Section outline

  • Chapter Summary

    This chapter explores climate anxiety through the lens of literature, arguing that fiction uniquely captures the complexity of the sustainability crisis. After acknowledging how rational it is to be anxious about climate change, it takes a poet from the 19th century (Tennyson) and a novelist from the 20th century (Kafka) to move forward.

    It highlights the importance of action as an antidote to anxiety, the importance of standing by scientific data, and the value of creativity and courage as full human responses to the situation.

    The remarkable works of both Tennyson and Kafka show how powerful the pen can be. Their publications captured some of the deepest truths of the human condition, and they stand as luminous examples of the power of literature.

    The second pillar of the Climate Academy is Civic Engagement. By shifting the focus outward and engaging in art, individuals can transform anxiety into meaningful impact.