.png)
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
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 parents can talk to children about climate change without overwhelming them, and much more.
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, subscribe 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
Help Keep Word on the Reef Afloat!
Please take 2 minutes to fill out our Word on the Reef Listener Survey to help us apply for funding for the show!
PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!
- Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
- Divers for Climate: Sign the 'I'm a Diver for Climate' National Statement
- Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
- Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
- Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
- Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
- WWF Australia: Protect Nature
- Rising Tide: ...
