Portland Mercury Explores ‘Climate Grief’ in Latest Issue
The Portland Mercury's 2026 Climate Issue features an article exploring 'climate grief,' a term coined by Portland ecopsychologist Dr. Thomas Doherty to describe feelings of anxiety, sorrow, or pain related to environmental issues. The article discusses how artists like Daniela…
Portland, OR, August 13, 2026 —
The Portland Mercury’s 2026 Climate Issue delves into the complex emotional responses to environmental degradation through an article on ‘climate grief.’ The term, coined by Portland-based ecopsychologist Dr. Thomas Doherty, encapsulates feelings of anxiety, sorrow, and pain stemming from the ongoing climate crisis.
The article highlights various ways individuals and communities are grappling with these emotions. It features artist Daniela Molnar, who utilizes her creative work as a means to process and express these climate-related feelings. Through her art, Molnar explores the psychological impact of environmental change.
Furthermore, the piece draws attention to the experiences of Indigenous communities. For these communities, the phenomenon described as ‘climate grief’ is not a new concept but rather an ongoing reality shaped by historical and present-day environmental injustices and the resulting loss of land, culture, and way of life.
The exploration in the Portland Mercury aims to bring a deeper understanding to the psychological and emotional toll of the climate crisis, acknowledging its varied impact across different groups and individuals.
Story summarized from the original created by Lindsay Costello on www.portlandmercury.com, see more information here.
