“As Canada confronts the repercussions of the climate crisis, marked by events such as record-setting heat waves, wildfires, flooding, and melting sea ice, an increasing number of Canadians are experiencing a correlated rise in mental health challenges. Young people, in particular, often experience emotions of anxiety, fear, helplessness, and other intense feelings that match the scale of the climate crisis.
At Break The Divide, we believe connection is a crucial element of climate action. Our Climate Emotions Program equips young people with resources to understand their climate emotions, and connects communities with one another to build resilience and share knowledge amidst the climate crisis.”
Climate Emotions Program Highlights:
- A free and virtual 4-month program (from February to April 2024) connecting high-school students from two different communities across Canada together in a discussion of climate change, mental health, and community action (e.g., Iqaluit with Toronto).
- Includes 7 hybrid sessions with age-appropriate educational resources covering different climate-related themes (e.g., environmental identity, climate emotions) lasting 45-60 minutes each.
- Each session will be guided and facilitated by a Break The Divide team member requiring low commitment from the school staff.
- Builds knowledge, empathy, and action on climate change and mental health by providing resources to build emotional resilience to take local climate action.
- Provides students with access to resources and sessions by a certified mental health professional to support the education and healing process.
- Provides completion certificates to participants at the end of the program.