Ecological grief is a One Health imperative for building socioecological resilience

Abstract

Ecological grief refers to grief felt in relation to experienced or anticipated ecological losses, including the loss of species, ecosystems, and meaningful landscapes due to acute or chronic environmental change. From an adaptive perspective, ecological grief has the potential to catalyze socioecological resilience, thereby fostering the generative potential of Earth systems in the face of loss. In this Forum, we take a One Health approach to exploring ecological grief as an imperative for building socioecological resilience. We conclude with succinct recommendations intended to help mainstream and advance this field of work, catalyzing philosophical and practical applications at individual and collective levels. The One Health community, which has not yet adequately embraced the mental health–environmental health connection, can work together to improve the science of ecological grief, as well as develop practical resources for ecological grief counselors across a wide range of disciplines.