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In this issue, we are bridging two powerful threads: art as climate storytelling and the emergence of ecological consciousness.
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In this article, my co-authors and I share insights from a study where we surveyed 1,825 young people about their climate journeys. Then, we used Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey to explore how youth move from climate awareness to living with the crisis—despite the metaphor’s well-known limitations when used in the context of climate change.
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Why did we use this metaphor?
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Critics rightly argue the Hero’s Journey glorifies individual triumph, while climate action demands collective solutions. No single person can slay the "dragons" of fossil fuel systems or shift global mindsets alone.
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Yet, our research reveals how this narrative can be reimagined. By placing the emergence of ecological consciousness as a new beginning at the end, we reframe the journey as relational: awakening becomes a collective reckoning, "dragons" morph into systemic injustices, and action blends personal growth with community regeneration.
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We call this reconceptualization Developing Ecological Consciousness Model, an approach that integrates Panu Pihkala’s work with new insights on nature connectedness. Some of the key findings of our study include:
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- Two out of three young people learn about climate change via social media pointing to a communal, rather than solitary, awakening
- Nature connectedness predicts both anxiety and thriving
- Meaning-focused coping—not individual action—protects mental health.
The concepts of community and nature connectedness are also main themes in the art of the winner of the 3rd prize in the ClimArts 2025 contest. Daniah Kolur’s art “Crying Orca” is a poignant piece that reminds us that even the fiercest ocean creatures are now vulnerable to climate collapse. Their work mirrors a shift in how young people are confronting the climate crisis — not as single heroes, but as interconnected voices in a collective meaning making and adaptation process.
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To learn more about Development of Ecological Consciousness Model and how it has informed our Climate Change and Youth Mental Health course, join us in one of these free online events:
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Featured Art: ClimArts Contest
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Daniah Kolur, Third Place Winner:
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"My art piece ‘Crying Orca’ is a representation of the first prompt, “This is how climate change affects me.” Through this work, I aim to highlight the devastating impact of climate change on marine biodiversity, exemplified by the struggles of orcas facing altered habitats and scarce food sources. I chose to focus on orcas to underscore the alarming reality that even the most fearsome species are now vulnerable to the consequences of human actions and climate change."
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Storytelling and the hero's journey
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Traditional western storytelling conventions aren’t up to the task of understanding the enormity of the climate crisis or the pandemic...
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The Hero’s Journey of Environmental Change:
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In the vast expanse of our world, 8.1 billion people share the same planet. But, as with every grand tale, this story isn’t as simple as it first appears. The journey to environmental sustainability, like any hero’s journey, is filled with challenges, struggles, and the potential for transformation.
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Helping Young People Overcome Climate Anxiety
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With the support of a Michael Smith Health Research BC Convening & Collaborating (C2) award and in partnership with Mental Health Research Canada, Dr. Card and Dr. Henley held focus groups examining their reactions to climate change.
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Emergence of ecological Consciousness: A transformative journey
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Join us for a webinar introducing our new online course, Climate Change and Youth Mental Health, designed to address the growing intersection of climate change impacts and youth mental health. This webinar will provide an overview of the course’s unique approach (grounded in the Hero’s Journey metaphor) and it will demonstrate how learners will achieve enhanced ecological consciousness, resilience, and meaningful engagement with climate action, while strengthening ability to support young people in their personal and professional lives.
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Climate Change and Youth Mental Health: A Professional Development Course
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Join us for a webinar introducing our new online course, Climate Change and Youth Mental Health, designed to address the growing intersection of climate change impacts and youth mental health. This webinar will introduce the course’s unique approach and demonstrate how it helps learners develop ecological consciousness, build resilience, and engage meaningfully with climate action. It will also show how the course strengthens learners' ability to support young people in both personal and professional settings.
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Partner Resources
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Explore our partners’ growing library of resources, from the Kibou’s Light children’s book to mindfulness practices.
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Families Canada:
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Goodbeing.co:
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Break the Divide:
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Mochi4The
Planet:
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Climate Psychiatry Alliance:
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About the Course
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The Luna Moth Circle is launching a new, self-paced, online course: Climate Change and Youth Mental Health. This professional development course is made for social and community service workers, educators, youth workers, and students in family-related fields.
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