Out In The Open

Pre-grieving the effects of climate change

Three science researchers share their grief, and even depression, over climate change.
Coral reefs near Christmas Island display bleaching caused by warn water temperatures. (Danielle Claar/University of Victoria)

We usually grieve something after it's lost. But some climate scientists are grieving the anticipation of future loss, as the effects of global warming begin to take hold.

"I've seen colleagues literally tearing up when they think about where we're going, so it is hitting a lot of people really hard," said Camille Parmesan, whose work focuses on the impact of climate change on wildlife.

"You really are hitting scenarios that anyone—not just a Hollywood movie studio—anyone would call apocalyptic."

Camille and two other climate scientists share their grief and, in some cases, depression.