Join us in a webinar with the Topic Editor team on 13 November 2025, when we discuss the themes around this Research Topic. Register here: https://fro.ntiers.in/Webinar73843 I

Trauma is an increasingly common feature of the collective human experience, yet science-based discourse on the relationship between collective human trauma, a shared psychological and emotional response to catastrophic events, and Earth systems change is not sufficiently established. The rapid, unprecedented changes in the Earth system (including climate change) caused or exacerbated by human activities are symptoms of historical collective human trauma and can facilitate a collective retraumatizing process that, consequently, further degrades the Earth system. What is the viable exit strategy for this trauma-driven loop? How can recognizing and consciously addressing collective human trauma associated with Earth systems change forge socio-ecological resilience, fostering the generative potential of all life on Earth?

From a transdisciplinary perspective, this Research Topic is intended to explore the inter-relatedness of collective human trauma and Earth systems change with a view toward building socio-ecological resilience. Submitted manuscripts need to meet journal standards for scholarly rigor, advance conservation science in some manner, and be rooted in the social sciences. Submissions elucidating the perspectives and socio-ecological knowledge of Indigenous and traditionally marginalized peoples are strongly encouraged.

We welcome original research, community case studies, and perspectives on any topic at the interface of collective human trauma and Earth systems change (e.g., ecological grief, climate anxiety, solastalgia, healing collective ancestral land displacement trauma). Examples of Research Topic inquiries include, but are not limited to:

• How can we standardize a transdisciplinary scientific approach to the inter-relationship of collective human trauma and Earth systems change?

• What are the priority research needs?

• How does collective human trauma significantly impact our ability to address Earth system changes, as it shapes our perceptions and responses to environmental crises?

• How does collective human trauma drive dissociation from nature and dissociation from nature drive collective human trauma?

• How is contemporary Earth systems change connected to humanity's unresolved trauma?

• Is the biosphere trying to heal itself through collective healing of the human animal?

• How can addressing collective human trauma foster social-ecological resilience and visa vera?

• What science-based information and tools do practicing psychotherapists need to support clients in coping with trauma associated with Earth systems change and how can those tools best be delivered to foster socio-ecological resilience?

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Advancing Conservation Science at the Interface of Collective Human Trauma and Earth Systems Change