Psychological Roots of the Climate Crisis
Written by Sally Weintrobe / Read by Peter
The story of a fundamental fight between a caring and an uncaring imagination. It helps us to recognise the uncaring imagination in politics, in culture – for example in the writings of Ayn Rand – and also in ourselves.
Sally Weintrobe argues that achieving the shift to greater care requires us to stop colluding with Exceptionalism, the rigid psychological mindset largely responsible for the climate crisis. People in this mindset believe that they are entitled to have the lion’s share and that they can ‘rearrange’ reality with magical omnipotent thinking whenever reality limits these felt entitlements.
Earthrise Studio
https://www.earthrise.studio / Found by Emily
For a while now I have been really interested in posts from Earthrise studio. They are a media platform at the forefront of climate, culture and community. Their media presence is educational, engaging and highlights the important issues in our world today.
One of their recent posts talked about the ‘Plants of Palestine’. They speak about how native plants of Palestine became symbols of unity and resistance to the Israeli occupation and more recent genocide. Some of the native plants listed were; Zaytoun (olive trees), Sabar (cactus), Zaatar (thyme), Anemone coronaria (poppy), Shamouti (Jaffa Oranges) and Batikh (watermelon). These plants are a huge part of palestinian culture and identity. This quote from the post encapsulates the importance of native plants;
“Food connects us all. It represents our cultures, our identities and biodiversity. To protect the seeds, crops and fruits that have nourished our communities through generations is a powerful act of resistance” (Earthrise, studio 2024)
From reading about how the Batikh (watermelon) became a symbol of Palestine to the ancient Zaytoun (olive trees), a core part of Palestinian culture and livelihood. It reminded me that it is paramount for those of us who are not directly involved to involve ourselves, and take action to protect and preserve the Palestinian identity as its people battle for their fundamental right to live. #ceasefirenow
The Disappearance of Shere Hite (Documentary Film)
Directed by Nicole Newnham / Watched by Lauren
The Disappearance of Shere Hite is a documentary film recording the outcome and public reaction to the work of sex educator and feminist Shere Hite. Hite’s 1976 report on female sexuality revealed the dissatisfaction of many women at the time towards sex and their relationships. The film documents the harsh criticism she received in the media – primarily from men- via her appearances on programmes such as Oprah and attempts to discredit her work. Hite’s many public appearances – while at times humorous – display not only the attitude towards women at the time but the negative emotional impact of toxic masculinity on men themselves. This paired with direct quotes from her surveys paints a fascinating portrait of a woman pushing for sexual equality and her work, which seems to have fallen through the cracks despite its immense cultural impact at the time.
Recommended for those interested in feminism, sexuality and gender inequality.
DeSmog: This Psychologist is Bringing A New Lens to the Climate Crisis
Written by Matthew Green (DeSmog) / Read by Alanna
DeSmog was setup to “clear the PR pollution that is clouding the science and solutions to climate change. Our team quickly became the world’s number one source for accurate, fact-based information regarding global warming misinformation campaigns.”
Their recent feature, captures the interview between editor Matthew Green and climate-psychologist Steffi Bednarek where the two discuss the concept of disavowal, where individuals can simultaneously know about climate change but compartmentalize this knowledge and leave it outside of the workplace.
Bednarek emphasises the importance of supporting individuals and fight the urge to suppress the difficult emotions.
“Our nervous system is completely wired for community, and there’s this natural sense of shame that comes up when we betray the rules of the community. We’re wired with a deep urge to belong.
But what happens if we belong to a system that’s become dysfunctional — not due to any one particular person’s or group’s doing — but because the whole system has acquired a self-replicating quality that has become toxic?
The part that knows that something is wrong gets split off and pushed down into the unconscious. But really that part that we send into exile in this way is the healthy part. The same process has happened on a collective scale — millions of people suppressing their fear, anger and confusion over the climate crisis because society demands it. So we need to turn our attention to the parts of ourselves that we’ve had to send into exile to belong to this toxic normality. Until we do this, we will continue to live in a state of disavowal or denial.”
Have you seen these? What are you looking at? Let us know in the comments below!
👀