Lead supervisor:
Prof Andrew Kemp 
Other supervisor(s):
- Dr Amy Isham
Start date: October 2025 (Full time)
Award: General
Subject Pathway:
Psychology
Thematic Cluster:
Language, Learning and Behaviour Cluster
Shifting the narrative from climate anxiety to constructive hope
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nature-based interventions (NBIs) in transforming negative climate-related emotions into constructive hope, fostering sustainable behaviours, and building interconnected wellbeing at individual, collective, and planetary levels. Climate-related emotions, such as anxiety and apathy, are on the rise, often hindering pro-environmental behaviours by fostering feelings of powerlessness. For instance, extreme climate anxiety can reduce agency and engagement compared to moderate levels, which may drive action (Coates et al., 2024). However, these emotions, particularly practical eco-anxiety, can serve as motivators for sustainable change when channelled constructively by giving individuals ways to engage in sustainable behaviour (Kurth & Pihkala, 2022). This highlights the critical role of psychology in climate adaptation, recognising the mind’s capacity to turn distress into a catalyst for sustainable action and planetary wellbeing. By focusing on emotions as levers for change, it aims to foster constructive hope, empowering individuals and communities to engage positively with the challenges of the Anthropocene.
The purpose of this research is to generate actionable knowledge on co-created nature-based interventions that promote holistic wellbeing by integrating self, others, and nature. Ultimately, the goal is to foster constructive hope, supporting policies and initiatives that encourage enduring and positive engagement with nature by addressing climate-related emotions.