October 4, 2020 | ONLINE
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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
Psychoanalysis and Climate Change: Facing the Climate Crisis Inside and Outside the Consulting Room
December 5, 2020 | Online
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
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
Hijacked by anxiety: how climate dread is hindering climate action
A growing school of psychologists believe the trauma of the climate crisis is a key barrier to change.
READ THE ARTICLE IN THE GUARDIAN
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
Greenwashing 101: Definition, Examples & How To Call It Out
It’s hard to overstate just how much public interest in sustainability has picked up in the years since. However, it does come with one unfortunate side effect, and that’s an uptick in greenwashing.
READ THE ARTICLE IN MBG PLANET
Climate change is still considered the most pressing problem of our time
Despite the corona crisis, the people of several European countries still regard climate change as the greatest challenge facing humanity.
READ THE ARTICLE ON VATTENFALL ONLINE – IN DANISH
How To Protect Your Mental Health While Taking Climate Action, Experts Explain
Part of taking action against climate change means grappling with the anxiety and grief the issue can trigger.
READ THE ARTICLE IN MBG PLANET
Three Changemakers speak about connectedness: finding our way back to wholeness
There are three key psychological concepts that are transformational and game changing in terms of how we understand humans’ difficulty meeting our ecological crises. READ THE ARTICLE IN THE EARTHFIRE INSTITUTE MAGAZINE
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
