The Climate Workers Circle

The Climate Workers Circle provides a virtual space for individuals working on climate change and environmental degradation around the world. It offers an opportunity to offload some of the emotional load we may take on during our daily activities, and may not be able to talk about freely in the workplace or with our friends and relatives.

It provides an opportunity to share openly about all the emotions, feelings, and insights that come with our work, whether exhaustion, frustration, grief, or joy, hope and critical experiences, within a supportive community of purpose.

The Circle gathers climate workers from various generations, many world regions, and from fields as diverse as arts, science, education, tech, industry, finance, activism, as well as social and humanitarian work.

Inspired by the practice of Indigenous “talking circles” from North America, the circle builds on the following principles:

• Creating a space for deep listening and being heard

• Honoring all voices equally

• Telling stories and sharing experiences

• Generating mutual understanding, respect and support

• Honoring the gifts, knowledge, talents and experiences of each member

• Building community

In practice, the Circle is held every week for one hour to share stories openly with the group, or just listen in and be there for others to do so. No questions asked. No feedback beyond gratefulness for taking part.

Participants are welcome to join weekly or when they feel the need to share.

The Circle is hosted by Laureline Simon, the founder and director of One Resilient Earth. Laureline has been working on climate change mitigation and adaptation at the international level since 2006, including with the French Development Agency and the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat. Without adequate emotional and mental health support, her climate change work contributed directly to feelings of anxiety and depression. Determined to support other climate workers to build their inner resilience so that they can keep on doing their critical work, Laureline hosts weekly Climate Workers Circle and helps share resources on emotional and mental health in relation to climate change through various activities undertaken by One Resilient Earth.

We welcome donations for your participation in the Circle, as they help support the work of One Resilient Earth. However if you are enable to donate at this time, you are welcome to join for free.

To learn more about the outcomes of the Climate Circles, see the video below: https://youtu.be/RMg725sJJv0

Disclaimer

The Climate Circles are peer-support spaces dedicated to emotions felt in relation to the climate crisis and to climate action. Climate Circle hosts do not provide health care, medical care or therapy services, nor do they attempt to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or cure any physical, mental or emotional issues. The information provided by the Climate Circle Host is for informational and educational purposes only: it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider. Participants should always seek advice of their own Medical or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concern they have about their own health. Participants should not disregard medical advice, delay seeking medical advice or start or stop taking medication because of their participation in the climate circle or because of information that was shared by the Climate Circle host. If participants suspect they have a medical or mental health problem, they should contact their Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider promptly.

Banner photo by Pavel Czerwinski