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The Evidence: Exploring the concept of solastalgia

Exploring the concept of solastalgia, sometimes described as the feeling of homesickness without leaving home; and can people’s stories be used as evidence to bring about change?

In The Evidence on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service, Claudia Hammond will be exploring the concept of solastalgia; broadly defined as the pain or emotional suffering brought about by environmental change close to your home or cherished place.

Made in collaboration with Wellcome Collection, Claudia Hammond and an expert panel examine this relatively new concept, one that might be increasingly heard about as the effects of climate change are felt.

Claudia will be hearing stories of solastalgia from communities in Kenya and Indonesia and examining where storytelling fits in with other types of evidence when it comes to health and wellbeing. What kind of impact can personal stories of loss have on policy makers?

On stage with Claudia and in front of a live studio audience, are artist Victoria Pratt, Creative Director of Invisible Flock; Daniel Kobei, Director of Ogiek People’s Development Program; epidemiologist Dr Elaine Flores from the Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; former prime minister of Australia Julia Gillard and environmental activist Laetania Belai Djandam

Produced by: Helena Selby and Geraldine Fitzgerald
Studio Engineers: Emma Harth and Duncan Hannant

Photo: Man standing in grey climate whilst looking towards bright climate.
Credit: Getty Images.

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