Environmental Advocates Use Humor To Fight Burnout

Amid growing ecological crises, rising social inequality and increasing activist fatigue, environmental justice advocates are turning to humour as an unconventional yet effective tool to sustain resilience and strengthen engagement.

The approach was the focus of an eco-comedy live show organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation and Environmental Rights Action in Benin City, Edo State.

The event brought together activists, comedians, students and media practitioners to explore how storytelling and satire can address burnout while advancing advocacy.

Through speeches, personal narratives, comedy performances and group discussions, participants examined the psychological toll of activism and practical ways to sustain long-term engagement without compromising wellbeing.

Organisers said activists often operate under constant pressure, confronting traumatic experiences, resistance and limited success due to entrenched systemic challenges.

These conditions, they noted, frequently lead to burnout, reducing both productivity and quality of life. The eco-comedy initiative sought to encourage reflection on these realities while introducing humour as a means of coping and reconnecting with purpose.

A key feature of the gathering was the “activists’ chronicles” session, where participants shared personal experiences ranging from security challenges and communication barriers to moments of failure and sacrifice. While many of the stories reflected difficult circumstances, speakers highlighted how such experiences ultimately contributed to growth, resilience and renewed commitment to environmental justice.

Executive-director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey said the use of humour must be understood as a deliberate and strategic choice in activism.

“We are living in a time of overlapping ecological and social crises, and we must remain rooted in purpose, conscious of our collective power, and alert to the urgency of the moment.

Humour should inspire us to reflect on who we are and the socio-ecological issues we must confront. Comedy is not neutral; it is a viable tool for action. Giving up is very dangerous. To surrender is to allow injustice to prevail unchecked,” he said.

Deputy executive-director of Environmental Rights Action, Mariann Bassey-Olsson, stressed that sustaining activism requires preserving humanity and emotional balance.

“If activists lose their joy, they will lose the movement. We are not laughing because things are easy; we are laughing because we refuse to be broken. Humour reaches where policy papers cannot.

When we laugh together, we heal, we reconnect, and we remember why we started, not a distraction; it is resistance. Activism must sustain people, not consume them,” she said

Participants also outlined practical strategies to manage stress and trauma, including prioritising tasks, strengthening collaboration, delegating responsibilities, incorporating art into advocacy, and allowing time for rest and recovery. The event further emphasised the importance of solidarity and collective care within activist networks.