Coping is a necessary response to climate distress, but it isn’t the solution to the crisis itself. It helps us stay regulated and engaged, especially when the challenges feel overwhelming. However, the ability to cope often depends on having access to resources - emotional, social and material (which are not distributed equally), geographic location and socio-cultural practices.

​

Ecologically engaged coping includes meaningful actions like community care and engaging with emotions, while avoidant coping may involve denial, withdrawal or distraction. Each arises from different needs and neither should be judged in isolation.