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Solastalgia: the distress caused by environmental change
Glenn Albrecht1, Gina-Maree Sartore, Linda Connor
1School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. Glenn.Albrecht@newcastle.edu.au
Summary
Solastalgia, a distress caused by environmental change impacting one's home, is evident in drought and mining-affected communities. This concept helps understand the psychological impact of global environmental challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental psychology
- Human geography
- Sociology
Background:
- Solastalgia describes distress from environmental change while still at home, distinct from nostalgia.
- Environmental changes, such as persistent drought and large-scale mining, impact individuals' sense of place and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of solastalgia and its application in understanding environmentally induced distress.
- To examine the psychological impact of environmental change in rural NSW, Australia, focusing on drought and mining contexts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized qualitative methods including interviews and focus groups.
- Employed quantitative community-based surveys to assess lived experiences.
Main Results:
- Solastalgia was identified in communities experiencing persistent drought and open-cut coal mining.
- Environmental change led to negative affect, exacerbated by a sense of powerlessness.
Conclusions:
- Solastalgia offers a framework for understanding human distress linked to ecosystem changes.
- Further research will explore solastalgia's role in global environmental challenges affecting sense of place and identity.
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