TEAP hosted a virtual workshop on the Power of Storytelling, exploring a Global South perspective on climate justice. The workshop broke down the significance of stories and lived experiences from the Global South and how such stories reveal to us not only the unique manifestations of the climate crisis in the Global South, but also how such stories can shape climate action and spur solutions that centre community, resilience, and empowerment. Our work at TEAP attests to this.

What was significant about this workshop was the intergenerational and geographical attendance. Those who attended were from both the Global South and the North and of varying ages. As TEAP shared the stories that are coming out of Nigeria and the mental health implications of climate change, it was clear that for many of those who attended from the Global North, these realities were new to them and expanded their understanding of the climate crisis.

It is a reminder that, in the Global North, news channels tend only to cover events taking place in the Global South when they involve conflict or war. However, to stay informed about the daily climate events in the Global South, one must intentionally seek out that information. This creates a cycle where the stories and voices of those from the Global South are difficult to find in global spaces, and even when news channels cover them, they may be filtered through specific agendas or priorities. The inability to truly know what is happening in the Global South plays a role in shaping ‘climate solutions’ that do not centre the needs or requirements of those who are truly facing the brunt of climate change.

This is why the workshop was crucial. It provided a platform for individuals to immerse themselves in the firsthand experiences of the climate crisis in the Global South. It emphasised how storytelling, as an accessible and vital tool, can truly illuminate the emotional consequences of climate change, its intersections, and the types of systems and community initiatives that need to be established to serve the people and environment effectively. It also underscored the fact that storytelling is a decolonial tool, empowering us to reclaim narratives, halt false interpretations, and ensure that those who need to be heard, are.  

It became clear that when people hear stories about the long histories of colonialism and natural resource extraction, they reflect on the inevitable role it has played in causing environmental devastation and human harm. This can bring up feelings of guilt, particularly for those in the Global North who acknowledge that consumerism contributes to the degradation of environments in the Global South.

People from the Global North experiencing climate guilt highlight the fact that eco-anxiety manifests differently depending on their location and socio-economic conditions and privileges. This means that various factors play a role in how individuals perceive and respond to the climate crisis, which may differ across different regions of the world. Guilt recognises the unjust systems that underpin the world at large and how these systems play an active role in climate change and mental health. Guilt acknowledges that while some may face limitations due to their environment and uncontrollable circumstances, others may unknowingly benefit from these imbalances.

However, guilt without action breeds anxiousness and a fragility that hinders progress. If guilt is a sign of empathy and recognition of an unjust reality, then it should be harnessed as a powerful motivator to drive change and ensure that things improve. 

Action can manifest in a myriad of ways. It does not have to be a lofty act that topples down systems, but it can be small acts such as educating those around you about the history of climate change and its colonial roots. Sharing powerful stories from the Global South can also raise awareness and ensure that voices from these regions are heard, respected, and empowered within organisations. Additionally, donating to organisations working on the ground to make a difference can help create positive change. Genuine, sustained climate justice is only possible through international collaboration and support.

TEAP evidences that climate action does not have to be dependent on government intervention. We continue to create projects and initiatives such as Anchor, ZenCafe and Climate Elders campaign that focus on bringing the community together to learn and adopt resilience. TEAP recognises the urgency of creating solutions for the intersection of climate change and mental health. We cannot wait for policy change.

This community work serves as a reminder that change and transformation are gradual journeys that can begin in our immediate settings before they ripple out to international, political stages. Those who experience guilt in the Global North can draw inspiration from this and actively engage with organisations in the Global South to explore ways they can adopt similar practices in their own communities as climate change continues to evolve.

The workshop made one thing clear: storytelling transforms and increases empathy.

As TEAP’s work continues to transcend borders, we recognise that we may continue to have conversations with people from the Global North who experience climate guilt. 

This is why we encourage people to recognise that guilt is the tipping point for action, and action leads to change.

Written by Svetlana Onye.