Countering Climate Fear with Mindfulness: A Framework for Sustainable Behavioral Change
Preprints.org June 17, 2025 Latha Poonamallee 1 citation preprint
Mindfulness can foster pro-environmental behaviors by enhancing ecological awareness and emotional regulation, offering an alternative to fear-based climate narratives that often cause disengagement and eco-anxiety. Drawing on empirical studies and theoretical frameworks, the paper explores mechanisms such as intrinsic motivation, connectedness to nature, and cognitive flexibility. Applications in organizational and educational settings are discussed, along with barriers to sustained change. Future research directions and strategies for integrating mindfulness into systemic environmental initiatives are identified, positioning it as a critical tool for addressing the global climate crisis.