The Wellness Impact Lab at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research (DIGHR) has published its first major academic article, highlighting the role of climate cafés in addressing climate-related emotions.
The article, titled "Climate Cafés as a Space for Navigating Climate Emotions: A Scoping Review," is published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health. It marks the first academic article to systematically explore the emerging global movement of climate cafés, which offer spaces for individuals to process feelings about the climate crisis.
The article was co-authored by four members of the DIGHR team: Anna (Andy) De Jong, a research assistant; Susan Harris, a community fellow; Christy Costanian, an adjunct faculty member; and Harvey Skinner, a DIGHR senior fellow. Their collaborative research represents a significant milestone for the newly established Wellness Impact Lab, which aims to integrate health and wellness practices to foster personal growth and collective action.
A central theme of the lab's work, says Skinner, is helping individuals and communities develop the emotional resilience needed to face the climate crisis.
"This publication is an important first step in bridging the gap between practice and research," says Skinner, who is also a professor emeritus of psychology and global health at York's Faculty of Health. "We hope it encourages further study and investment in climate cafés as an important mental health resource."
As climate change manifests through more frequent and severe events, such as wildfires and rising sea levels, the psychological impact is increasingly recognized. Feelings of grief, anxiety, helplessness and fear are becoming increasingly common, yet discussions around mental health have often been overlooked in climate discourse. In recent years, climate cafés have emerged as grassroots solutions to create spaces where individuals can discuss their concerns and connect with others, fostering emotional support.
"Climate cafés are informal, non-clinical gatherings that invite people to speak openly about their feelings and thoughts related to the climate emergency," explains Skinner. "Since their emergence in 2015, they have grown in popularity across the globe, but until now, had not been the subject of systematic academic study."
The scoping review analyzed literature published from 2015-24, drawing from four major academic databases alongside grey literature such as websites, reports and program evaluations. The findings revealed that while no peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria, researchers identified 41 records that provided valuable insights into the design, goals and reported outcomes of climate café programs.
The review found that climate cafés are highly adaptable, community-driven spaces that offer emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of hope and solidarity. Participants frequently reported feeling less alone and more empowered after attending. However, the review also identified challenges such as accessibility for marginalized communities, cultural and language barriers, logistical constraints and the need for standardized evaluation frameworks.
"Our goal was to map the existing landscape and lay the groundwork for future research," says De Jong, the study's lead author. "There's growing recognition that emotional wellness is vital for sustained climate engagement. Climate cafés offer a promising model, but more formal research is needed."
The Wellness Impact Lab emphasizes that climate cafés are central to its mission: "healing ourselves, healing others, healing our planet." These relaxed, facilitated conversations invite people from diverse backgrounds to reflect, share and connect in a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking community and understanding.
To learn more about the Wellness Impact Lab or join an upcoming climate café, visit www.wellnessimpactlab.com.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter
