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The Open University

Introducing Climate Psychology: facing the climate crisis

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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This free course introduces the emerging field of Climate Psychology. It is now widely accepted that facts about climate change, taken alone, do not promote change. There is growing recognition that deeper psychological perspectives, beyond traditional psychological approaches, could enrich environment movements. Additionally, evidence is building that climate change can lead to negative consequences for mental health and wellbeing. Taking a critical eco-psycho-social perspective you will explore ideas from social theory, psychoanalysis, ecopsychology, eco-feminism and post-humanism to gain a deeper understanding of the climate and ecological crisis, its impact on our wellbeing and how to build psychological resilience. This course is endorsed and supported by the Climate Psychology Alliance.Interested in taking your learning further? You might find it helpful to explore the Open University’s Psychology courses and qualifications.

Syllabus

  • Week 1: The climate and ecological crisis and how we got here
  • Week 2: Engaging with the climate and ecological crisis: indifference, distress and beyond
  • Week 3: Engaging with the climate and ecological crisis: denialism and other challenges
  • Week 4: Living with the climate and ecological crisis

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

5 rating at OpenLearn based on 7 ratings

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  • The course situates the crisis within the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch defined by profound human impact, accelerated since the 1950s during the 'Great Acceleration'. This period of exponential growth in population and consumption collides with the reality of a finite planet, leading to ecological overshoot. This exploration moves beyond a mere scientific understanding of the crisis, delving into the psychological undercurrents—from eco-anxiety and solastalgia to the mechanisms of disavowal and organized denial.

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