The emotional burden of climate change can be overwhelming alongside the grief and frustration of our own lives. The New Republic writes about Dr. Renée Lertzman’s insights in a 2010 lecture about apathy vs. “a surplus of affect” that she witnessed in Wisconsin residents confronting environmental issues.
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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
In the News
Stressed About the Environment? Here’s How to Channel Climate Anxiety Into Positivity
It’s no secret that we’re experiencing some concerning changes in our climate, from rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. But rather than focus on only the doom and gloom, REAL SIMPLE asked Dr. Lertzman to help navigate these new, challenging emotional times.
How to Calm Your Climate Anxiety
Between wildfires, heat waves and hurricanes, we’re all feeling nervous about the future. But stewing or ignoring the problem won’t ease your burden.
READ THE ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
The Psychology Of Climate Change — And How To Engage With It
Climate change presents a grim future. We know what we’re up against, yet our impulse is to look away, to say we’ll worry about it later. In this podcast, Renée offers strategies for getting past the tendency to tune out by understanding and accepting our complex emotional responses.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
How climate change affects your mental health
Having an emotional response to ecological crises is actually not pathological, it’s actually a healthy response.
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Breaking through our climate inertia
Climate scientists are clear that we need to go much further, much faster. Social scientists say we won’t get there without building a broad social mandate fuelled by thoughtful, well-funded public engagement strategies that are tailored to both communities and regions.
Why Emotionally intelligent climate work matters. Priorities for Climate folks for 2021
When it comes to healing from environmental violence and injustice, emotional intelligence can help us find compassion, common ground, acceptance, and the ability to offer reparations, from which forgiveness and partnership can be achieved.
The Year That Was and the One Ahead/ Covering Climate Now
For the last four years, the world’s largest economy and single-biggest all-time emitter of heat-trapping gases has been in the grips of an aggressive climate denier.
READ THE ARTICLE IN LOVELAND MAGAZINE
Interview with Dr Renée Lertzman, Psychologist and Founder of Project InsideOut
Renée works with companies, nonprofits and governments looking to strengthen environmental initiatives, develop more effective campaigns and harness the creativity and innovation needed to solve our urgent crises.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
The climate crisis
We’re living through a year of almost unimaginable stress and anxiety, against a backdrop of ongoing climate chaos. Are humans really equipped to deal with conditions like this?
READ THE ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORKER
Applying psychology for a sustainable world
Dr Renée Lertzman shares how to practically apply psychology to climate and sustainability campaigns.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Why frightening facts don’t always move people to action on climate change
A conversational approach often works better, says psychologist Renée Lertzman.
Listen to the Podcast from Yale Climate Connections
Climate Anxiety: How to turn worry into compassionate action
We are talking climate anxiety, trauma, and validating our feelings with Dr. Renée Lertzman, a renowned psychologist, author and sustainability strategist who uses psychological insights to change our approach to the environmental crisis.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
The human side of climate science
It’s super painful to be a human being right now at this point in history.”
WATCH THE TALK AT SRI2021
What is climate grief, and how can we cope with it?
As the climate crisis becomes ever more serious, most of us have felt an overwhelming sense of despair at the state of our planet. But how can we channel that grief into positive action?
READ THE ARTICLE IN VOGUE
