JULY 16, 2020 | ONLINE
A NEW APPROACH
Psychology holds the key to unlocking action on the greatest challenge facing humanity today.
It's about being human.
We do not have to be superheroes, or super-powered. But we are--each one of us--being called on today to access new capacities in how we meet our planetary crisis. The very good news is that we each have these abilities, regardless of background or discipline.
NEW METHODS FOR NEW DANGERS
Companies and organizations working on the frontlines of ecological issues need to build capacity, develop strategy, unleash creativity and mobilize around making an impact.
We can get this done by:
- Applying psychological methods, tools and frameworks to the development of successful campaigns, messaging and brand strategies
- Inspiring bold, courageous action among sustainability leaders through guidance and training
- Partnering on strategy development, research and capacity building training and workshops
- Transforming our concern for the planet into action through compassion, intelligence and emotional connection.
MY ROLE IN THE EFFORT
As a researcher, educator and climate engagement strategist, I work with companies and organizations looking to strengthen climate and sustainability initiatives, develop more effective campaigns and harness the creativity and innovation needed to solve big problems.
Let’s work together to break through the barriers to progress on the most pressing issues of our time.
Upcoming Events
From Anxiety to Action: How to stay sane while fighting climate change
AUGUST 7, 2020 | ONLINE
Esalen Institute: Conversations on the Edge
AUGUST 28-30, 2020 | Big Sur, CA
Exploratorium: Conversations about Landscape
POSTPONED – MARCH 25, 2020 | San Francisco, CA
New Jersey Institute of Technology: Women Designing the Future Conference
POSTPONED – MARCH 27, 2020 | Newark, NJ
Northwest Alliance for Psychoanalytic Study Lecture: Climate Action from the Inside Out
POSTPONED – APRIL 30, 2020 | Seattle, WA
In the News
How a Traumatized Nation Can Cope
In DAME: We are living through two epidemics—an unprecedented deadly virus, and the pandemic of racism that has reached a tipping point. Dr. Renee Lertzman answers your questions on how to process, and then soldier on.
READ THE ARTICLE IN DAME
How to get through coronavirus and climate change grief
Getting through the coronavirus pandemic at the same time that we are experiencing climate change is presenting us with two unprecedented challenges — a need to explore how we got here and what kind of humans we’re going to be as we move forward. The process requires curiosity, compassion and lots of discussion about it with others.
READ THE ARTICLE IN THE MARIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL
Waking up in the Climate Crisis: From Despair to Engagement
As we witness environmental destruction, climate crisis, and injustice, we might have a tendency to want to avoid the helplessness, anger, grief, and disconnection that inevitably arise. Avoiding these feelings is what keeps us from engaging.
WATCH THE TALK ON SHAMBHALA ONLINE
From Righting to Guiding: A Playbook for Engagement
For those working to advance sustainability, the going can get tough. How can we catalyze transformation, at the scale and rate needed right now? Dr. Renée Lertzman addresses the Practicum in Innovative Sustainability Leadership class and shares her playbook on best practices for engaging people across private and public sectors.
WATCH THE LECTURE AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY EARTH INSTITUTE
How Concern Over Climate Change Correlates With Coronavirus Responses
On Morning Consult: Adults who say they are not concerned about climate change are less likely than the general public to be taking personal actions to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus. And in contrast, climate-concerned U.S. adults are more likely to be taking these actions.
READ THE ARTICLE IN MORNING CONSULT
Why facing our feelings is essential for tackling our climate crisis
On CNN: More and more people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious and despairing. And here’s the thing: we really need to be talking about this. Openly, without judgment, shame, blame, guilt or “emotional policing”.
READ THE ARTICLE ON CNN.COM
The Road to Change: America’s Climate Crisis
On CNN Special Report: Join Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir for an American road trip to explore how the climate crisis is already transforming life as we know it. (To watch, follow link, find documentary in Shows under CNN Special Report. Sign in may be required.)
WATCH CNN SPECIAL REPORT
Dealing with Uncertainty During the Coronavirus Pandemic
On Curiosity Daily Podcast: Dr. Renée Lertzman will help you understand uncertainty and how to work through the feelings you might be feeling thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
LISTEN TO THE CURIOSITY DAILY PODCAST
Ring the Alarm: Artists Respond to Climate Change
In Garage Magazine: If the purpose of art is to make people see the world in new ways—to open their eyes—then it’s never been so urgent. Some artists are doing more than preaching to the choir.
READ THE ARTICLE IN GARAGE MAGAZINE
It’s Hard To Think About Climate Change During A Pandemic. Here’s How To Stay Engaged
On NPR Health News: For some, feelings of sadness about the state of the planet aren’t new — they’re constant and at times debilitating. This experience goes by many names, among them eco-anxiety, climate grief and climate despair.
READ THE ARTICLE ON NPR.COM
Enduring the Climate and Coronavirus Crises: What Will It Take to Get Through Both?
In Desmog: Simultaneously surviving climate disruption and this pandemic — because they cannot be separated — will require us to grapple with two major challenges: examining what got us here and holding onto our humanity as we endure both disasters.
READ THE ARTICLE IN DESMOG
You Aren’t Alone In Grieving The Climate Crisis
On NPR’s Science Friday: Acknowledging that climate change is an emotional burden can help us move from anxiety, and turn grief to action. Ira Flatow interviews Dr. Renée Lertzman and Ashlee Cunsolo, as well as Dr. Kate Marvel and Mary Annaise Heglar.
LISTEN TO SCIENCE FRIDAY SHOW
What lockdown loneliness taught me about climate change
On BBC Future: A fast-changing world can be a lonely place. But can isolation during the pandemic give us clues about how to overcome the slow-burning crisis of climate change?
READ THE ARTICLE ON BBC.COM
Children of the Crisis
In Rolling Stone: The world’s problems have not usually been the domain of its 10-year-olds, but the climate crisis has changed that, creating a veritable tide of tiny and teenage warriors who have taken to the streets and halls of power to demand that their futures be safeguarded by the actions of today.
READ THE ARTICLE IN ROLLING STONE
Vattenfall Report on The Conversation on Climate Change and its Impact on Human Behaviour
Climate change is in our media, social media, and conversations, prompting Vatenfall to prepare this report, presenting findings from a survey of 7220 adults and an analysis of how climate change is being discussed.
READ THE REPORT AND COMMENTARY
