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Story of Impact: Healing the Planet, One Story at a Time
“How do you navigate the landscape of activism, stories and emotions? How do you stop emotions from paralyzing you?”
These were the questions at the heart of Climate of Emotions, a groundbreaking event that brought together passionate minds to explore the intersection of climate change, emotion, and action. Co-hosted by UNICEF, Six Seconds, and Unthinkable, and with the guidance of Narrative 4’s own Lee Keylock and Tai Schroeder, this student-centered event reminded us that the climate crisis is more than an environmental challenge—it’s a deeply personal and emotional one.
The day began with powerful discussions highlighting how rising temperatures, extreme weather, and environmental degradation affect all of our communities—especially those already vulnerable. However, rather than center their stories on these adversities, participants were challenged to move beyond the role of bystander and see themselves as leaders in this fight. But stepping into leadership in the face of such an overwhelming crisis requires emotional resilience. That’s where Narrative 4’s Story Exchange came in.
Ahead of the event, Narrative 4 trained a group of student facilitators from Columbia University’s Teaching Program, preparing them to lead a Story Exchange. With prompts like, “How does the state of our climate make you feel right now?” and “What can we do as individuals and as a collective to address it?” participants were guided through an experience that created space for vulnerability, compassion, and connection.
The Story Exchange became the heart of the day. Stories poured out—raw, personal, and unfiltered—about the impact of wildfires, rising sea levels, and unseasonable storms. One participant shared how the flooding of their hometown displaced their family, while another recounted the quiet anxiety of wondering if their children would have a livable future.
What was striking wasn’t just the pain of these stories but the hope embedded in them. As participants listened to one another, a new sense of solidarity began to emerge. They weren’t just individuals grappling with climate anxiety—they were a collective, armed with the power of their shared experiences.
The day wasn’t just about processing emotions—it was about finding ways to turn them into action. Workshops encouraged participants to brainstorm how to amplify their stories, using social media and local partnerships to advocate for climate solutions. Students, in particular, were inspired to see their voices as critical tools for change.
By the end of the day, participants weren’t just discussing the climate crisis; they were strategizing how to fight it. Conversations transformed into commitments, and a shared vision for change began to take shape.
The Climate of Emotions event demonstrated that climate change isn’t just a scientific or political issue—it’s an emotional one. By processing their feelings and sharing their stories, participants came to see that they are not alone in this fight. As one participant put it:
“Hearing someone else tell a story so close to mine made me feel seen—and it reminded me that change is possible if we work together.”
Through Narrative 4’s Story Exchange and the collaborative efforts of the event’s organizers, participants left with more than just hope—they left with tools, connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Every story, every voice, and every action matters in the battle against climate change. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can find solutions.
Because in this shared fight for our planet, no one has to stand alone.
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