Exploring Climate Emotions: Feelings, Family and the Future Workshops in Edinburgh
How are families experiencing the emotional impacts of climate change, and what can communities and schools do to support parents and children?
This September, researchers from Scotland and Australia are coming together at the University of Edinburgh for Feelings, Family and the Future, two workshops exploring climate emotions and how we can respond to them collectively.
Taking place on 3rd and 7th September, the free workshops will bring together researchers, parents, educators and community organisations to share research, experiences and ideas for supporting families in the face of the climate and nature crisis.
Communities Supporting Parents and Children – 3rd September
Thursday 3rd September, 9:30am–3:30pmChrystal Macmillan Building, University of Edinburgh, 15A George Square
This full-day workshop will explore how families in Australia and Scotland are experiencing climate emotions, alongside creative and community responses to these feelings.
The day will include talks from researchers, a short film exploring climate emotions, and an exhibition sharing photographs and stories from Australian parents about their experiences of climate disasters and climate emotions.
Participants will also take part in creative activities and a collaborative discussion exploring an important question: how can communities support parents and children to manage climate emotions?
Parents, researchers and people from relevant community organisations are invited to attend and contribute their experiences and ideas.
Schools Supporting Parents and Children – 7th September
Monday 7th September, 9:00am–1:15pmChrystal Macmillan Building, University of Edinburgh, 15A George Square
The second workshop turns the focus to schools and education, asking how schools can better support children and parents experiencing emotions around climate change.
Researchers from Scotland and Australia will share insights into climate emotions, family life and education, followed by an interactive session exploring what schools can do. Parents, educators, researchers and community organisations are invited to contribute to developing practical support strategies and initiatives for families and schools.
Speakers include Rebecca Olson from the University of Queensland, Jordan McKenzie from the University of Wollongong, Roger Patulny from Hong Kong Baptist University, Mary Holmes and Ramsey Affifi from the University of Edinburgh, and Miriam Dillon from the University of Queensland.
Registration closes 18th August.
Find out more and register for the 7th September workshop
Together, the workshops offer an opportunity to connect research with lived experience and explore practical ways that communities and schools can help families navigate the emotional impacts of the climate and nature crisis.