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Mindfulness and Climate Change Action: A Feasibility Study

Author

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  • Maggie Grabow

    (Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
    Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Thomas Bryan

    (Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Mary M. Checovich

    (Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA)

  • Alexander K. Converse

    (Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA)

  • Cathy Middlecamp

    (Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Margaret Mooney

    (Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Space Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Elisa R. Torres

    (University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, Jackson, MI 39216, USA)

  • Samuel G. Younkin

    (Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Bruce Barrett

    (Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA)

Abstract

Pro-environmental behaviors and the cultural shifts that can accompany these may offer solutions to the consequences of a changing climate. Mindfulness has been proposed as a strategy to initiate these types of behaviors. In 2017, we pilot-tested Mindful Climate Action (MCA), an eight-week adult education program that delivers energy use, climate change, and sustainability content in combination with training in mindfulness meditation, among 16 individuals living in Madison, WI. We collected participant data at baseline and at different times across the study period regarding household energy use, transportation, diet, and health and happiness. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the various MCA study practices including measurement tools, outcome assessment, curriculum and related educational materials, and especially the mindfulness-based climate action trainings. MCA was well-received by participants as evidenced by high adherence rate, high measures of participant satisfaction, and high participant response rate for surveys. In addition, we successfully demonstrated feasibility of the MCA program, and have estimated participant’s individual carbon footprints related to diet, transportation, and household energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Maggie Grabow & Thomas Bryan & Mary M. Checovich & Alexander K. Converse & Cathy Middlecamp & Margaret Mooney & Elisa R. Torres & Samuel G. Younkin & Bruce Barrett, 2018. "Mindfulness and Climate Change Action: A Feasibility Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:5:p:1508-:d:145547
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    6. Francesca Scafuto, 2019. "Climate risk for the self and community: The role of Nature Relatedness, Personal Control and Mindfulness," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(2), pages 89-108.
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    9. Fang Shen & Zibibula Simayi & Shengtian Yang & Yusuyunjiang Mamitimin & Xiaofen Zhang & Yunyi Zhang, 2023. "A Bibliometric Review of Household Carbon Footprint during 2000–2022," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-25, April.

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