A new study launched this week aims to investigate if STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) professionals and researchers are impacted by feelings of climate anxiety and eco-grief. And if so, what is the extent of the impact this experience had on their lives, careers or potential to meet their goals. We invite people of all career stages and professions, students, volunteers and people not actively engaged in paid employment to participate in an online survey investigating the experiences of climate anxiety and eco-grief among professionals in STEMM.
Climate anxiety and eco-grief are feelings associated with persistent concerns about the future of Earth and the life it shelters. The researchers note that although they are interested in all experiences, climate anxiety and eco grief are distinct phenomena. Climate anxiety is the heightened distress in response to dangerous changes in the climate and its impacts on the environment and human existence. Eco grief is a feeling of despair, loss, helplessness and grief in response to destruction of ecosystems or progressive passive loss of biodiversity, meaningful landscapes, or sites of cultural significance. While climate anxiety is not officially recognized as a clinical diagnosis or mental health disorder, it is increasingly acknowledged as a valid psychological response to the threats of climate change. Eco grief is also considered a natural response to loss.
This research aims to explore:
- if STEMM researchers and professionals experience climate anxiety or eco-grief;Â
- how climate anxiety and eco-grief impacts them, and;
- if there are gender or age differences in this experience.
The survey asks 12 multiple choice and short answer questions and should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Results will be anonymous.
The study is conducted by a group of seven STEMM women connected by the global leadership initiative Homeward Bound, with combined expertise in social science, ecology, climate impacts, gender equity, medical science, public health and science communication. Charles Sturt University and the team of researchers from institutions across Australia invite you to participate in an online survey about your experience. Understanding the impact will help us to develop publications and media that raise awareness and understanding of these conditions, and potentially reduce the impact they may be having on the STEMM fields as a whole.
For more information contact Alexandra Knight (Alex) on aknight@csu.edu.au or Jess Leck on jleck@csu.edu.au
Please consider supporting this research. You can find more information about it and start the survey here:Â https://www.research.net/r/