Climate Anxiety: Understanding, Coping, and Taking Action

What is Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, is the chronic fear, worry, or distress caused by the climate crisis and its future consequences. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more frequent, and ecosystems degrade, many feel overwhelmed and powerless.

Adding to this already intangible climate anxiety is the fact that there is a vast amount of conflicting information on the cause and solution as well as whether or not climate change even exists. 

Regardless, the large majority of us are not responsible for climate change. We do not control how organisations choose to package their goods. We don’t have a choice whether a large corporation imports fruit from a country across the ocean because it’s cheaper. 

So, climate anxiety is real. Let’s create personal strategies and techniques to circumvent our role and responsibility in fuelling this issue. Let’s refocus our efforts and start holding corporations, owners of private jets and governments accountable.

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Signs and Symptoms of Climate Anxiety

According to PsychUniverse, climate anxiety manifests differently for everyone, but common signs include:

• Persistent worry about the future of the planet
• Feelings of helplessness or despair
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares about climate-related disasters
• Guilt over personal carbon footprint
• Difficulty concentrating due to overwhelming thoughts about climate change
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of climate-related discussions

The biggest problem with climate anxiety is that it operates under the radar. It’s a long, slow build-up of fear and worry that settles into our subconscious. So many of us do not account for the toll this takes on our capacity to manage stress. Tempers flare, burnout increases, and medications are given. All the while, the problem keeps getting bigger. 

Why is Climate Anxiety Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the rise of climate anxiety, including:

1. Scientific Reports and Media Coverage

Continuous exposure to news about wildfires, hurricanes, and rising sea levels can heighten fear and stress. Social media platforms amplify these messages, often without providing constructive solutions. 

Adding to increased exposure to climate change, outdated videos are often tagged to current events.

2. Direct Experiences of Climate Change

People who have personally experienced climate disasters—such as floods, droughts, or wildfires—are more likely to suffer from eco-anxiety. The trauma of losing homes or loved ones due to climate events can result in PTSD.

A family member went through the floods of Kwa-Zulu Natal (South Africa) four years ago. The next year, the area flooded again. Now, when it rains, she says the anxiety amongst everyone is palatable.  

3. Uncertain Future for Younger Generations

Many young people worry about the kind of world they will inherit. They question whether they should have children, invest in long-term careers, or plan for retirement in an unpredictable climate future.

Younger generations are also losing trust in governments and institutions. Conversations on climate anxiety and who is responsible increase, and so does the debate on whether climate change exists. Perpetuated by social media, younger generations feel extremely divided on what is reality and what is profit and/or motive-driven.

4. Lack of Urgent Action by Governments and Corporations

Frustration over political inaction or corporate greenwashing can intensify feelings of powerlessness, especially when individuals feel their efforts aren’t enough.

Having to suck a milkshake through a soggy paper straw, while the rich and popular fly private jets for a day to the Super Bowl. When corporations continue to use plastic packaging, without accountability for its disposal. This blatant lack of accountability fuels climate anxiety.

How to Cope with Climate Anxiety

Although your climate anxiety is a perfectly normal response to a real crisis, there are ways to manage the emotional toll and take back control. 

1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings

You might think it’s silly to have anxiety about climate change. The reality is, we are bombarded with conflicting narratives about the uncertainty of our future. When we acknowledge our emotions and give them a name, we take back control. 

Instead of feeling guilty for snapping at a work colleague, your awareness of this anxiety means you can adjust your approach to the day. Maybe do admin work alone or take yourself out for a nice lunch. Don’t feel shy to share this anxiety with a close friend or confidant. 

2. Focus on What You Can Control

Instead of dwelling on global problems, focus on what’s within your reach:

• Continue your efforts to reduce waste by recycling and composting.
• Choose sustainable products. Check your clothing, most fabric is plastic by-products. 
• If you can support local and ethical businesses, do it!
• Help increase awareness by sharing and engaging with meaningful content.

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3. Engage in Climate Action

Taking action can help reduce feelings of helplessness. Some meaningful ways to contribute include:

• Joining environmental groups or movements
• Signing petitions for stronger climate policies
• Donating to conservation efforts
• Volunteering for community projects such as reforestation projects or community cleanups

4. Set Boundaries with Your Content Consumption

Staying informed is important, but overconsumption of climate-related news can fuel your climate anxiety. This applies to all of the content you consume, even local news and events. Limit your exposure to negative content and balance it with positive stories and content. 

5. Spend Time in Nature

Connecting with nature is a powerful way to fill your cup with positivity. Activities like hiking, gardening, or simply spending time in green spaces can reduce stress and calm our nervous systems.

6. Seek Professional Support

If climate anxiety is severely impacting your life, consider speaking with a therapist, especially one specialising in eco-psychology. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices can also be helpful.

Turning Anxiety into Hope

Instead of viewing climate anxiety as purely negative, we can reframe it as a catalyst for action. The fact that so many people care deeply about the planet means there is potential for real change. By taking small but consistent steps and advocating for sustainability, we can work toward a healthier, more resilient future.

Final Thought:

Climate anxiety is a growing concern, but it doesn’t have to be paralysing. If we drive awareness, action, and community support, we can transform fear into empowerment and play an important role in reducing our impact on the world.

Some helpful books include "The Uninhabitable Earth" by David Wallace-Wells and "A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety" by Sarah Jaquette Ray. Organisations like the Climate Psychology Alliance also offer support.