Green Mind Canada

Indigenous communities at the forefront of climate suffering and resilience

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:17:09 +0000

As most people are affected by climate change, it might seem strange to consider that a particular community suffers more than others. However, given the disproportionate distribution of natural disaster relief services, the remote location of many communities in “Canada”, and the institutionalized discrimination of Indigenous groups – it becomes a harsh reality that must be appropriately remedied (Natural Resources Canada, 2024).

Why are Indigenous communities disproportionately affected by climate change?

As discussed by the NCCIH (2022), Indigenous groups in Canada and globally are uniquely poised as vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This is because Indigenous peoples often live in areas and regions that are already experiencing rapid changes from the normal state of the earth – further, they depend on natural resources, plants, land, waters, and animals for their livelihoods, health, cultures, identities, and wellbeing. Additionally, the already existing institutionalized discrimination towards Indigenous people as compared to others further exacerbates the impacts of climate change, as there are reduced resources to serve as disaster relief.

Changes to a region’s temperature and precipitation result in a higher frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like forest fires, floods, ocean level rise, etc which are difficult to adapt to without adequate resources. Even so, Indigenous peoples are not passive watchers of these happenings in their environment, as expressed in this quote by Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner and Aka Niviâna, two Indigenous women from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and the Marshall Islands:

“Sister of ocean and sand, can you see our glaciers groan with the weight of the world’s heat? I wait for you, here, on the land of my ancestors, heart heavy with a thirst for solutions as I watch this land change while the world remains silent (Jetñil-Kijiner & Niviâna, 2022).”

Indigenous mental health in the face of climate change

Climate change poses a significant threat to the cultural practices, traditions, and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples, as these are deeply tied to the land on which they live. Their traditions and livelihoods are also closely connected to their identity, sense of belonging, and community cohesion – which become at risk due to climate change. Changes in these relationships to oneself or others can have a severe impact on mental health and well-being, which can disproportionately affect groups such as Indigenous women, children, Elders, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, who may feel deeply unsettled by the environmental transformations they witness (Manning & Clayton, 2018). Specifically for Indigenous peoples, time spent and access to the land is important for livelihoods, resources, and food – and is linked to the protection and enhancement of Indigenous psychological needs and wellbeing (Middleton et al., 2020).

Additionally, drastic changes in weather events can result in strong emotional responses even in populations outside of Indigenous ones, such as suicide, depression, and anxiety which are correlated with dramatic shifts in weather. Indirect experiences of climate change also incited strong emotional responses in Indigenous participants in one study by Middleton et al. (2020) who found that Indigenous peoples sympathized or feared for others also experiencing extreme weather events, resulting in emotional distress.

Further, Indigenous communities already face elevated rates of suicide, violence, and substance abuse, due to intergenerational trauma and systemic marginalization. Climate change worsens these challenges by disrupting traditional emotional supports and practices like hunting – vital for cultural identity, well-being, and the intergenerational sharing of knowledge. The resulting loss of connection to the land can heighten stress, anxiety, and ecological grief, as individuals mourn the degradation of ecosystems, species, and cultural heritage (NCCIH, 2022).

Path for hope – Indigenous people as stewards of adaptation and resilience

Despite these challenges, engaging in land-and culture-based activities has been shown to improve resilience by providing emotional, social, and spiritual benefits. Such activities can reduce stress, promote physical health, reconnect individuals to traditional knowledge, and strengthen community bonds. However, barriers such as inadequate mental health services and jurisdictional fragmentation of healthcare continue to hinder effective responses to these mental health impacts in many Indigenous communities (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2016).

A prominent example of a land-based intervention was that of the Selkirk First Nation, in the Yukon. Salmon fishing is central to their diet and cultural identity, but declining salmon populations due to climate change have threatened food security and disrupted traditional practices. To address these challenges, the Selkirk First Nation implemented a community-based research project that was funded by the federal government.

