Climate change and its effects can feel overwhelming. Yet, there are simple steps we can all take to create positive change. This week’s National Climate Risk Assessment highlighted a tough future for Australia’s climate, revealing even conservative estimates paint a grim picture.
Many people are experiencing eco-anxiety, a deep sense of worry about the environment. Recognizing this is the first step in addressing it. First Nations peoples have long practiced caring for the land, which can serve as a valuable model for all Australians. Their relationship with the land is not just about the environment; it’s deeply personal, much like family.
Gregory Andrews, a D’harawal man and former Threatened Species Commissioner, shared insight into this connection. He stated, “Ecological grief hits us really hard… When we see it changing, it really hurts.” Gregory has faced mental health challenges, but he found solace in caring for his family’s land. “Every time I did it, I went into a deep sense of flow,” he said, describing a healing experience as he removed weeds and planted native species. He encourages everyone to engage with the land: “When we look after country, it looks after us.”
However, the connection to nature and land care has been declining over time. Research shows time spent in nature can improve mental health and inspire communal responsibility. In Australia, Landcare is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving local environments. They have over 6,000 groups focused on caring for bushland, waterways, and coastlines. Wally Bell, a Ngunnawal Elder, highlights the importance of not only caring for the land but also how it can benefit our wellbeing. “Caring for country is good for everyone’s wellbeing,” he said, advocating for the relationship between environment care and personal health.
Landcare ACT, based in Canberra, has run nature wellbeing programs showing that 91% of participants felt their mental health improved. These programs let people connect with their environment through activities like bushwalking and conservation. Just as important, more and more community groups are emerging that focus on environmental education and Indigenous heritage.
One recent event illustrates this reconnection: after the devastating Black Summer bushfires, the Nucoorilma clan returned to their land. Witnessing the new growth among the blackened trees was powerful. Dr. Kisani Upward, a Gamilaraay Wiradjuri woman, observed the emotional healing as the Elders shared stories and knowledge. “It was incredibly powerful to see that reconnection and healing in real time,” she noted.
Dr. Upward’s studies, which explore the connection between mental health and environment, introduce the concept of *Solastalgia*—the distress caused by environmental changes. “Country is part of us,” she said, emphasizing how intertwined our wellbeing is with the land. She integrates her findings into her own life, suggesting simple practices of reconnecting with nature can help us navigate stress and anxiety. “Caring for country is an act of caring for yourself,” she observed.
Simple actions, like spending time in a local park, can make a difference. Wally Bell suggests practicing the “three Ls”: look, listen, learn. This mindfulness helps us slow down and appreciate both the land and ourselves.
While climate change is a pressing issue, individual and community actions can create ripples of positive change. By embracing Indigenous practices and prioritizing our connection with the land, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with nature, enhance personal wellbeing, and contribute to the fight against climate change.
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climate change, climate targets, caring for country, global warming, climate risk assessment, mental health
