In this episode of Facing the Moment, host Toufic Hakim engages Natalie Thomas, PhD—philosopher, psychotherapist, and environmental ethicist—in a candid exploration of the climate crisis. Moving beyond the polarized political debates, the conversation examines the crisis’s tangible impacts on ecosystems, human communities, and mental health.

Natalie unpacks the science behind global warming, the psychological roots of climate denial, and the shared values often hidden beneath divisive rhetoric. She offers hopeful signs from community-led initiatives, innovations in green technology, and mental health support networks. The dialogue highlights “climate distress” and its varied emotional toll—particularly on younger generations—while exploring strategies to foster resilience, from climate cafés and nature connection to compassionate activism and bridge-building conversations with skeptics.

Listeners are left with both a sobering grasp of the crisis and practical ways to connect, adapt, and act collectively for a livable future.