If Everyone Tripped on Psychedelics, We’d Do More About Climate Change

Image: Vice

In a thought-provoking article published by VICE already in 2019, Shayla Love explored the intriguing connection between psychedelic experiences and environmental consciousness. The piece delves into how substances like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT can foster a profound sense of connection to nature, potentially leading to increased pro-environmental behaviours.

Love presents research from various experts, including scientists from Imperial College London and Yale University, who have found that psychedelic experiences can significantly enhance feelings of nature-relatedness.

This connection persists long after the initial experience and is associated with greater happiness and environmentally friendly actions. The article discusses the concept of "ego dissolution" as a key mechanism through which psychedelics promote this heightened sense of connectedness to the natural world.

While acknowledging the legal and safety concerns surrounding psychedelic use, the author explores alternative methods to cultivate nature-relatedness without drugs. These include spending more time in nature, engaging in creative activities, and potentially using virtual reality experiences. Love concludes by emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change and suggests that understanding and fostering nature-relatedness could be a crucial step in motivating people to take action to protect the planet.