“What If…?”: Climate Change as Ally

Abstract

Abstract

Human-induced climate change is the largest threat to our continued existence on beautiful planet Earth. It is currently framed as “global warming,” “climate disruption,” “climate chaos,” and “the climate emergency” in attempts to draw attention to our dire situation and the need for immediate and dramatic action. As ever more frightening scientific evidence of the likely extent and speed of climate change's impacts becomes readily accessible, it seems that the extent of our collective denial increases. It is as if we are “caught in the headlights” of an oncoming vehicle, unable to act towards personal and planetary survival. This paper draws upon Gaian science, deep ecology, the “work that reconnects,” and the power of story to explore how we might reframe climate change so we can engage with, and respond to, it productively. It asks “What if … instead of being a ‘Threat’ to us and our world, we consider climate change as an ‘Ally’ of ‘The Great Turning’ of humankind towards a more sustainable way of living and being?” In doing so, we might feel more at ease amidst forthcoming catastrophic weather events and other dramatic changes; feel supported in our efforts to transform our own lives and communities from “Business as Usual”; become more motivated to act for wider systemic change; and even discover new meaning, purpose, and joy at being alive at this moment in time. Key Words: Climate change—Deep ecology—Gaia—Narrative psychology—Denial.