Deep Adaptation Forum

Program & Host Organization

The Deep Adaptation Forum is a not-for-profit initiative that provides supportive spaces for people grappling with the emotional and social impacts of the climate crisis. The program offers facilitated gatherings intended to help participants cultivate compassionate responses to widespread ecological and societal disruption.

Location & Scope

The initiative operates virtually and engages participants globally, including across all provinces and territories in Canada. Activities take place online and are scheduled to accommodate multiple time zones.

Who It Serves

The program serves adults and older adults experiencing distress related to the climate crisis. Participants include individuals who have faced direct climate impacts, such as loss of homes or communities, as well as those struggling with fear, grief, loneliness, or anger about ecological and societal collapse.

Climate & Mental Health Focus

The Deep Adaptation Forum addresses climate-related distress, including eco-anxiety, grief, and trauma. It responds to the worsening pressures of climate impacts and the emotional strain of witnessing or anticipating systemic breakdown, providing a space for connection and mutual support.

Activities & Format

Volunteer facilitators host supportive online circles lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, several times each week. These circles create a safe-enough environment for deep sharing and skill-building for inner and community adaptation. Participants join flexibly, often attending 11 or more sessions over time. Activities also include guest speaker events, creative practices, outdoor reflection assignments, and mindfulness components.

Inclusion & Accessibility

All events are free of charge. The initiative works with vulnerable groups through a Solidarity Circle and offers sessions in multiple languages, including Russian, Hungarian, German, French, Spanish, and English. The website includes built-in translation features.

Outcomes & Evidence

The program aims to offer immediate emotional relief, reduce isolation, and help participants build coping skills for ongoing climate-related stress. Longer-term goals include increased resilience, reduced overwhelm, and improved relationships as emotional intensity subsides. Evaluation involves governance reviews, facilitator peer support meetings, and tracking participation levels. No formal research evidence was described.

Guiding Principles

The initiative reflects principles of emotional diversity, social connection, emotional resilience, climate justice, trauma-informed practice, community-led adaptation, and collective responsibility.

Resources & Sustainability

The program is volunteer-driven and funded by small individual donations. Annual expenses average £550 per month, allocated primarily to volunteer honoraria and technology supports.

Team & Partners

Dozens of volunteer facilitators deliver activities and participate in a Facilitator Circle for monthly peer support. No additional partner organizations were identified.

Challenges & Context

The program operates amid growing global climate impacts and widespread distress. Challenges include stigma around mental health and participants often turning to support only during crises.