ONCA is thrilled to host Jennifer Uchendu in conversation with Sarah Jaquette Ray to mark the launch of The Eco-anxiety in Africa Project (TEAP).

To coincide with the launch of The Eco-anxiety in Africa Project (TEAP) on February 2nd, join Nigeria-based project founder Jennifer Uchendu in an online conversation with US-based author of A Field Guide To Climate Anxiety Sarah Jaquette Ray to discuss the climate change-related mental health issues facing communities in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa.

TEAP seeks to understand and validate the experiences of eco-anxiety and other environment-related emotions in Africans. Environmental enthusiasts and climate advocates there feel a form of eco-anxiety that is unique to the African population. Africa is among the continents which are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, combined with biodiversity loss, plastic and oil pollution, as well as illegal wildlife trade. The erosion of environments, cultures and histories has intense impacts on people’s emotions. The direct connections between the changing climate and other social challenges such as increased spread in communicable diseases, food insecurity, community displacement etc. are not always obvious; TEAP intends to raise awareness of these issues while making space for dialogue, support and self-care with young people, women, farmers, frontline workers and environmental practitioners who are consistently exposed to the reality and potential future threats.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Jennifer Uchendu is an ecofeminist and sustainable development advocate based in Lagos. She is the founder of SustyVibes, a youth-led organisation making sustainability actionable and relatable to young people. Jennifer’s interests lie at the intersections of youth, women and climate action. She researches and advocates on issues around climate justice, art, youth and eco-anxiety.

Website

Sarah Jaquette Ray is professor and chair of environmental studies at Humboldt State University, on Wiyot territory in Arcata, California. Her work focuses on the environmental humanities, climate justice pedagogy, and climate psychology. She is author of two books, The Ecological Other: Environmental Exclusion in American Culture, and most recently, A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet. She publishes and speaks extensively on the topics of emotions, climate justice, and youth activism, and is currently working on a project to help educators inculcate existential skills that students will need to survive and thrive in a climate-changed world, An Existential Toolkit for Climate Justice Educators.

Website

ACCESSIBILITY

The discussion will be hosted via a Zoom meeting. Unfortunately due to limited resources, it is conducted in the English language only. It will be recorded, transcribed and shared online afterwards. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your access needs, please contact .

If possible, we invite you to make a donation when you reserve your space at this event. Money raised will go to TEAP.