Hi! My name is Meri and I’m a passionate sustainability professional working and studying in the sustainability field since 2004. Born and raised on Nyungar Whadjuk country in Western Australia, I now help climate-anxious parents create real change in their local communities and build a resilient future for their children by leveraging complexity science.
After realising ‘being the change you seek to see’ wasn’t creating a wider impact fast enough, I completed my Master’s in Environment and Climate Emergency with distinction, leveraged complexity science in my local community, got published globally for my work on methane reduction strategies, and began exploring work that would put these skills to good use.
While considering PhD programs, I was offered a Senior Sustainability Advisor role in the UK—my dream job since 2004. But despite the promising academic career trajectory and the dream job calling, I said no. Because we have just four years left to pretty much halve global emissions, and I knew I had to focus on impact, not just credentials.
What really struck me in recent years is how little research exists on climate anxiety, especially when it comes to effective, meaningful treatment. Much of the advice out there focuses on purely emotional acceptance of the crisis plus surface-level actions: ‘Join a group or Pick up litter’. And sure, some action is better than none. But it quickly became clear that many therapists and support systems don’t fully grasp the magnitude of the climate crisis, and even sustainability experts are not aware of alternatives to the individual vs collective action divide.
So yes—please do join a group, groups can do amazing things, so do what you can. But if you’re one of the 1 in 10 people who feel truly hopeless and depressed about what’s ahead, and no one seems to care then picking up litter and lifestyle changes simply won’t cut it. I know—because I’ve been there.
With this critical decade of action already half over, I’ve committed to making the biggest impact I can. Not alone. Not waiting for political will. But by helping empower those who are struggling with climate fear and anxiety—especially parents—with the tools, skills, and new ways of thinking that complexity science can offer. When we apply it at the local level, in our communities that we live in and know deeply, we don’t just build resilience—we build meaning, connection, and see real change.
So if you feel isolated and helpless facing an uncertain future, I want to help you find genuine hope through action-based meaning.
To any parents out there who are struggling with climate anxiety—or if your child is anxious about the future—I’m here for you. Let’s talk. Contact me anytime – meri@meridethkelliher.com
You are not alone. Hope is possible.
“The best time
-Chinese proverb, edited.to plant a treefor climate action was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
