Feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, and grief about the state of the planet are increasing among students as they face multiple environmental crises through the media, their education, and lived experiences. These feelings, often referred to as eco-anxiety, are further compounded by traditional academic curricula which tends to exclude mental health supports. Literature suggests that acknowledging these feelings within a social construct and taking part in action-oriented activities, regardless of scale, can have positive effects on relieving eco-anxiety.  Eco-anxiety and thus eco-hope are a global phenomenon needed to support our youth as they prepare for their futures. In recognition of this need we are building an EcoHope community through a series of research-informed initiatives that can be grown across faculties, departments, and institutions that focus on creating connections, building community, and developing opportunities for students to take action in defense of the planet. In this session we will share our research process, findings, and early pedagogical interventions. Participants will take part in developing similar initiatives at any scale that can be built into course curricula, or larger departmental or faculty outcomes geared towards holistic education practices and creating future-ready and resilient graduates.  

Keywords
EcoHope, eco-anxiety, student community, nature-based pedagogy, action-based pedagogy