Afraid of Tomorrow

Among the grief, despair, and other feelings and emotions inspired by the climate catastrophe is a deep fear that unsettles and unnerves us. We don't know what is happening, or what tomorrow will bring, but scientists warn that it 90 seconds to midnight, and the night terrors are near.

We invite you to a facilitated gathering to share our fears (and other emotions), building and deepening connection and community in the face of crises which threaten to shatter us.

The event will follow the broad outline of a climate cafe: a quiet, reflective space where people can come to share their feelings about climate change. Designed by Psychology for a Safe Climate, there is no guest speaker, no slide deck, no advice, and no call to action. Instead, it's a supportive space for voicing fear, despair, grief, and all emotions relating to climate change and ecological crisis – emotions that are often not welcomed elsewhere. You’re invited to share with others how the planetary crisis is unfolding inside you – or just to listen.

Please set aside the whole hour and a half if possible.

This event will be facilitated by Jamie Dunk, a research fellow in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney, and Chloe Watfern, a transdisciplinary researcher based at the Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales. Both are experienced facilitator with PSC.

Please note: unlike other climate cafes, this gathering will be recorded (audio only), with anonymised transcripts used to write an essay about fear. Participants will have a chance to opt out.

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash