As the Earth warms, the climate changes, and as a “super” El Nino forms in the Pacific Ocean (suggested by meteorologists as the most intense and dangerous since the 1870s), we’re increasingly likely to experience havoc, destruction, devastation and dispossession. One of this year’s Conference Planning Team Members, Chuck Tarver, compiled from available resources infographics to demonstrate climate patterns.

We acknowledge that a number of factors, including information oversaturation, misinformation and questions about trusted sources, fear of how we are likely to be affected can seem overwhelming - too much to take in and process, and we likely shut down.

Considering the severity, the frequency, and the intensity of natural occurrences - let’s understand and dispel the notion that these are “acts of god” - they are human-caused acts of nature. This year’s In My Mind Conference raises and asks: how are we prepared for, to endure and survive climate change, and in the process, how will it impact our mental health - specifically, our behaviors, attitudes and responses to others?

What can we learn from these infographics, and how can we protect ourselves and look out for each other? Is there more we need to know, what else do we need to understand and prepare?