Navigate climate anxiety: Insights with Jon Brewer

Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges and a new wave of emotional turmoil has emerged: climate anxiety. Join us for a inspiring dialogue with Jon Brewer, a professional coach who offers new perspectives on tackling this modern plight, combining personal growth with environmental awareness.

In a world grappling with the impacts of climate change, the dialogue around sustainability has become crucial. Yet, the journey towards environmental stewardship can often lead to overwhelming climate anxiety. To shed light on this issue, we’ve turned to Jon Brewer, a professional coach renowned for his ability to unlock potential and inspire success. Jon’s extensive background in personal development, combined with his innovative coaching conversations, positions him uniquely to offer insights into how coaching can support individuals navigating the challenges of climate anxiety. Join us for this enlightening interview, where we explore the vital role of personal growth and coaching in fostering a sustainable future.

Things we wanted to talk about with Jon Brewer:

• Introduction to coaching and sustainability
• Understanding climate anxiety
• The role of coaching in addressing climate anxiety
• Sustainable practices and mental well-being
• Personal development and sustainability
• Challenges and opportunities
• Practical advice and tips
• Future directions
• Collaboration and community building
• Call to action

Can you tell us about your journey into professional coaching and how you see it intersecting with sustainability and environmental awareness?

My journey into professional coaching stemmed from a passion for helping individuals unlock their potential. I have always felt a responsibility for supporting and developing those I was lucky enough to lead and over the years I have been fortunate to be exposed a coaching approach in leadership. I formalised these skills through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) whilst considering who I could help and support. 

It was during many conversations with Peter, from Northflash, that I realised how appropriate coaching would be for those working in the field of sustainability where the wish to make an impact and to make a difference rubs up against the enormity of the challenge. I see coaching intersecting with sustainability by empowering people to make positive changes in their lives, aligning personal growth with environmental awareness. I see coaching as a powerful ally for those working in this important sector.

What strategies or approaches do you use in your coaching practice that could be beneficial for someone dealing with climate anxiety?

In my coaching practice, I focus on empowering clients to navigate the challenges they face by fostering resilience and coping mechanisms. Strategies include mindfulness techniques, goal setting, and cultivating a positive mindset, which can be beneficial for those dealing with climate anxiety.

It’s important to support my clients in making choices and changes that they decide will help them reach their goals. It’s important, especially in the area of sustainability and climate, when visualising those goals, that they are something that the client has a direct influence over.  In this way it becomes important to focus in on the contribution the client can make, the small but critical changes that added together with the many people will make a difference. In this way we can create a feeling of success and achievement through measured success.

How can coaching support individuals facing climate anxiety, especially those not directly involved in sustainability fields?

As in the previous point, but maybe even more importantly when you aren’t working in the field and possibly understand less of what each person can do to make a difference, its important to stay focused on “my steps, my goals, my changes”. Through coaching you will be able to home in on what is important to you, to where you have energy and to formulate simple steps to get there. It provides a unique space for you to explore your feelings and develop strategies to address climate anxiety.

Can adopting sustainable tourism and event management practices help mitigate feelings of climate anxiety? How?

Absolutely! Their adoption contributes to a feeling of environmental well-being, playing a significant role in mitigating feelings of climate anxiety. Beyond the environmental impact, aligning actions with personal values imparts a sense of purpose. This sense of purpose, coupled with the positive impact on the environment, creates a harmonious relationship between sustainable practices and mental well-being. Coaching can guide individuals in incorporating these practices into their lifestyles for a holistic approach to well-being.

How do you see personal development and professional growth aligning with the goals of sustainability and combating climate change?

It’s a great question and for me personal development and professional growth can align perfectly with the goals of sustainability and combating climate change. I would go so far as to say it is essential that they do align for those who are dealing with climate anxiety.
It is crucial to empower individuals to find their purpose in contributing to sustainable practices, and coaching can play a significant role in this process.

By fostering personal development aligned with sustainability, individuals experience a profound sense of fulfilment. This alignment becomes a driving force for positive action, contributing not only to personal growth but also to the collective effort in combating climate change and creating a kind of harmony.

Conversely, what opportunities do you see for your coaching practice in the context of growing awareness and concern about climate change?

Challenges in climate change awareness present unique opportunities for coaching. As global consciousness regarding climate issues grows, a coach can provide support and guidance to individuals seeking positive change, translating concern into actionable steps for personal and environmental well-being. The intersection of challenges and opportunities places coaching as a force for good in navigating the evolving landscape of climate change awareness. 

For individuals feeling overwhelmed by climate change news, what immediate steps would you recommend to manage their anxiety?

For individuals grappling with overwhelming climate change news, immediate steps should be as simple as possible. Of course, coaching sessions can provide a safe space for individuals to navigate these complex emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and establish a proactive approach to managing anxiety. However, a couple of things to help in the now:

1. Find someone to share your concerns with, however mad they might sound in your head. Just talking about them and hearing them out loud will help you sort through them.
2. Pick a concern, maybe one you feel is most urgent and formulate two simple, small, actionable steps that YOU can do. Do them. 

These practical steps can help and then hopefully when you find a coach to help you navigate your emotions and empower to not only contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts but also manage anxiety.

What resources or training do you believe are necessary to effectively support individuals dealing with climate anxiety?

Effectively supporting individuals dealing with climate anxiety requires a comprehensive understanding of coaching techniques, mindfulness practices and other reflection exercises. These activities can help an individual connect to what’s really important to them. To find a purpose and passion and turn that into practical and tangible actions. 

For a coach, ongoing education and training are essential components to stay abreast of professional developments as is collaboration between coaches to create a robust support system. This approach ensures that individuals receive holistic and well-informed assistance in navigating the complexities of climate anxiety.

How important is collaboration between sustainability experts and professional coaches in addressing the broader implications of climate anxiety?

Collaboration between sustainability networks and professional coaches is very important in addressing the broader implications of climate anxiety. Together, they can identify those in need of support, who are struggling with the day-to-day weight of the topic and ensure that they either get the opportunity to share in sustainability circles or the support of a professional coach. Or both!

This collaboration can extend beyond individual coaching sessions to community-building initiatives. Together we can help.

How can individuals interested in exploring coaching for climate anxiety get in touch with you and what message would you like to leave our readers with today?

Individuals keen on exploring coaching for climate anxiety, through a FREE 30 minute introductory session, are encouraged to reach out through my website. The essence of my message to readers is that through coaching, positive change is not only possible but serves as a powerful catalyst for personal and environmental transformation. By acting today, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience-building, and meaningful contribution to a sustainable future. I am here for you.

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