In 2023, the Huon Valley Council recognised the global climate emergency, reflecting a commitment to act on climate change. Rapid changes include escalating extreme weather, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. This has led to increasing climate anxiety, especially among young people concerned about the planet’s future and government actions.
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. While climate has changed throughout the Earth’s history, human activities have significantly accelerated these changes in recent years, primarily due to burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This acceleration contributes to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and detrimental impacts on biodiversity.
Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, arises from the awareness and personal experience of climate change’s adverse effects. It reflects concerns about the future of the planet and the wellbeing of all lifeforms. Symptoms can range from feelings of sadness and fear to more severe anxiety and depression.
Our BE CALM initiative aims to empower our community to understand and manage climate anxiety by engaging with nature, advocating for change, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Understanding climate change and the emotions it evokes is crucial in addressing climate anxiety. We can build resilience and contribute to a more sustainable and hopeful future by taking actionable steps and connecting with others.
To learn more about Huon Valley Council’s climate actions and get involved, check out each letter of BE CALM to learn how you can manage your climate anxiety in Huon Valley.
This project was funded by the Healthy Tasmania Fund through the Tasmanian Government.
Balance Information
Balance Information by staying informed about climate change from credible sources without overexposing yourself to distressing news. Find a balance between staying informed and protecting your mental health.
For example, you can:
- Curate your media consumption by choosing reliable news sources that offer factual information and constructive solutions to environmental issues. You should aim to avoid sensationalism that may cause unnecessary stress.
- Dedicate specific times to check news updates to prevent constant exposure, which can lead to anxiety.
- Seek information that includes positive progress and stories of successful climate action to maintain a balanced perspective.
- Put your phone down and take advantage of the other steps of BE CALM.
Tools that can help you balance information include:
Got a minute to
Take a minute?
Take a minute is designed to empower Tasmanians to take charge of their mental health and wellbeing. It’s about understanding what good mental health and wellbeing looks like and the positive ways we can achieve it.
Healthier social media relationships
Sometimes though, spending time on social media can leave us feeling down, overwhelmed, or unable to switch off. We might compare ourselves to others, spend less time doing the things that keep us healthy, or experience cyberbullying.
Trusted news and information
In March 2020, 84% of Australians surveyed agreed ABC News “is a valuable source of news to the Australian community’ and 72% agreed it is “Australia’s most trusted source of news and current affairs.”
To learn about how Huon Valley community members are balancing information, check out the following video:
Engage in Action
Engage in Action by take tangible steps to combat climate change. This can range from reducing your carbon footprint to participating in community efforts and supporting sustainable policies.
For example, you can:
- Reduce your carbon footprint by implementing changes in your daily life such as using public
transportation, reducing waste, and conserving energy. - Join local environmental groups and participate in or start projects like community clean-ups, tree planting, or conservation efforts.
- Engage local, regional, and national governments to enact polices that aim to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, and support community resilience.
Tools that can help you engage in action include:
Local environmental groups in the Huon
Huon Valley has developed a local directory of various environment and sustainability community groups that you can join. This includes the numerous landcare groups across all of Huon Valley that are doing their part in protecting the environment.
What you can do in Tasmania
The Tasmanian Government has developed a list of things that you can do at home, school, how you travel, and in your community to act on climate change. Businesses also have a responsibility to take action to reduce their impact.
What you can do in the Huon Valley
Check out some of the local suggestions for how you can make personal action on climate change. This includes reaching out to Council’s Climate Change Officer to learn more.
To learn about how Huon Valley community members are engaging in action, check out the following video:
Connect with Nature
Connect with Nature by spending time in natural settings to appreciate the beauty of our planet. This
connection can reinforce the value of your efforts and improve your mental wellbeing.
For example, you can:
- Schedule regular visits to parks, forests, and other natural settings to strengthen your connection with the environment.
- Participate in outdoor activities like engaging in hiking, bird-watching, or simply walking in nature to appreciate and connect with the natural world.
- Bring nature home by growing plants or creating a garden at home to foster a personal connection with nature on a daily basis.
Tools that can help you connect with nature include:
Local walks in the Huon Valley
Huon Valley Council has put together a list of walking tracks across the region to help you connect with nature. Visit the Huon Valley local directory below to find a walk near you or try walking somewhere you haven’t seen before in the valley.
Welcome to the Food Hub
The objective of the Huon Valley Food Hub is ‘to grab a vibrant and connected food system that contributes to the health, social, economic and environmental outcomes of the Huon Valley.
Good Life Permaculture
Good Life provides education, community, and designs that help create good lives and landscapes. You’ll find them working across lutruwita/Tasmania on a broad range of projects in this area and collaborating with others to make good things happen.
Advocate and Educate
Advocate and Educate by raising awareness about climate issues and solutions. Use your voice to advocate for environmental justice and educate others about the importance of sustainability.
For example, you can:
- Share credible information, upcoming events, and personal stories of climate action on your social media platforms.
- Educate through community involvement by offering to speak at local schools, clubs, or groups about the importance of climate action and sustainable practices.
- Engage with government, from Huon Valley Council to the Tasmanian Government and beyond, to advocate for climate positive policies.
Tools that can help you engage in action include Curious Climate Schools, and the Huon Valley Council community engagement program Have Your Say.
Lean on Your Community
Lean on Your Community by finding strength in numbers by connecting with others who share your concerns. Participate in community groups, environmental initiatives, and support networks.
For example, you can:
- Build a support network by creating or joining a network of like-minded individuals who support each other in sustainable practices and emotional well-being.
- Work together and collaborate on local initiatives that benefit the environment, such as landcare groups (Engage in Action), school groups, or any community group you can connect with.
- Attend community events and activities to stay engaged, build your community, and find connections who can support you.
Tools that can help you engage in action include the Huon Valley Council Events page and the Community Groups listings on the Huon Valley Local Directory.
Mindfulness and Self-Care
Practice Mindfulness and Self-care routines to manage stress. Activities like meditation, exercise, and hobbies can help maintain your emotional equilibrium.
For example, you can:
- Practice mindfulness regularly by integrating mindfulness practices into your daily routine to help manage stress and stay grounded.
- Regular physical exercise, whether it’s yoga, cycling, or walking, can help reduce stress and increase your wellbeing.
- Prioritise self-care and ensure that you take time for activities that you enjoy and that allow you to relax and recharge, such as reading, arts and crafts, or listening to music.
Tools that can help you engage in action include the Wheel of Well-being.
Mental Health Professionals: Find and connect with a mental health professional to better understand anxiety and the actions you need to can take.
- Headspace: phone, web chat, or online.
- A Tasmanian Lifeline: 1800 98 44 34
- Access Mental health: 1800 33 23 88
- Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 (5-25 years)
- ReachOut: (under 25s)
- SANE Australia: Call 1800 187 263 (18+ years)
- Lifeline: A 24-hour crisis service: Lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14 (all ages)
- Talk to your local doctor/General Practitioner (GP) or you can search for a health service and GP on Head to Health.