Our climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, in every region on earth, due to human activity (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2021). Whilst lots of us are aware of the impacts for physical health, experts are now pointing towards another consequence of the climate and nature emergency – the strain on our mental health.
Eco-anxiety is described as 'a chronic fear of environmental doom', with feelings of loss, helplessness and frustration arising from 'watching the slow and seemingly irrevocable impacts of climate change unfold, and worrying about the future for oneself, children, and later generations' (American Psychiatric Association, 2017). You may also have heard the terms ‘eco-anger’, ‘climate anxiety’ and ‘ecological grief’ used.
Eco-anxiety can be triggered by media coverage of climate-related extreme weather events, like floods, wildfires and drought, and harms caused to communities, animals, habitats and ecosystems. But for many of us, we feel this every day – each time we scroll through social media or simply step outside. It's a proportionate and rational response to a very real threat. The treatment is not medication or counselling – it is effective action.
How is it affecting children and young people?
The largest international survey of climate anxiety included 10,000 people aged 16 to 24, it found that 67% were frightened of the future because of climate change (source: Marks, E. and Hickman, C. et al.,(2021). Young People's Voices on Climate Anxiety, Government Betrayal and Moral Injury: A Global Phenomenon)
Over half felt that humanity is doomed and nearly half reported an impact on their daily functioning. It is important that adults and organisations create a safe space to discuss these feelings and emotions (source: Strife S. J. (2012). Children's environmental concerns: expressing ecophobia. J. Environ. Educ. 43, 37–54.)
The findings of this study are discussed in more detail and available on the Climate anxiety global study launch video.
How is it affecting adults?
- Pollution and climate change is one of the highest concerns for the British public
- 84% of the British public think the climate and ecological emergency will affect their mental health
- 66% of Americans are 'somewhat worried' and 53% feel helpless about climate change
See the anxious nation: eco-grief takes hold as ‘code red for humanity’ hits home
More eco-anxiety resources
- Take action – creating opportunities for collective action to build sense of agency in addressing climate change
- Self-care – make time to do things you enjoy to avoid burn out. Connecting with nature significantly boosts health and wellbeing
- Nurture hope – focus on achievements and solutions. The book Drawdown provides climate solutions
- Allow space to process difficult feelings – this five minute video by Dr Anna Seth outlines strategies to look after our mental health
Action groups for health professionals
- Cadence Roundtable – a network of public servants who provide peer support for climate anxiety
- Health Declares - Health Declares Climate and Ecological Emergency is a grassroots, voluntary group of health professionals and organisations from across the UK
- Health for Extinction Rebellion - Health for Extinction Rebellion is a collective of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who are deeply concerned about the climate and ecological crisis and its impact on the health and well-being of patients, the public and people across the world
- Medact - Medact’s mission is to support health professionals from all disciplines to work together towards a world in which everyone can truly achieve and exercise their human right to health. Their Fossil Free Health campaign persuaded the British Medical Association (2014) and the World Medical Association (2016) to withdraw financial investments from fossil fuel companies
- UK Health Alliance on Climate Change - coordinates action, provides leadership, and amplifies the voice of health professionals across the UK
- Greener NHS – works with NHS staff, hospitals and partners. Sharing ideas on how to reduce the impact on public health and the environment, save money and reach net carbon zero
Action groups and volunteering opportunities
- Friends of the Earth
- Woodland Trust
- Groundwork
- Climate Action Leeds and other Leeds climate groups
- Zero Carbon Yorkshire
- Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission
"Our motivation should not be fear, but hope.” Sir David Attenborough