{"id":1642,"date":"2024-02-21T10:25:25","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T15:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/challenge.carleton.ca\/?p=1642"},"modified":"2024-03-08T11:38:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T16:38:09","slug":"kibou-video-game-combats-eco-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/challenge.carleton.ca\/kibou-video-game-combats-eco-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Combatting Eco-Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Climate change has transformed from a distant concern to an urgent global crisis \u2013 drastically impacting ecosystems and human lives alike. Dominating conversations and news headlines, a recent study revealed that 78 per cent of Canadians aged 16 to 25 report adverse effects on their mental health due to climate change, as it causes widespread fear and sadness, particularly among youth.<\/p>\n

Recognizing the need for a positive approach, Carleton University psychology professor Stefania Maggi<\/a> has created an action-adventure video game designed to reduce eco-anxiety and motivate climate action.<\/p>\n

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Carleton University psychology professor Stefania Maggi (Brenna Mackay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

“Every day, we have a reminder in the news that exposes us to shock,” Maggi says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“It causes anxiety that if not addressed adequately, impacts our mental health and also our ability to be part of the solution to climate change.”<\/p>\n

Eco-Anxiety and Grief Among Youth<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new school of thought that explores the deep emotional strain individuals face amid the escalating threats of climate change. The continuous onslaught of distressing news, coupled with a heightened awareness of impending ecological challenges, fosters a pervasive sense of helplessness and grief over the potential loss of a sustainable future.<\/p>\n

“We grieve the future we may not be able to have because of climate change,” Maggi explains.<\/p>\n

“But it\u2019s important to feel this way. It\u2019s not an imaginary problem, and the first thing we need to do is accept the problem as being real.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Despite its unpleasant effects on people\u2019s well-being, anxiety does have an evolutionary purpose. It acts as a mechanism to signal threats and prompt protective responses. The problem with climate change is that we can\u2019t eliminate that threat immediately or on our own.<\/p>\n