefulness and how to normalise them. The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy model was the subject of the third session which also gave more details on dealing with difficult emotions and further support measures. The group then familiarised themselves with some of the Anxiety Relief Methods for youth and could enjoy our community garden space to practise different techniques amongst them. There was time to reflect and gather feedback but also to focus on self-care.
Contact us if you wish to stay informed https://foemalta.org/projects/calm-ey/ and check out also the project website: Home – CALM-EY
If you know any youths who may benefit from emotional support in the sphere of climate/eco anxiety please share this link for registration for any of the sessions which are held in an informal setting at our Green Community Centre in Floriana – Wednesdays at 5.30-7.30pm until the 26th of February: Climate Emotion Discussion Groups – Friends Of the Earth Malta
We are also currently working on a a self-help workbook for youth affected by climate anxiety which will offer many practical exercises as well as contacts for further support.