Speaker: Sarah Newman, Executive Director, Climate Mental Health Network
How (and why) are you taking action on climate change solutions in, for, and with your community?
Sarah Newman: Hi, I'm Sarah and I'm the executive director of the Climate Mental Health Network. I started this nonprofit because of my own struggles with climate emotions and not finding the resources that I needed. Climate Mental Health Network offers research informed interventions, programs, and resources for youth, parents, and educators to help them navigate the emotional impacts of climate change. Addressing the mental health impacts of climate is critical to help people build individual and community resilience and agency in the face of climate change.
Describe a moment when you felt the real-world impact of your work in climate solutions.
Sarah Newman: I feel the impact of this work every day when I talk to people about the emotions they are experiencing because of climate change. Their stories are a reminder that these emotions are normal. We are in this together and we need each other. When I learn about how our tools or programs might have impacted how people feel or act, then I know our work is making a difference.
Who or what inspires/inspired you to care about climate change and climate solutions?
Sarah Newman: I am constantly inspired by the people I work with, whether it's colleagues, Gen Z cohort members, teachers, parents, and even people I don't know, but they share their stories. I started this organization because of my own struggles with climate emotions, something that I've been experiencing actually since high school. Climate change doesn't matter who you are or where you live. We are deeply interconnected with each other and with all beings, and need to recognize that we need each other to face the impacts of climate change. This inspires me.
