Text below from OSU Extension.
Introduction to Agricultural Climate Stress and Grief for Extension Faculty and Staff
- September 25, 2024 at 12-1 p.m. PST
- October 30, 2024 at 12-1 p.m. PST
- November 20, 2024 at 12-1 p.m. PST
During this online, lunchtime session, presenters will define and describe climate grief and climate stress and explain how they differ from other types of stress and grief. We will discuss the impacts on farmers and ranchers, report on initial findings from our qualitative research, and introduce best practices for supporting farmers and ranchers.
Presenters: Maud Powell, Courtney Olcott and Mary Halbleib
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Due to the increasing stress and uncertainty of the future of farming due to climate change, more farmers are seeking mental health support. This project, based at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, offers a variety of workshops and trainings to help food producers better identify and understand stress and grief related to climate change, identify strategies for greater mental health resilience, and learn about available mental health resources.
- What is Climate Stress?
- What is Climate Grief?
- How are Climate Stress and Grief Affecting Farmers and Ranchers?
Climate stress refers to the stress caused by climate change. It can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals both physically and mentally. Stress results from both physical risks (such as extreme weather events) and transition risks (resulting from climate policies and actions).
We can guide agricultural producers through 'what-if' scenarios to help understand potential impacts and your response. This climate stress-tests article provides more background.
Climate grief refers to the range of emotions that arise from witnessing the effects of climate change. It can manifest as feelings of sadness, fear, anger, and despair, often accompanied by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.
Our trainings present the concept of this specific type of grief, and offer resources to help deal with it.
Photo: Lynn Ketchum (Cropped from original)