Climate Anxiety and Its Power to Change the Earth’s Future

Photo taken Li-An Lim on Unsplash

The topic of climate change remains to be one of the most polarising discussions to be had. With increased pressure being placed on politicians and corporations to play their part in implementing a national climate strategy, the volatility of the war against climate change has heightened significantly. This call for change is fully justified however, with the increase in extreme weather events, rising reports on climate impact and the constant exposure to real-time climate news from social media such as TikTok. With all this noise, there is an introduction of the term “climate anxiety”. Climate anxiety refers to the feeling of constant worrying and fear for the impact of climate change on the future of the Earth’s inhabitants. This feeling is increasingly common and is shared primarily amongst the younger generation, who are expected to bear the brunt of these environmental challenges and resource depletion.

The Relationship between Climate Anxiety and Mental Health

Climate anxiety and mental health are closely intertwined. Feelings of anger, fear and grief are common experiences of those struggling with mental illnesses and said feelings can be amplified by the increasing loss of biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment. In an article titled “Yale Experts Explain Climate Change”, researchers Anthony Leiserowitz and Sarah Lowe highlight that around 10% of Americans are reported to have anxiety regarding global warming which is often linked to pre-existing mental health issues. Between generations, the anxiety levels vary with the younger generation being more likely to acknowledge the problem and express concern. This could be due to the significant increase in the usage of social media to express personal opinion. That being said, climate anxiety itself is still a topic being researched but the general consensus and worry about climate change has been on the rise over the past two decades. Symptoms include persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, lack of focus and intense feelings of hopelessness when thinking about the current state of the climate crisis.

It is important to note that climate anxiety differs from general anxiety due to its emphasis on the effects of climate change which combines with a sense of helplessness and uncertainty. Similar to anxiety however, climate anxiety can stunt an individual’s drive by impacting their mental wellbeing, lifestyle choices and possible career ambitions. For some, the climate battle may feel uncontrollable causing their futures and aspirations to be on the brink of impending doom. While it may seem inherently negative, climate anxiety can also have a positive effect on people’s motivation to play their role in saving the planet through activism.

The Impact of Climate Anxiety on People's Futures

Climate anxiety’s impact in changing lifestyles and career choices can be seen from the shift in priorities for a majority of young people. Many seem to be re-evaluating their goals by prioritising sustainable lifestyles such as minimal or zero-waste practices, while also considering career paths that may contribute to the environment positively. By choosing to work in fields related to sustainability, conservation or renewable energy, the younger generation is hoping to turn back the clock before it’s too late. Recently, fast fashion has been getting a bad reputation on the internet leading to the encouragement to choose sustainable fashion by thrifting second-hand clothes. With ongoing enhancements, the transportation system is reaching more destinations, making it easier for people to utilise alternative transportation methods. This in turn reduces carbon footprints and with gas prices increasing, less people are keen to use their cars to drive about. Through these actions, it is clear that climate anxiety has its benefits in influencing a proactive stance in the future generation.

Photo taken by Li-An Lim on Unsplash

The Role of Activism in Changing the Earth's Future

Activism serves as a powerful coping mechanism for those struggling with climate anxiety. This is because it allows individuals to turn their anxiety into a purposeful action, providing them with a sense of control and purpose. They can also find a community by participating in the climate movement and working towards their environmental goals. It is through collective efforts like these that can drive larger-scale change compared to individual actions. For example, advocating for stronger environmental policies and participating in climate strikes can lead to companies, governments and lawmakers to be held accountable by influencing policies, increasing public awareness and educating the public on sustainable practices. The collective achievements of the climate movement can help impact a positive future for our planet while also providing hope and empowerment for the future generation in the face of climate challenges.

Coping with climate anxiety can help individuals manage their stress by fostering a sense of empowerment through different strategies. This includes mental health support such as therapy focusing on anxiety or mindful practices that can help reduce an individual’s stress. Having a support system by joining climate movement groups or attending support networks can provide emotional comfort and reassurance for those struggling with climate anxiety. Shared experiences can ensure they do not feel alone in their concerns for climate change. Taking these steps such as making personal lifestyle changes, participating in activism or learning about positive environmental developments can help make the feeling of helplessness more manageable and provide a sense of proactiveness. Individuals should practise limiting overwhelming news and instead focus on meaningful progress made by themselves or their climate action group. This can ease anxiety and promote the positive outlook necessary for a person’s bright future. Ultimately, climate anxiety does not have to be as it seems. It can instead be used as a motivator, as it is a sign of deep care for the planet that can encourage the younger generations to advocate for systemic solutions. Through this it is hoped that people can transform their anxiety into empowerment as they strive for a better tomorrow.