About the author

Panu Pihkala, Ph.D., specializes in eco-anxiety research at University of Helsinki, Finland. He often collaborates with educators, artists, and psychologists in practical work with eco-emotions. Pihkala has written two books on the topic in Finnish.

Additional prompts, activities and discussion questions

• Instructions to the Mind Map activity can be found via this link (existentialtoolkit.com).

• Instructions to the Spectrum Line activity can be found via this link (existentialtoolkit.com).

• Additional content is available via Panu’s blog (ecoanxietyandhope.blogspot.com).

Nowadays, Panu himself usually ends the exercise this way:

Discuss first in groups of 2-3 and then together: What could be done together so that people would be able to feel more pride and joy in relation to their environmental behavior?

Chapter overview

This chapter introduces two practical methods for working with eco-emotions that were developed in Finland. The methods can be used in a variety of settings to support students and educators grappling with difficult environmental topics. The Mind Map of Eco-emotions (or, if preferred, climate emotions) can be easily used online, too. The Spectrum line requires people to be present in a space and is more demanding to the facilitator, but also potentially more rewarding.

Further resources for working with eco-emotions

Climate emotion wheel

This easy-to-use resource (climatementalhealth.net) was developed by Climate Mental Health Network with Panu. It is available in many languages. Activities are offered, and more are in preparation.

Process model of eco-anxiety and ecological grief

This model (mdpi.com) is printed also in the book chapter. It can be used for self-reflection and in efforts to better understand people’s various reactions to the ecological crisis.

There are new activities available for working with the Process Model via Panu’s blog (ecoanxietyandhope.blogspot.com).

Podcast about climate emotions

Panu is hosting an international podcast with pioneering environmental psychologist Dr. Thomas Doherty: www.climatechangeandhappiness.com. Available on common podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple, Google, etc.)

A quote from the chapter

Engaging with dark emotions can move participants toward a space where counterpart emotions are also present: a space of meaningfulness, joy and connection through shared work for the planet, courage in the face of finitude, and healthy pride for making an effort.

Contact details

Panu is interested in speaking to live audiences. You can contact him via this email.