The project aimed to ameliorate the mental health of the Selkirk’s youth by engaging them in traditional fishing activities, teaching them about their cultural heritage, and building their understanding of climate change. The intervention included opportunities to learn from Elders, skill development, and cultural activities to foster community cohesion and the sharing of knowledge intergenerationally. The program was able to serve as an emotional and physical adaptation to the changes in the land, resulting in reconnecting youth to the land, promoting resilience through traditional lifestyles and values, and strengthening cultural practices (Selkirk First Nation, 2016).

This initiative highlights the importance of approaches to resilience that are grounded in traditional cultures and community cohesion: addressing the mental health impacts of climate change while preserving Indigenous traditions for future generations.

References

Jetñil-Kijiner, K., & Niviâna, A. (2022). Rise: From one island to another.

https://350.org/rise-from-one-island-to-another

Manning, C., & Clayton, S. (2018). Threats to mental health and wellbeing associated with

climate change. In S. Clayton & C. Manning (Eds.), Psychology and Climate change:

Human perceptions, impacts and responses (pp. 217-44). Amsterdam: Academic Press.

Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2016). Towards Creating a Mental Health Action Plan for Canada Roundtable Report — 2015. https://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/drupal/2016-08/towards_creating_a_mental_health_action_plan_for_canada_roundtable_report.pdf

Middleton, J., Cunsolo, A., Jones-Bitton, A., Wright, C. J., & Harper, S. L. (2020). Indigenous mental health in a changing climate: a systematic scoping review of the global literature. Environmental Research Letters, 15(5), 053001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab68a9

National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). (2022). Climate change and Indigenous people’s health in Canada. https://www.nccih.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/10367/Climate_Change_and_Indigenous_Peoples_Health_EN_Web_2022-03-22.pdf

Natural Resources Canada. (2024). Government of Canada releases new report showing the impacts of climate change and necessity of Indigenous-Led Climate Change adaptation. https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2024/05/government-of-canada-releases-new-report-showing-the-impacts-of-climate-change-and-necessity-of-indigenous-led-climate-change-adaptation.html

Selkirk First Nation. (2016). Adapting to climate change and keeping our traditions. Selkirk First Nation. https://static1.squarespace.com/ static/56afc7218259b53bd8383cb8/t/57ab923e59cc6830752 7742f/1470861914849/Selkirk+Climate+Change+Adaptatio n+Plan_CommunityReport_final%5B2%5D.compressed.pdf

Written By:

Mariam Arafa

Cough, Cough: A Wildfire Morning

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:15:49 +0000

Cough, cough.

Mom, my throat hurts.
The air smells bad, full of ash.
I look out the window
red skies, dark clouds, everything is fading.

“Come here, sweetheart,” Mom says softly,
but my hands won’t stop shaking.
My chest feels heavy, my eyes are wet
Why does it feel like the world is falling apart?

“The fire’s close. We need to go.”
But I can’t move. My feet won’t listen.
I don’t want to leave my room
my books, my bed, my drawings.

Tears fall fast, my voice breaks.
“Why us, Mom? Why our town?”
Last summer, it was the neighbors.
The year before, the hills burned.

She hugs me tight, but I still feel cold.
“If we leave, will we come back?
Or will our home disappear?”

She opens her mouth but says nothing.
No answers, just sadness.
I see it in her eyes. She’s scared too.

She holds me closer. “We’ll be okay.”

But as the flames grow near,
as sirens scream and embers fly
I wonder how long it will be
before there’s no safe place left.

Written By:

Inaam Chattha

How Climate Action Supports Better Mental Health: Building a Resilient and Healthier Society

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:16:33 +0000

Climate change affects more than the weather. It also affects how people feel, think, and cope. News about wildfires, floods, melting ice, and disappearing wildlife can create fear and stress. Many people, especially youth, are worried about the future of the planet. These emotional reactions are real and valid.

At the same time, the actions we take to protect the environment can also protect our mental health. Climate action can help people feel connected, supported, and hopeful. It can create healthier communities and stronger relationships. Climate solutions are also mental health solutions when done with care and intention.

