Bring a Climate Listening Circle to Your Community!
At ECCAN, we understand that the climate and ecological crisis can evoke a wide range of powerful emotions. It's important to have safe and supportive spaces to process these feelings and connect with others who share similar concerns. That's why we're excited to offer our group members the opportunity to host free Climate Listening Circles (CLCs) within their communities.
A team of staff and volunteers have recently received training from Climate Psychology Alliance in early 2025, equipping them with the skills to facilitate these vital conversations that they call Climate Café Listening Circles.
The Power of Connection
Recent research has shown that around 89% of the public want their governments to do more to tackle the climate crisis – but don’t know they’re the majority. This is just one of the many examples of why talking about our personal relationship to the climate crisis is important and can lead to stronger collective action. By providing a space to acknowledge and process our emotions, CLCs can foster a greater sense of community and empower individuals to engage more effectively with climate action.
What is a Climate Listening Circle (CLC)?
A Climate Listening Circle is a safe, empathetic space where people can openly share their thoughts, feelings, and fears about the climate and ecological crisis. It's a facilitated, confidential gathering, online or in person, designed to encourage open dialogue without advice or judgment. The focus is on providing a supportive environment for individuals to process the emotional impact of the climate crisis, including anxieties, fears, and other related concerns.
Safe and Confidential: CLC's create a space where people can express their emotions without fear of judgment or being lectured.
Empathetic and Supportive: The facilitators encourage active listening and create a welcoming atmosphere for sharing.
Inspired by Death Cafe: The model draws inspiration from the Death Cafe, which creates a safe space for discussing mortality.
Focused on Feelings: The primary purpose is to explore and process emotions related to the climate crisis, such as fear, anxiety, grief, and anger.
Advice-Free Zone: Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings without offering or receiving unsolicited advice.
Facilitated: Two trained facilitators guide the discussion and ensure a respectful and supportive environment.
Online or In-Person: CLC's can be conducted online or in person, allowing flexibility for different preferences.
Open to Anyone: CLC's are open to anyone who is interested in exploring their feelings about the climate and ecological crisis.
Ready to Host a Climate Listening Circle in Your Community?
We are inviting our members to get in touch with us to explore how we can take these Climate Listening Circles to your existing group or wider community. We have a pool of committed and enthusiastic individuals, trained by the Climate Psychology Alliance, ready to help others explore their personal feelings about the climate crisis.
Whether you're interested in a one-off session to introduce the concept or would like to explore setting up something more regular, we're happy to discuss what would work best for you.
Simply get in touch with us and let us know you’re interested. Please include some information about your group or community and your initial ideas for hosting a CCLC in your email.
Our next Climate Listening Circle is done in collaboration with The Crannie and will take place on 31st July between 2-4pm, and will include a short gardening session. This is a free activity and all are welcome. To book your free place, click here.