As climate change increases stress and uncertainty in farming, more producers are seeking mental health support. This national initiative offers workshops and trainings designed to help food producers recognize and understand climate-related stress and grief, build mental health resilience, and connect with available mental health resources.
- What is Climate Stress?
- What is Climate Grief?
- How are Climate Stress and Grief Affecting Farmers and Ranchers?
Climate stress refers to the stress caused by climate change. It can manifest in various ways, impacting individuals both physically and mentally. Stress results from both physical risks (such as extreme weather events) and transition risks (resulting from climate policies and actions).
We can guide agricultural producers through 'what-if' scenarios to help understand potential impacts and your response. This climate stress-tests article provides more background.
Climate grief refers to the range of emotions that arise from witnessing the effects of climate change. It can manifest as feelings of sadness, fear, anger, and despair, often accompanied by a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.
Our trainings present the concept of this specific type of grief, and offer resources to help deal with it.
Farmers face unique challenges due to their close connection to nature and weather patterns. They rely on ecosystems for their livelihood and are watching the affects of climate change on the natural world every day.
Profitability Concerns: The impact of climate change on profitability is a major cause of distress. Changes in weather patterns, extreme events, and shifting ecosystems affect crop yields, livestock health, and increase the cost of doing business.
How is climate change impacting the health of southern Oregon farmers?
Listen to our Oct. 14, 2024 interview with Jefferson Public Radio:
Maud Powell, the Associate Professor of Practice at OSU's Small Farms Program in Central Point, offers insight into how climate change impacts farmers and ranchers in southern Oregon, particularly their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Program Resources
Project goals
Acknowledging Climate Grief: By acknowledging climate grief, we validate farmers’ emotions and create a safe space for discussing mental health.
Resilience Building: A community of practice fosters resilience. Mental health professionals can educate farmers about adaptation strategies, helping them navigate stress and anxiety.
Reducing Stigma: Encouraging open conversations about mental health reduces stigma. When mental health professionals collaborate with farmers, they normalize seeking help.
Climate Stress and Grief, Farmers and Ranchers
The mental health impacts of climate change on the general population are well documented. A 2020 study by the American Psychological Association on the prevalence of climate stress reports that 56% of U.S. adults perceive climate change as the most important global issue with significant impacts on mental health, and 68% experience at least some level of eco-anxiety—defined as anxiety or worry about climate change. In response to this growing concern, the field of climate therapy continues to expand, with more counselors trained and practicing every year.
Coping with a changing climate
Maud Powell, the Associate Professor of Practice at OSU's Small Farms Program in Central Point, leads a workshop for land managers and other professionals impacted by climate crisis Tuesday (Feb 4, 2024) at the Taos Soil and Water Conservation District headquarters. A second workshop held at the Juan I. Gonzales Agricultural Center for the general public drew 90 attendees Tuesday evening.