Empathy

I really feel compassion for those who suffer from climate damage.

Empathy is a key resource. However, it is not expected that we feel a constant amount of empathy all the time in the midst of long emergencies.

Compassion fatigue is real and it doesn’t mean you are a less caring person. Eco-empathy is foundational to eco-anxiety: we hurt because we care.

Question: How do we maintain and renew our capacity to care?

Action

Start by listening

Learn how climate change is affecting someone whose experience is different from yours. Listen to their story, ask thoughtful questions, amplify their perspective, or support organizations led by the communities most affected.

Why empathy matters

Climate change affects people differently depending on where they live, their resources, health, culture, and community. Empathy helps us move beyond statistics and understand the real people and experiences behind climate impacts.

Learn

See climate through someone else's eyes

Listening to other people’s experiences can change how we understand the climate crisis. Stories from different communities can help us recognize what others are carrying and how we might better show up for one another.

Stories

The Weather Within is not a crisis service, but support is available. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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