Energy Efficiency: Warmer and Safer Homes

One way to protect both the climate and mental health is by improving energy efficiency in homes. Energy efficiency can include better insulation in walls and windows, improved heating systems, and the use of clean energy sources. These improvements help homes stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer without costing too much money.

When families struggle to pay for heat or electricity, daily life becomes stressful. It can be difficult to sleep, relax, or stay healthy in a home that is too cold or too hot. People may experience constant worry about bills. This stress can affect mood and mental well-being.

Energy efficient homes are healthier homes. They have better air quality and fewer harmful particles in the air. Breathing cleaner indoor air reduces headaches, tiredness, and irritation. People in healthier homes often feel more comfortable, more stable, and more able to cope with daily challenges.

Active Transportation: Health Through Movement

Active transportation means traveling by walking, cycling, or using other forms of human-powered movement. When cities build safe sidewalks, bike lanes, and traffic calming features, people feel more encouraged to walk or ride instead of driving.

Physical movement is closely linked to emotional health. When people walk or cycle, the body releases chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress. Movement can lower feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also increase energy and focus.

Active transportation also helps people feel more connected to their surroundings. Instead of feeling closed off in a vehicle, people notice trees, buildings, and the sky. They may greet neighbors or feel part of their community. These small moments of connection support emotional well-being and reduce loneliness.

Reducing car use also helps the entire community by lowering air pollution. Cleaner air means healthier lungs, fewer breathing problems, and calmer nervous systems.

Cleaner Air and Quieter Spaces: Peace for the Mind and Body

Air pollution affects not only the lungs and heart, but also the mind. Breathing polluted air places stress on the body, which can influence emotions. Cleaner air helps reduce irritability, fatigue, and stress.

Noise pollution also has a powerful effect on mental health. Constant loud traffic, sirens, construction, or engines can make it hard to relax or concentrate. Over time, noise can disturb sleep, raise stress hormones, and affect mood.

Climate solutions that reduce emissions often also reduce noise. Electric vehicles are quieter than gas-powered vehicles. Public transit reduces the number of individual cars on the road. Planting trees helps block noise and create softer sound environments. A quieter environment supports emotional calm and mental clarity.

Green and Blue Spaces: Nature Heals

Green spaces include parks, forests, sports fields, and community gardens. Blue spaces include lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans. Spending time in nature has a strong calming effect on the mind.

In natural spaces, the heart rate slows and the breath becomes steadier. People often feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed. Nature helps individuals process emotions, think more clearly, and gain perspective.

Time outdoors also encourages movement, exploration, and curiosity. Children benefit especially from natural play. Adults benefit from quiet walks, gentle activities, or simply sitting and observing a view. Nature reminds us that we are connected to something larger than ourselves.

Cities with more green and blue spaces tend to have communities that report higher happiness, better overall mood, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Community Building: Strength and Support Through Connection

Climate action often requires working together. Community gardens, repair workshops, clean-up events, tree planting groups, and youth-led environmental clubs bring people together around shared purpose.

When people work together toward a goal, they form trust and friendship. These relationships act as emotional support systems during stressful times. Being part of a community reduces loneliness and encourages feelings of confidence and belonging.

Strong communities are also more prepared for climate-related emergencies. Neighbors who know and care for each other are better able to respond, share resources, and support the most vulnerable.

Climate Education and Youth Empowerment: From Worry to Purpose

Many young people today feel overwhelmed by the idea of climate change. They may worry about the future, animals, forests, and the safety of their families and communities. When this fear has no outlet, it can build into anxiety or helplessness.

However, when youth are given opportunities to learn, create solutions, and lead projects, their fear can shift into motivation. Taking action provides a sense of control. It helps young people see that change is possible. This creates hope.

Programs that invite youth to take part in climate action support emotional resilience. They help young people feel supported, heard, and empowered.

A Climate-Ready and Emotionally Resilient Future

At Green Mind, we believe that climate action must include care for mental health. A climate-resilient future is one where people feel connected to each other, supported in their daily lives, and hopeful about the world they share.

