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Madeleine Hamey-Thomas, a 36-year-old freelance copyeditor and proofreader from Lewisham, is making a significant impact in her community as an activist for Lewisham Extinction Rebellion and a Climate Café volunteer. She is part of a team of five working on a climate café initiative that aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals to share their feelings and thoughts related to the climate emergency.

The Climate Café, which opened in mid-April at the Albany Theatre, serves as an informal support group where people can engage in discussions over coffee about the climate crisis. Madeleine believes that this initiative fills a crucial gap by providing a platform for individuals to talk about climate impacts, especially in a diverse borough like Lewisham where different communities may be disproportionately affected by the crisis.

While working on sustainability challenges, Madeleine acknowledges that she also experiences climate fatigue and anxiety, which can be overwhelming at times. She emphasizes the importance of finding ways to cope with these feelings, such as spending time in nature or joining community groups like climate cafes to feel supported and connected.

Reflecting on her journey towards sustainability activism, Madeleine recalls being particularly moved by the 2018 IPCC report that highlighted the urgent need for action on climate change. This report, along with witnessing the global impacts of Western consumption on other nations, sparked her concern for the future and motivated her to take an interest in sustainability.

As a parting piece of advice, Madeleine suggests that individuals find what works best for them in dealing with climate fatigue and anxiety. She recommends spending time in nature, connecting with like-minded individuals, and seeking out community support to navigate these challenging emotions. By encouraging others to join initiatives like Lewisham’s Climate Café or explore online resources on climate psychology, Madeleine emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network to address climate-related concerns.

If you’re interested in joining Lewisham’s Climate Café, you can follow their Instagram account for updates on upcoming events. Additionally, for more information on local responses to the climate crisis, you can explore the Climate Refresh series to learn about other environmental champions in the community.