A Climate of Emotions pilot study reducing climate anxiety and strengthening resilience

This paper presents a theoretically grounded psychological intervention and pilot study examining the effects of emotional intelligence (EI) skill development on climate emotions, specifically climate isolation, climate anxiety, climate powerlessness, and climate enthusiasm. Participants (N = 37) engaged in storytelling, creative expression, and design thinking exercises to address the emotional toll of the climate crisis by applying EI skills to build resilience and strengthen motivation for sustainable climate engagement. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using an abbreviated Inventory of Climate Emotions (ICE), and participants’ reflective statements on resilience. Quantitative analyses (mixed-effects modeling) showed significant post-intervention decreases in climate anxiety (β = -0.53, SE = 0.12, t(36) = -4.55, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.76, -0.29]), climate isolation (β = -0.55, SE = 0.09, t(36) = -5.93, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.36]), climate powerlessness (β = -0.41, SE = 0.10, t(36) = -3.90, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.62, -0.19]), and an increase in climate enthusiasm (β = 0.26, SE = 0.07, t(36) = 3.70, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.12, 0.41]). Qualitative analysis identified five resilience themes: cultivating inner strength/self-worth, connecting/building community, personal agency/action, balancing emotional growth, and fostering hope/ positive outlook. The organization of these themes suggests a progression from inner development to outward engagement. Together, these results provide preliminary evidence that EI skill development can reduce climate distress, strengthen resilience, and enhance emotional capacities that support climate adaptation and sustainable behavior.