By improving homes, building green neighborhoods, supporting active transportation, and strengthening community relationships, we create environments where people can thrive.

Climate action is not only about protecting the planet. It is also about protecting the human spirit.

Written By:
Inaam Chattha

Confronting Climate Anxiety: Understanding and Coping With a Growing Crisis in Canada

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:54:13 +0000

Climate anxiety refers to the fear, sadness, stress, and uncertainty that many people feel when thinking about the future of the planet. These emotions are becoming more common as climate change becomes more visible and harder to ignore. People are witnessing more wildfires, floods, heat waves, melting ice, and disappearing species. These events remind us that the environment is changing rapidly, and this can create worry and emotional discomfort.

Climate anxiety is not a sign of weakness or exaggeration. It is a response to real changes happening in the world. Many people experience these emotions because they care deeply about their families, communities, and the natural world.

Climate Anxiety in Canada
Canada is experiencing significant environmental changes. Northern regions are warming quickly, ice is thinning, and wildlife patterns are shifting. These changes affect food systems, travel, cultural practices, and community identity, especially in Indigenous communities where land and water are central to life.

Wildfires have grown more frequent and severe in many provinces, forcing people to evacuate and cope with the loss of homes and landscapes that hold meaning. Smoke has traveled across large areas, affecting air quality and everyday activities. Flooding has damaged neighborhoods, farms, and local infrastructure, leaving people with emotional and financial stress.

Many Canadians also feel emotional conflict. The country values nature and environmental protection, yet it also relies on industries that contribute to emissions. This can create confusion, guilt, or frustration. Young people may feel this most strongly, as they fear the future will be shaped by decisions they did not make.

Why Addressing Climate Anxiety Matters
Climate anxiety can affect sleep, focus, energy, and overall mood. When these feelings are strong, they can lead to exhaustion, sadness, irritability, or emotional withdrawal. Some people may avoid the topic to protect themselves, while others may push themselves too hard and experience burnout.

If large numbers of people feel overwhelmed, it becomes harder for communities to work together toward solutions. Addressing climate anxiety is not only about caring for individuals, but also about supporting collective action, cooperation, and resilience. Emotional well-being is part of climate resilience.

Coping With Climate Anxiety
Acknowledge the feelings. Recognizing the emotions rather than ignoring them helps reduce their intensity. Saying to yourself, “I am reacting because I care,” can lessen blame and confusion.

Take meaningful action. Even small steps can create a sense of strength and purpose, such as starting a garden, repairing items instead of replacing them, joining local climate groups, or writing to community leaders.

Connect with others. Talking about these feelings helps reduce isolation. Shared efforts create a sense of belonging and encouragement.

Spend time in nature. Nature calms the nervous system. Sitting under trees, walking near water, or tending to plants can help the mind settle.

Limit overwhelming news exposure. Continuous news can heighten distress. It helps to choose when and how to receive information.

Seek supportive care when needed. Speaking to a mental health professional can provide tools for grounding and emotional balance.

Moving Forward With Strength and Hope

Climate anxiety shows that people are emotionally connected to the world they live in. These feelings reflect care, compassion, and awareness. The goal is not to numb these emotions, but to learn how to carry them while still living with purpose and hope.

Communities that support mental well-being will be better able to respond to climate challenges. Building emotional resilience is part of building environmental resilience. A healthy future depends on both.

Written By:
Inaam Chattha

Facing Climate Anxiety: Green Mind’s Team Hits the Streets of Downtown Toronto

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:30:22 +0000

At Green Mind, we believe climate change is not only about rising sea levels, burned forests, or damaged ecosystems. It is also about how people feel when they witness these changes. Climate change affects our sense of safety, our plans for the future, and how we understand our place in the world. It can influence how we sleep, how much hope we have, and how connected we feel to others. Because of this, we wanted to go beyond statistics and news headlines. We wanted to hear directly from the people who are living with the emotional weight of the climate crisis every day. So we went to the streets of downtown Toronto to listen.

