Eco-Grief As A Portal to Possibility

Since mid-March, historic wildfires in Western Nebraska have resulted in the destruction of over 800,000 acres of land. These fires have thrived due to the potent, unseasonable heatwaves that have plagued the western part of the United States in the past few weeks. In Colorado, the statewide snowpack is as low as it’s ever been. According to data from the National Resources Conservation Service, the snowpack level is at 54% of what it normally would be. This impacts watersheds, causing moderate to extreme drought conditions throughout the state, as well as a growing risk of wildfires. 

Reports from the United Nations Institute for Water, Environment, and Health describe the growing pattern of long‑term drought and shortages as a condition of an impending “water bankruptcy.” These changes create a sense of uncertainty, one which leaves many people feeling a range of emotions including sadness, fear, helplessness, guilt, or anger. This is becoming a collective emotional experience as communities witness rapid, uncontrollable changes to the places they call home, the land and resources they depend on and care for. 

These statistics are not here to incite more overwhelm, but rather, to offer clarity, understanding, and, therefore, compassion for the grief and anxiety that might regularly visit. 

Ecological grief is the pain that emerges when the natural world undergoes loss, disruption, or damage. This can manifest as the disappearance of landscapes, species, ecosystems, or climate patterns that once brought stability. Some people experience this grief quietly, without recognition from those around them. When these feelings are dismissed or minimized, they become a form of disenfranchised grief, leaving people to cope alone.  

Though ecological grief can be heavy, it also reveals something meaningful. It shows how deeply people care about their environment, how connected they feel to the places that sustain them. These emotions can help guide people toward protective actions and a renewed sense of purpose. While grief cannot be erased, it can be expressed and carried in ways that build resilience and foster hope. 

Experiencing and Expressing Grief 

1. Take time to learn more about what is happening and why. Headlines often focus on drama and shock, but the full story includes science, history, and the efforts being made to restore balance. Understanding this broader picture can give people a sense of clarity and lessen feelings of fear or overwhelm.
2. Make practical changes in daily life. This can look like reducing waste, being more mindful of water usage, repairing or repurposing items, joining community clean‑ups, or supporting organizations that work for conservation. These small actions can restore feelings of control and connection.
3. Explore creative outlets and build rituals. Drawing, writing, singing, dancing, or journaling can turn complex emotions into something tangible and meaningful. When words feel out of reach, artistic expression becomes a gateway to understanding and release.
4. Create and hold space for emotions. Grief does not look the same for everyone, and there is no wrong way to feel. One person may cry, another may withdraw, and another still may feel restless or uncertain. Allowing these feelings to exist without judgment helps them breathe instead of stagnating in the body.
5. Spend time in nature. Walking outside, caring for a plant, or keeping a small natural object nearby can help restore a sense of connectedness. Even minor interactions with the natural world remind people that they are part of something bigger than themselves.
6. Seek community support to lighten the load. Sharing experiences with others who feel the same way can create comfort and validation. Whether through local or online groups, conversations with friends, or organized gatherings, connection makes grief easier to carry.
7. Enlist professional support. Speaking with someone trained to help can bring guidance and grounding during difficult moments. Grief, no matter what the cause, is real. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

As we continue to navigate the profound challenges posed by climate change, naming, acknowledging, and addressing ecological grief becomes vital. By recognizing the emotions tied to these changes, individuals and communities can transform grief into a force for powerful, positive change. Through informed action, creative expression, and supportive networks, we can build a future that respects and preserves our world. 

If you would like to have a community to participate in this transformation with, we invite you to join us for our first ever Grief Cafe on April 26th at 12 PM at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center. This will be a regular, monthly gathering where together we can both be and become.

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