about.
I’m a freelance journalist based in Santa Barbara, California, reporting on environmental and climate justice with a focus on the psychological and social dimensions of ecological crisis. My work examines how climate disruption, extractive industries, and political ideology shape not only landscapes, but also mental health and behavior. My writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Outside, The New Republic, Eos, Medium, and elsewhere. Previously, I was a staff writer at Pacific Standard, where I covered environmental and criminal justice.
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology, with particular interests in climate distress, resilience, and the therapeutic role of nature in healing individual and collective trauma. I hold a master’s degree in science journalism and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral neuroscience.
For assignments or tips, you can reach me at kate.wheeling@gmail.com.