Generation Dread

Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis

By: Britt Wray

Narrated by: Britt Wray

FINALIST FOR THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S LITERARY AWARD
A CBC BEST CANADIAN NONFICTION BOOK OF 2022
AN INDIGO TOP TEN BEST SELF-HELP BOOK OF 2022

"A vital and deeply compelling read.” —Adam McKay, award-winning writer, director and producer (Don’t Look Up)

“Britt Wray shows that addressing global climate change begins with attending to the climate within.” —Dr. Gabor Maté, author of The Myth of Normal

"Read this courageous book.” —Naomi Klein

An impassioned generational perspective on how to stay sane amid climate disruption.

Climate and environment-related fears and anxieties are on the rise everywhere. As with any type of stress, eco-anxiety can lead to lead to burnout, avoidance, or a disturbance of daily functioning.

In Generation Dread, Britt Wray seamlessly merges scientific knowledge with emotional insight to show how these intense feelings are a healthy response to the troubled state of the world. The first crucial step toward becoming an engaged steward of the planet is connecting with our climate emotions, seeing them as a sign of humanity, and learning how to live with them. We have to face and value eco-anxiety, Wray argues, before we can conquer the deeply ingrained, widespread reactions of denial and disavowal that have led humanity to this alarming period of ecological decline.

It’s not a level playing field when it comes to our vulnerability to the climate crisis, she notes, but as the situation worsens, we are all on the field—and unlocking deep stores of compassion and care is more important than ever. Weaving in insights from climate-aware therapists, critical perspectives on race and privilege in this crisis, ideas about the future of mental health innovation, and creative coping strategies, Generation Dread brilliantly illuminates how we can learn from the past, from our own emotions, and from each other to survive—and even thrive—in a changing world.

©2022 Britt Wray (P)2022 Knopf Canada

Critic reviews

2022, Governor General's Literary Award - Nonfiction, Short-listed

“In this intriguing and engaging work, Britt Wray explores the internal ecology of climate anxiety with insight and sensitivity. She shows finally that meaningful living is possible even in the face of that which threatens to extinguish life itself, and that addressing global climate change begins with attending to the climate within.” (Dr. Gabor Maté, author of When the Body Says No)

"Dr. Britt Wray doesn’t ever look away from the hard emotional truths of the climate crisis. But it’s also exactly from this scary place that she is able to help us manifest something we all desperately need nowadays: strength. Generation Dread is a vital and deeply compelling read." (Adam McKay, award-winning writer, director and producer, Vice, Succession, Don't Look Up)

Such an important book

A hugely important and helpful book as we face more trauma as a result of the climate crisis.

Needed for Climate Activists

This is another book that needs to be added to the Climate Activists toolbox. This book teaches people how to move from climate grief and into action.

Moving, practical and beautifully articulated

This book is both validating and motivating for anyone faced with the sometimes paralyzing stress around the climate crisis. Highly recommend!!

highly highly recommend!

Such an important, insightful, and useful book. We need so many more of these conversations and reflections. Thank you Britt for this gift to the world 🙏

Fine collection of resources,

I listened to this book feeling like it was supposed to be making me feel emotional, but it didn't. I'm a millenial, squarely in generation dread, but maybe without the hopelessness that the target audience is expected to have. Good resources and concepts, but overall it was not hitting for me.