Why We Went Into the Community
For one week, our team spoke with more than twenty five people across the city. We met students walking between classes, parents pushing strollers, artists, shop workers, bike couriers, and people simply sitting outside to enjoy a bit of fresh air. We carried a camera and a microphone, but our main tool was our willingness to listen. We asked one question: How has climate change affected your mental or emotional well-being?

The responses were honest, vulnerable, and often deeply emotional. Many people paused before answering. Some looked down at the ground. Others took a long breath. Many told us this was the first time anyone had asked them how they felt, rather than what they thought, about the climate crisis. That moment alone said something important.

Understanding Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety refers to the worry, stress, fear, or sadness that arises when people think about the future of the planet. This is not simply nervousness about the weather or a single disaster. It is a heavier feeling that comes from knowing the world is changing in ways that may be permanent. It can feel like carrying a weight on your chest or a tightness in your stomach when you see smoke-filled skies, dying trees, or extreme weather on the news. It can make the future seem uncertain or frightening. Many people feel climate anxiety because they care. They care about loved ones, their community, the plants and animals around them, and the idea that future generations should inherit a healthy world.

What We Heard on the Streets of Toronto
Helplessness was one of the most common feelings shared. Many people told us they feel aware of what is happening but unsure how to meaningfully change it. They described scrolling past climate disasters online, feeling shocked, sad, and overwhelmed, yet not knowing what to do next. Some said they feel like they are always waiting for the next disaster, the next heat wave, the next fire season. This constant anticipation creates a low but steady level of stress that can be exhausting over time.

The Weight of Being a Parent
Parents described a particular kind of fear. They worry not only for themselves, but for their children. Some spoke about guilt, wondering whether they can protect their children in a world with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather. Others shared that they are unsure if it is responsible to bring new children into the world at all. These concerns were shared quietly, sometimes with tears, because they are deeply personal. They come from love.

Young People Feeling the Burden
Many young adults expressed that climate change shapes how they imagine their futures. Some are uncertain about long-term plans, like where to live or what kind of work to pursue. Others feel anger and sadness that decisions made in past decades are now shaping their lives, even though they had no say in those choices. A few described feeling older than their age, as if they are carrying a responsibility too heavy for their years.

Searching for Control and Meaning
Despite the heaviness, we also heard stories of resilience. Some people cope by engaging in climate activism or community organizing. For them, taking action creates meaning and reminds them that change is possible. Others find comfort in nature, even in small moments like standing under a tree, touching soil in a garden, or listening to running water. Some people said that spending time with others who feel the same way makes them feel less alone.

What This Means for Us as a Community
Our conversations made one thing clear: climate anxiety is not rare. It is not dramatic. It is not something only activists or scientists feel. It is something ordinary people carry quietly, often without a place to express it.

If we want to face the climate crisis, we must also face the emotional crisis that comes with it. People need space to talk about these feelings. They need communities where they feel supported, understood, and empowered. They need to know that caring is not something they have to handle alone.

Moving Forward Together
Listening to these stories reminded us that caring for the planet also means caring for each other. We must build networks of support that make climate action feel hopeful, not hopeless. We must teach young people that their worry is valid and that they are not powerless. We must create communities where climate emotions are seen, heard, and honored.

Climate action must include emotional care. Without tending to the heart, we cannot sustain the work of tending to the Earth.

Written By
Inaam Chattha

The Hidden Mental Health Toll of Heat Waves: An Urgent Crisis for Public Health

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:28:18 +0000

Heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. Many people understand that extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. However, the psychological effects of extreme heat are often overlooked. As temperatures rise, stress levels rise too. For some people, heat waves are not just uncomfortable. They can have serious effects on mental and emotional well-being. This growing issue represents a major public health concern.

How Heat Affects the Mind
The human body is sensitive to temperature. When the temperature rises high enough, it becomes more difficult for the body to cool itself. This can disrupt sleep, limit concentration, and increase physical discomfort. Over time, these effects influence mood and emotional stability.

