Building bridges towards an eco-drama therapy

We have all been witness to a rising number of deadly wildfires, heatwaves, floods and other indicators of a rapidly warming climate. This editorial brings together contributors’ insights on the transformative power of drama therapy to process complex climate emotions; foster coping strategies through aesthetic distance, ritual, Indigenous storytelling and somatic practices; build community and encourage activist engagement. Amidst the overlapping ecological crisis, biodiversity loss and their psychological impacts, drama therapists have an ethical imperative to strengthen their skills and empower themselves to face the realities of climate change and help their clients do the same. Drama therapists can play a crucial role in integrating climate adaptation and mitigation strategies and climate communication efforts. We are well equipped – with our storytelling, aesthetic distance, ability to imagine alternative worlds, rituals and tools to rehearse action – the time to act is now.