Connections Between Climate Change and Mental Health
70 Minutes
Dreams of the Ravaged
Guided Discussion
Ethical Consumption
Breathing Exercise
Breathing Exercise
Guided Discussion
Closing Thoughts and Evaluations
Participants will be able to:
Describe at least two ways mental health can be impacted by climate change
Interpret the climate change-related mental health impacts on the protagonists in each film
Identify hopeful, optimistic, and/or practical strategies to support their mental health right now
"Connections Between Climate Change and Mental Health" invites participants to explore the emotional and psychological impacts of climate change through two distinct short films. The session begins with a reflective reading on the link between climate change and mental health. Participants will then watch a documentary featuring three young people in the Philippines sharing their experiences, memories, and hopes for the future in the wake of climate disasters. Guided prompts will encourage reflection on living in a climate-impacted region and the role of hope in resilience. Next, an experimental film will challenge viewers to interpret visual metaphors about waste and environmental responsibility. The class concludes with a discussion on personal climate-related emotions and practical strategies for supporting mental well-being in the face of climate change.
Note: This class includes supplementary materials that can be completed at the start of class or assigned as homework. If assigned as homework, the class duration may be approximately 15 minutes shorter.
topics covered
Climate Change
aom nutrients
Empathy, Respect for Practical Constraints
casel sel
Self-awareness, Social awareness
wellness wheel
Environmental, Intellectual, Emotional
identities
Pacific Islander, White, Nonbinary, Child / Children
film style
Documentary, Horror
Films Included
Dreams of the Ravaged
Three young Filipinos recollect their experiences during and after the three of the most fatal super typhoons that ravaged the Philippines in the past few years. Due to rising sea temperature, weather patterns are changing and storms are becoming more frequent, stronger and deadlier. Using a mix of live-action and scribble animation, the film visualizes their memories of dealing with these extreme calamities and their hopes and dreams for the future while highlighting the importance of climate justice.
film style
Documentary
identities
Pacific Islander, Child / Children
Ethical Consumption
A person goes to great lengths to get rid of their trash.
film style
Horror
identities
White, Nonbinary