Chapter 1: Understanding Climate Anxiety

The climate crisis is not solely a challenge for our planet; it is profoundly impacting our mental well-being. The pervasive fear that our future may become uninhabitable is increasingly alarming.

Across various demographics, the sense of helplessness in confronting this crisis is manifesting in distressing ways. We are stepping into an era defined by climate anxiety, characterized by a disconnect between our urgent actions to combat climate change and the vast scale of the problem. The inaction of those in power to avert or prepare for a looming disaster leaves many grappling with growing dread, sadness, and frustration about a potentially unlivable future.

Who Is Affected by Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety does not discriminate; it can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background. However, certain populations are more susceptible to its effects. Those living in coastal areas facing rising sea levels or regions experiencing water shortages often feel this anxiety acutely. Yet, even individuals who are not directly impacted are affected by the widespread media coverage of climate change.

A global survey of 10,000 young people aged 16 to 25 revealed that 84% expressed moderate to high levels of concern about climate change, with 45% reporting that these feelings adversely affected their daily lives (Hickman et al., 2021). This trend disproportionately impacts younger generations, who confront an uncertain and potentially grim future, leading to heightened worries about the planet's state and their safety.

Environmental advocates and scientists, who are deeply committed to addressing climate issues, also experience climate anxiety. Furthermore, individuals with existing mental health challenges may find their symptoms exacerbated by the stress associated with the climate crisis. For marginalized groups, the experience of existential threats is not new; these communities have long wrestled with fear and anxiety stemming from systemic oppression. However, those from privileged backgrounds, previously insulated from such concerns, are now confronting this anxiety directly. Importantly, the intense emotions arising from climate anxiety reflect a deep-seated empathy for our planet and community.

Background on the Climate Crisis

Climate change is an undeniable reality we face today. Scientists concur: climate change is happening (Lynas et al., 2021). The increase in global temperatures leads to various consequences, including melting ice caps and rising seas, resulting in catastrophic coastal flooding and erosion. Moreover, extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires—are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The repercussions of climate change extend far beyond habitat loss; they encompass the disintegration of livelihoods and communities, leading to psychological distress for many already grappling with poverty and limited resources.

How Are People Affected?

The ramifications of climate anxiety are varied as we navigate the unique challenges posed by the climate crisis. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 47% of respondents aged 18 to 34 reported that anxiety about climate issues affected their daily lives. Awareness of potential climate impacts can foster feelings of hopelessness and fear for the future. For instance, four months after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, 18% of respondents reported significant psychological distress (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 2018). Following Hurricane Maria, 7% of surveyed Puerto Rican students exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (Orengo-Aguayo et al., 2019).

As the planet continues to warm and carbon dioxide levels rise, managing the emotional fallout of climate change becomes increasingly challenging. Research indicates that higher temperatures correlate with negative mental health outcomes (Liu et al., 2021; Mullins & White, 2019). By the century's end, our cognitive abilities could diminish by up to 25% due to elevated carbon dioxide levels (Karnauskas et al., 2020). Additionally, fossil fuel consumption, which releases harmful air pollutants, is likely to increase with climate change, exacerbating the situation (Clayton, 2020).

Rising temperatures are also linked to increased suicide rates; it is estimated that unmitigated climate change could result in "9,000 to 40,000 additional suicides" in Mexico and the United States by 2050 (Burke et al., 2018). Heightened awareness of our environmental impact can lead to feelings of overwhelm and pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This pressure, coupled with disillusionment towards political leaders and the slow pace of climate action, can contribute to feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Furthermore, the media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of the climate crisis, with constant reports and imagery heightening anxiety and stress.

Why Do People Experience Climate Anxiety?

Individuals experience climate anxiety for various reasons, including fear for the future, feelings of helplessness, political inaction, and exposure to climate change's effects through media coverage. As Britt Wray points out, this complex emotional landscape is challenging to navigate within a culture that prioritizes profit over compassion and the welfare of vulnerable populations (Wray, 2022). However, this is not solely an individual issue; society often presents individualized solutions to the climate crisis.

