Welcome back to another episode of the Second Nature, Living with Ecological Grief podcast! In this episode, host Ashlee Cunsolo welcomes Dr. Charles Ogunbode as they discuss the resistance to linking climate change with racism and historical inequalities, noting skepticism from African audiences. Many feel this linkage could dilute anti-racist efforts. Ashlee shares insights from Indigenous elders in Labrador, equating climate change to colonialism. Dr. Ogunbode highlights research showing broad global acknowledgment of colonialism's link to climate change, which could advance climate justice discussions.

He shares personal experiences shaping his climate change perspective and explores the complexity of connecting local experiences to global narratives. Both speakers stress the balance between personal agency in local efforts and understanding broader systemic influences. The episode calls for genuine collaborations to avoid instrumentalizing marginalized communities and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in climate conversations. Ending with the poignant reminder of continuous ecological grief, the episode serves as a critical reflection on the intersection of climate change, social justice, and mental health.

Susan Clayton & Gene Myers book "Conservation Psychology: Understanding and Promoting Human Care for Nature" - https://www.amazon.com/Conservation-Psychology-Understanding-Promoting-Nature/dp/1405176784

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Interview recorded on: 05/03/2024
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Welcome to Second Nature, a podcast about living with ecological grief. In each episode, Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo takes us on a deeply personal journey about planetary loss, and what we love, what we have lost, and how we move forward. Through a series of engaging, thought-provoking, and moving conversations with incredible guests from around the world, Second Nature is an invitation to come together to share stories of loss, love, despair, and joy, as we learn how to live with – and embrace – ecological grief and mourning.