Many people report feeling more irritable, tired, or overwhelmed during heat waves. When sleep is interrupted because the air is too hot at night, the mind has less time to rest. This affects patience, emotional control, and decision-making. As temperatures climb, it becomes more challenging for the brain to regulate stress, leading to higher levels of anxiety and frustration.

Heat and Rising Aggression
Communities often see a rise in conflict during periods of extreme heat. People become quicker to argue or react with anger. Small problems can feel larger than they are. Heat can make situations that are usually manageable feel unbearable. This is partly because the body uses extra energy to cool itself, leaving fewer resources for emotional regulation. When combined with lack of rest and physical discomfort, this can increase aggression, irritability, and even violence.

For some individuals, the effects are much stronger. People who already struggle with stress, trauma, or emotional regulation may find it harder to cope during heat waves. The rise in aggression does not happen because people suddenly become different. It happens because their physical and emotional systems are under strain.

People Living With Pre-Existing Mental Health Conditions
Heat waves are especially hard for people who already live with mental health conditions. Some medications used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis affect how the body regulates temperature. This means people can overheat more quickly. Extreme heat can also intensify symptoms such as confusion, panic, agitation, or emotional withdrawal.

During major heat events, many hospitals see an increase in visits related to mental health crises. This may include panic attacks, severe anxiety, disorganized thinking, or episodes of agitation. Support systems can become strained, leaving some individuals without the help they need.

Unequal Impacts: Who Suffers Most
Not everyone experiences heat waves in the same way. Many factors influence how vulnerable someone is to extreme heat. People with low income may not have air conditioning or may be unable to afford to run it. Some individuals live in apartment buildings that trap heat and do not cool down at night. People who work outdoors may have no choice but to spend their day in the heat. Older adults, people living alone, and individuals with chronic illnesses face additional risks.

Urban neighborhoods with few trees, lots of pavement, and tightly packed buildings can become significantly hotter than surrounding areas. This is known as the urban heat island effect. In these neighborhoods, extreme heat can feel even more intense, adding stress to daily life.

The Emotional Weight of Being Unable to Escape the Heat
One of the most harmful aspects of extreme heat is the feeling of being trapped. When temperatures remain high overnight, there is no moment of relief. This constant pressure can lead to a sense of hopelessness. People may feel like they cannot focus, cannot think clearly, or cannot find rest. Emotional exhaustion builds slowly, and it can be overwhelming.
For individuals already experiencing hardship, this can be the point where stress becomes unmanageable. The emotional burden of persistent heat can mirror the psychological effects of major life stressors, such as financial loss or unemployment. This emotional strain is real, and its impact is widespread.

The Rising Demand for Support Services
During heat waves, emergency services and mental health support systems often see a sudden increase in calls. People may seek help because they feel emotionally unstable, confused, or unsafe. Yet during these same times, healthcare systems are often stretched thin. When support is delayed or unavailable, individuals may face worsening symptoms or crises that could otherwise have been prevented.

This highlights the need for support systems that are prepared for climate-based mental health challenges.

Building Community Resilience
Communities can adapt in ways that protect mental and emotional well-being during extreme heat. Cooling centers, shaded parks, and tree planting programs can create safe spaces for relief. Public health campaigns can teach people how to stay hydrated, identify early signs of heat stress, and support vulnerable neighbors. Mental health services can also introduce coping strategies specifically for climate-related stress, such as grounding techniques and social support circles.

A New Understanding of Climate and Health
It is becoming clear that climate change is not only an environmental issue. It is also a mental health issue. Heat waves affect the body and the mind. If society continues to treat climate change only as a physical threat, the emotional and psychological damages will continue to grow unnoticed.

By acknowledging the mental health impact of extreme heat, communities can prepare in advance, offer support, and help protect people during the hottest periods of the year.

Looking Ahead
As temperatures continue to rise, it is essential that mental health is included in climate planning. This means investing in cooling resources, expanding support networks, and creating public health strategies that recognize emotional well-being as central to resilience. Climate change affects every part of life, including how we think, feel, and cope. By responding early and with care, we can protect not only our environment, but also our emotional health and community strength.

Written By
Inaam Chattha