Tackling climate anxiety in the Catholic classroom

Tackling climate anxiety

in the Catholic classroom

This resource, created in response to fears and challenges voiced by teachers, explores how we can use Catholic Social Teaching, and Laudato Si’ in particular, to navigate and respond to climate anxiety.

Using this resource

30 mins

Part 1:

Scotdec, Highland One World, and their partner organisations explore the issue of climate anxiety and the impact the climate crisis has on learners.

60 mins

SCIAF explores using a Head, Heart, Hands & Spirit model alongside Catholic Social Teaching to navigate and respond to climate anxiety in Catholic schools.

Part 2:

Contents

Tackling climate anxiety

in the Catholic classroom

Head - Recognising climate anxiety

Heart - Reading the signs of the times

Hands - Anxiety to Action

Spirit - Development of the whole person

More about Head, Heart, Hands, Spirit

Resource List

Tackling

Climate

Anxiety

Head, Heart, Hands and Spirit

A holistic approach for teachers to address climate anxiety in the classroom.

“the head, the heart, and the hands: all three languages must be in harmony.”

Pope Francis

Pope Francis has often

spoken about the three languages of education:

the head, heart and hands.

His vision of transformative education is centred on the holistic development of the whole person.

Contents

Recognising Climate Anxiety

Recognising the possibility of change in the future

Recognising that distress, worry, guilt or anxiety are appropriate feelings in

response to understanding

that the world is not how

God intended it to be

Head

Knowledge and understanding

Knowing that each person is unique, made in the image of God

Recognising inherent human dignity, bestowed by God

As the Church, the Body of Christ, we share and

offer support for

each other's feelings

of vulnerability.

“If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer”

1 Corinthians 12:26

VIDEO

The Catholic Classroom

“Climate change has important implications for the health and futures of children and young people, yet they have little power to limit its harm, making them vulnerable to climate anxiety” Caroline Hickman

Contents

Reading the signs of the times

Emphasising global interconnectedness

Building emotional reselience

Heart

Values & attitudes

Fostering a sense of hope and fortitude in the face of challenges

Challenging hopeless narratives

Cultivating wonder, awe, respect and gratitude for Creation

Making the distinct connection between our faith and concern for people and planet

Catholic Social Teaching

WATCH

CST in action

WATCH

CST in 3 minutes

Christ “has not deserted the human beings

he has redeemed”

We should learn how to “recognize the signs of the times” (Mt 16:3)

so that we might,

“in the midst of all the hideous clouds and darkness, perceive things that seem to be omens portending a better day...for mankind.”

Pope John XXIII,

Humanae Salutis

Using CST Principles to navigate climate anxiety

SOLIDARITY

Helps us feel less isolated and more supported

COMMON

GOOD

Recognises that collective action gives us a shared purpose and focus

OPTION FOR THE POOR

Turns anxiety into action on environmental justice for the poor.

PARTICIPATION

Fosters a sense

of agency and control over the future

DIGNITY

Recognises that every person can contribute builds strength and fortitude

WATCH

Laudato Si’

Using Laudato Si’

Pope Francis asks us to shift our perspectives to embrace a simpler lifestyle; one of gratitude and respect for Creation, by focusing on what is truly essential and appreciating life’s simple joys.

We are also asked to listen to each other's perspectives and experiences to feel more connected with each other and with nature.

These shifts in perspective can lessen the feelings of helplessness and anxiety.

Challenging hopeless narratives

Hopeless narratives about climate change suggest that our efforts are futile.

Our faith calls on us to anchor our actions and attitudes in hope - a hope that does not disappoint.

Building emotional resilience

“God is both refuge and strength for us, a help always ready in trouble;

so we shall not be afraid though the earth be in turmoil,

though mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,

and its waters roar and seethe, and the mountains totter as it heaves.”

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our steadfast refuge and strength,

especially in times of uncertainty and anxiety.

We can find unshakeable peace and

resilience in His ever-present help.

The Guest House by Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”

Translated by Coleman Barks

Feelings of distress, fear and anxiety are natural responses to the harm happening to all

of life due to climate change

These feelings are messengers and guides if we pay attention to them

Using connection

engagement and encounter

our faith is a guide to navigating climate anxiety

Stories of hope

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

Galatians 6:2

WATCH

The Guardians

of the Atrato

Contents

Recognising, naming and dealing with feelings in a positive way

Anxiety to Action

Hands

Skills in action

Supporting active participation, knowing that it is a recognition of our responsibility for all of Creation

Creating a space to listen to others

Promoting climate justice and advocacy

Planning actions aimed at bringing about a more just and sustainable world

WATCH

Anxiety to Action

Ecological Education

“A faith without works, a faith that doesn’t get you involved, isn’t faith. It is words and nothing more than words.”

Pope Francis

Sharing, Listening, Understanding and Acting

Pope Francis talks about a type of education that fosters a new way of listening and acting.

Sharing: creating spaces where young people can share their feelings about climate change issues, without feeling they will be criticised, judged or dismissed.

Acting: supporting action on climate change and for climate justice in light of our faith.

Listening: so that young people feel heard and reassured. We can build emotional resilience by normalising feelings of climate anxiety as a common experience.

Understanding: as educators the science of climate change – its origins, impacts, and consequences but also the action being taken to help minimise and adapt to it.

Climate Action

Taking climate action is powerful faith witness, reflecting our commitment to God's creation and the dignity of all people.

Promoting Climate Justice

Climate justice is the idea that addressing climate change is not just about

the causes, but also about ensuring that

the impacts and solutions are fair and equitable for all.

Promoting climate justice means calling for actions that protect human dignity and rights, addressing inequalities, and ensuring everyone has a say in shaping a sustainable future for our common home.

Active participation

Be mindful that how we choose to frame climate action can either help tackle climate anxiety or further place the burden on young people.

Young people demand change

Contents

Active participation can take different forms suitable at all age and stage of pupils.