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Word on the Reef
Diving into marine science adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond!
Word on the Reef
S3 E5: Eco-Grief: Why Loving Nature Can Hurt - and What To Do About It [EXTENDED DIVE]
This episode is only available to subscribers.
Word on the Reef - Extended Dive
Extended interviews with extra questions and deeper reef conversations.As climate change, coral bleaching and biodiversity loss dominate the news, many people are experiencing something psychologists now call eco-grief or climate anxiety — the emotional response to witnessing environmental change.
To unpack the connection between mental health, climate change and our relationship with nature - this week we're joined by Dr Chloe Watfern, an artist and postdoctoral psychology researcher with the University of New South Wales and the Black Dog Institute, who lives on Magnetic Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
We'll cover:
- Why environmental grief and climate anxiety are normal human responses
- How creativity can help people process ecological loss
- How to stay engaged in climate action without burning out
- How parents can talk to children about climate change without overwhelming them
- The mental health benefits of spending time in nature and the ocean
It’s an honest, thoughtful and ultimately hopeful conversation about loving the places that matter to us — even when they’re under threat.
To hear the extended version of this episode, support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/wordonthereefpodcast
MORE INFO:
- Writing Through Eco-Grief Workshop: Cairns, Tue 24th March 2026, 6pm-7:30pm.
- EcoMinds Open Letter by mental health professionals - Climate science, not climate silence: Safe, accurate climate education helps, not harms, young Australians’ mental health.
- Psychology for a Safe Climate
- Climate Cafe Events
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