Charlene Spretnak article

Charlene is a contributor to my Green Horizon Magazine. Recently the European Journal of Ecopsychology published the following article:

“Dynamic Interrelatedness in an Era of Disasters”

https://ecopsychology-journal.eu/v8/EJE%20v8_Spretnak.pdf

Abstract:

We are approaching initial tipping points in the climate crisis, which denote irreversible destabilization in climate patterns and extreme weather events. The pressing need is not only to shift from fossil fuels immediately but also to start focusing on how best people can cope with what is coming at us, which is likely to include further zoonotic viral pandemics. Surprising discoveries in human biology during the past twenty years — revealing that we are far more dynamically interrelated with other people, with nature, and internally than was supposed — are relevant to our situation. This article considers the societal implications and applications of these discoveries in three areas: health and effective healing, the social fabric of resilient communities, and effective education. When the new relational knowledge is incorporated, healing goes faster, health is boosted, infants’ brains develop optimally, education instills resilience for the times ahead, and communities strengthen their social fabric, which brings many benefits. The challenge of relocating the millions of climate refugees who will be displaced within most countries is also considered.