Episode 10 - Interview with Dr. Heather Baitz on Climate Distress, Mental Health, and Effective Environmental Activism

In this episode, Maia sits down with Dr. Heather Baitz, a clinical psychologist who lives and works on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo, BC. The interview discussion ranges from Climate Anxiety and Distress and how Dr. Baitz has dealt with these issues in her own life; how community activism and connection are crucial to surmounting feelings of overwhelm and apathy related to the climate crisis, and to Dr. Baitz’s own experience in climate activism. We also discuss the five principles put forward by Project Inside Out for effective environmental action, and some really exciting successes in both the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub and the newly launched BC Climate Action Network.

*Please note that the BC Climate Action Network is a temporary name and the organization will be updating their official name once it has been approved by the province. Check out their website below for more information.

Resources:

IPCC 1.5 Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

Project Inside Out: https://projectinsideout.net/guiding-principles/

BC-Climate Emergency Network: https://bcclimateactionnetwork.wordpress.com/

Nanaimo Climate Action Hub: https://www.nanaimoclimateaction.org/

Doughnut Economics Model - Kate Raworth: https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/

BC-Climate Alliance: https://www.bcclimatealliance.ca/