The Stages of Black Climate Grief

This week, we have a special episode featuring activist and researcher Nikayla Jefferson.

Most of us are in the first stage of climate grief: denial.

But what does it feel like to enter the stage of grief? And how is that grief different for black people?

Even if you’ve seen the impacts of climate change up close, even if you’ve felt the tropical winds whip your cheeks, stood in floodwater knee deep in your own home, watched a fire come down the ridge line, said “wow, I can’t remember a summer this hot” -- you are likely stuck in some state of denial. 

In this episode, Nikayla shares her journey breaking through denial and into grief. She also talks with 

As a black person, grieving for the planet can look different, feel heavier and more immediate. 

Featured in this episode: Nikayla Jefferson, Jacqueline Patterson, and Princella Talley.

Follow our co-hosts and production team:

Leah Stokes

Katharine Wilkinson

Stephen Lacey

Jaime Kaiser

A Matter of Degrees is a production of Post Script Audio. 

For more episodes and transcripts, visit our website.