We are holding four different nature talks every Thursday in November, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The focus of the talks may vary slightly from time to time, but they will have a fixed structure consisting of a check-in, a longer group discussion and a concluding reflection exercise. The nature talks are led by climate-engaged professionals, Birgitte Fredriksen (student humanist in Oslo) and Gwen Bourgein.
From powerlessness to community
Being young and living with the ongoing ecological crisis causes many to feel anxiety, sadness, frustration, guilt, anger and powerlessness. Nature conversations aim to be a meeting place for sharing experiences, thoughts and feelings related to climate anxiety and eco-grief with others who feel the same way as you.
Our starting point is that psychological and existential reactions to the climate crisis should not be seen as something pathological, but as a healthy response to a real problem. The focus will be on “wondering instead of solving”, coping strategies and self-care. Together, we will try to get in touch with our own climate and nature engagement and explore how it can be expressed and how we can turn powerlessness into action.
Plan for November
Below you will find details about the different conversation topics. It is open to everyone (with concerns large or small), and it is possible to attend just once or several times.
6 November
Climate emotions. We work with the climate emotion wheel, a tool that can be used to identify and become aware of your emotions, as a first step towards dealing with them effectively. Here there will be an open space to share your stories, memories or experiences in nature.
13 November
Relationships. Community is important in the face of the climate crisis. How can we create space to support each other and talk about our concerns? How can we build the community we need? Here you can talk about existing or desired relationships.
20 November
Responsibility. Are we in this together or alone? Who is actually responsible for ‘solving’ the climate crisis? Many people feel a sense of personal responsibility and guilt. This can often lead to feelings of guilt or burnout. How can we engage in activism or activism in a sustainable way?
27 November
The future. What does the future look like? What do we hope the world can become? The last Thursday will focus on co-creation. Here there is room to write letters, battle cries, songs, draw, paint or just be.
Participation is free and we provide simple refreshments. The conversations will be in either English or Norwegian, depending on the group's wishes.