‘What is your climate future?’ How tarot card readings could ease ‘eco-anxiety’

Two cards lie face up during an ECOtarot reading on March 15, 2022, in an old historic building in Phoenix, Arizona. The card on the left reveals some climate-related event that will occur in the arc of my lifetime. The card on the right reveals an ability I have to help in that event. (Photo by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)

Adriene Jenik reshuffles the cards after finishing an ECOtarot reading on March 15, 2022, in an old historic building in Phoenix, Arizona. Her goal is not to dismiss the importance of scientific reports about climate change, but rather to bring creativity into the process and give people an outlet to express their true feelings. (Photo by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)

Adriene Jenik reshuffles the cards after finishing an ECOtarot reading on March 15, 2022, in an old historic building in Phoenix, Arizona. Her goal is not to dismiss the importance of scientific reports about climate change, but rather to bring creativity into the process and give people an outlet to express their true feelings. (Photo by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)

(Audio by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)

Artist and Arizona State University professor Adriene Jenik thought giving tarot card readings on climate change was “nutty.” But scientists supported her, and now she’s given thousands of ECOtarot readings all over the world to address eco-anxiety.

Emma VandenEinde EH-muh VAN-din-ine-dee (she/her/hers)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Emma VandenEinde expects to graduate in May 2022 with a master’s degree in journalism. VandenEinde, who has reported for KJZZ, produced for Arizona PBS and edited ASU Thrive, is working for the Phoenix news bureau.