The burden of being the solution to such a monumental challenge can severely impact mental health. Since the environmental movement gained traction, the narrative has increasingly framed ecological issues—such as plastic pollution and carbon emissions—as problems solvable by individual lifestyle changes. Suggestions like recycling more, reducing travel, or having fewer children place an immense weight of responsibility on individuals, especially in a society heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

For many living paycheck to paycheck, transitioning away from fossil fuels poses significant challenges. Before advocating for climate action, individuals are often urged to become perfect zero-impact consumers in an economy that makes such a lifestyle unattainable. The fossil fuel industry benefits from this narrative, deflecting responsibility for climate change away from corporations and onto individuals, fostering guilt for simply existing.

How to Cope with Climate Anxiety

Despite the pervasive negativity surrounding climate anxiety, it is essential to explore ways to process these emotions and transform them into positive action. Britt Wray, author of Generation Dread, emphasizes that the key lies in supporting ourselves through these feelings, preventing us from getting stuck in despair (Wray, 2022).

Internal Activism

Engaging with distressing articles or videos about climate chaos without an outlet for processing emotions can be incredibly challenging. The sadness many feel is a natural reaction to the injustices we witness, reflecting a deep care for our world. While these emotions can lead to darker thoughts, they can also be a source of motivation.

Wray states, "It is precisely when we turn towards tough feelings and have the support to process them that we unlock our capacity for strength and resolve to act" (Wray, 2022). Harnessing these emotions can fuel external actions needed to avert the worst outcomes of climate change. Recognizing and understanding our feelings is a vital step in what psychologist Caroline Hickman refers to as "internal activism."

Hickman and Wray describe this journey as one of emotional peaks and valleys. Instead of suppressing anxiety or despair, we should acknowledge it and reflect on its origins. This practice enhances emotional intelligence, making it easier to navigate similar feelings in the future. Coping strategies may include meditation, gratitude journaling, exercise, and mindfulness techniques to expand our "window of tolerance."

Ultimately, this internal struggle cannot occur in isolation. Confronting strong emotions can be excruciating. Human beings need support from peers, climate-aware therapy, or community spaces to process and express their climate anxieties.

External Activism

While it is tempting to seek quick fixes to alleviate raw emotions, engaging in activism can serve as a beneficial outlet for climate anxiety. External actions are crucial for building supportive networks and fostering meaningful change. However, it is essential to process our anxiety and grief alongside these actions; otherwise, unacknowledged emotions may lead to burnout. Finding a community with shared values and goals can be immensely therapeutic.

Participating in collective action can help alleviate feelings of depression among young adults grappling with climate anxiety. Engaging with a supportive community fosters social connections, which are vital for maintaining mental health (e.g., Lorimer et al., 2020; Velez & Moradi, 2016). By collaborating with others, prioritizing self-care, and focusing on solutions, individuals can address the root causes of the climate crisis while mitigating the adverse effects of climate anxiety.

To instigate societal change and ignite a climate revolution, we must confront our intricate emotional landscapes. This involves embracing both internal and external activism to enhance emotional intelligence, broaden our tolerance for uncertainty, and seek community support through action.

Conclusion

The climate crisis and its associated anxiety are pressing issues affecting people of all ages, significantly influencing our emotional and psychological health. Although the enormity of climate change can be overwhelming, it is crucial to recognize that there are steps we can take to alleviate its effects, both individually and collectively. By uniting in our efforts, we can create a sustainable future that prioritizes not only the health of our planet but also our emotional and psychological well-being.

This ABC News video discusses the mental health impacts of climate change, highlighting personal stories and expert insights into climate anxiety.

Britt Wray explores how climate change affects mental health, offering valuable perspectives on coping and collective action to address climate anxiety.

Sources

• Albrecht, G. Psychoterratic conditions in a scientific and technological world. Ecopsychology: Science, Totems, and the Technological Species, MIT Press, Cambridge, UK (2012), pp. 241–264.