In a world where frequent news of climate disasters and environmental concerns saturate our screens, it’s no wonder many of us are feeling the weight of climate anxiety and eco anxiety. These terms, popularized in part by climate activists like Greta Thunberg and prevalent in discussions surrounding mental health, refer to the psychological distress caused by the awareness of the environmental crises facing our planet.
#1 Climate Anxiety versus Eco Anxiety: Know the Difference
Although climate anxiety and eco anxiety may seem similar at first glance, they stem from slightly different concerns. Climate anxiety often revolves around the big-picture effects of climate change, like rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and the long-term impacts on ecosystems and human societies. It’s like worrying about the future of the planet as a whole, feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the problem, and fearing for the safety and well-being of future generations.
On the other hand, eco anxiety tends to focus more on personal actions and lifestyle choices, like feeling guilty about not recycling enough, using too much plastic, or contributing to deforestation through consumer habits. It’s like feeling anxious about your own role in environmental degradation and wanting to make changes to live more sustainably, but also feeling powerless in the face of larger systemic issues.
#2 How Climate Anxiety and Eco Anxiety Make You Feel
Both climate anxiety and eco anxiety can lead to similar feelings of stress, fear, overwhelm, helplessness, and even anger. However, they come from slightly different perspectives. Climate anxiety is what you experience when you worry about the fate of the planet on a global scale, while eco anxiety is more about feeling guilty or anxious about your own individual impact on the environment.
If you experience both, you are not alone. According to a recent study, a staggering 84% of young adults are at least moderately worried about climate change, with many experiencing significant mental health impacts as a result. Many youth feel deeply concerned about the kind of world they will inherit and they see the urgent need for action to address environmental issues.
#3 How Climate Anxiety and Eco Anxiety Manifest
Climate anxiety and eco anxiety can manifest in various forms, from mild worry to severe distress that significantly impacts your daily functioning and mental well-being.
Imagine you recycle and conserve water diligently, but you’re overwhelmed when you see news of deforestation and extreme weather events. You may experience sleeplessness, irritability, and a persistent sense of doom—classic signs of climate anxiety.
The frustration and anger when reading about another natural disaster, or guilt over your personal carbon footprints because you had to take a flight can also feed eco anxiety.
Or let’s say you are inspired by Greta Thunberg, and you feel compelled to act but you’re paralyzed by the scale of the problem. You may feel like no matter what you do, it won’t help on a larger scale. This experience of powerlessness can grow into eco anxiety.
#4 The Power of Acknowledging Climate Anxiety and Eco Anxiety
Like many others, you may desire to make a positive difference and turn your emotions into action. The best way to get started while protecting your mental health is to validate your own emotions.
Anxiety, in its many forms, is a natural human response to perceived threats, and when it comes to climate change, the threat is real and pressing. So, before transforming climate and eco anxiety into action, it is crucial to acknowledge them. You can vent and reflect on your feelings by journaling or using a personal AI chatbot that responds in real time.
Imagine you’re deeply concerned about the environmental impact of fast fashion and want to take steps to reduce your clothing waste. You feel overwhelmed as you scroll through social media feeds filled with advertisements promoting the latest trends at unsustainable prices. You experience a mix of frustration, guilt, and sadness as you learn about the exploitative labor practices and environmental degradation associated with the fashion industry.
Take a moment to recognize that these emotions are valid responses to the reality of fast fashion’s harmful effects on people and the planet. Always remember that you’re not alone in this. There are many examples of people that started out just like you.
#5 Draw Inspiration From Successful Examples
Consider the case of Maya Penn, a young climate activist who has been voicing her concerns about the environment since she was eight years old. Instead of succumbing to eco anxiety and despair, she founded a sustainable fashion brand and created an animated short film to spread awareness about the importance of pollinators. Maya exemplifies how eco anxiety can be a powerful motivator for change when you use hope and joy as tools of resilience
Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti, an award-winning Kenyan environmental activist, founded the Green Generation Initiative, which aims to combat deforestation and climate change by planting trees and educating young people about the importance of nature. She witnessed firsthand the destruction of the forests and streams she cherished in her childhood. Motivated by anger and heartbreak at the loss of natural spaces, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to addressing global environmental challenges for the sake of humanity’s survival.
Greta Thunberg, who turned her eco anxiety into activism beginning with weekly protests in front of the Swedish parliament in 2018, has since evolved into a global youth movement. Despite facing legal challenges, she remains committed to the climate justice movement and encourages others to join. Thunberg continues to criticize politicians for their inaction and tout the urgent need for change.
Jerome Foster II, the youngest White House advisor, turned his eco anxiety into advocacy for marginalized communities in climate reform on President Biden’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His activism, rooted in early experiences like interning for Congressman John Lewis at 14, focuses on fair policy creation and systemic change to address climate and discrimination issues. Foster works to amplify marginalized voices through initiatives like Waic Up, a youth-led news organization, urging for disruption in the face of environmental and social crises.
#6 Climate Anxiety and Eco Anxiety Are Collective Experiences
None of the above activists is or was alone in their struggle and neither should you. Climate anxiety and eco anxiety are collective experiences, and there’s strength in numbers. Collective action has been shown to be both therapeutic and effective in combating feelings of isolation and helplessness. Joining local environmental groups, participating in clean-up drives, or even supporting sustainable businesses are ways to engage with a community of like-minded individuals who share your concerns and aspirations for a healthier planet.
Building social cohesion within your community can serve as a bedrock for resilience against climate stressors. Dr. Britt Wray, who specializes in climate and mental health, underscores the importance of robust social ties. When communities are tightly knit, they fare better during adversity, as members are more likely to look out for one another. For instance, during a heatwave, neighborhoods with strong community bonds will have people checking in on each other, sharing resources, and ensuring everyone’s well-being.
#7 Get The Conversation Going
Furthermore, having open discussions about the climate crisis is vital. Silence and taboo only serve to hinder collaboration and action. Talk openly about climate change and express your concerns and hopes, in order to pave the way for shared goals and collective action. This approach can cut across political lines, as more people support pro-climate legislation than is commonly understood. Initiating the conversation can be as simple as discussing an article on renewable energy over dinner or sharing a post about conservation efforts on social media.
In addition to fostering local connections, try to maintain an international perspective. We can all learn from global experiences and advocating for aid and investment in regions facing immediate climate threats, such as the devastating floods in Pakistan. This can help us prepare for similar challenges at home while supporting those at the forefront of the crisis. International awareness promotes a sense of global citizenship, reminding us that we share this planet and its fate.
#8 Explore the Power of Tech and Innovation
Take Rostam Reifschneider, a recent MIT graduate and co-founder of Hydrova Inc., who tackles his eco anxiety by focusing on practical solutions for the aluminum industry’s decarbonization. He acknowledges the enormity of global challenges but finds hope in technology and innovation, believing they offer the greatest arsenal yet to combat climate change.
Despite the gravity of the situation, he remains optimistic, seeing the current era as one with unparalleled potential for meaningful change, because we have more tools at our disposal to combat climate change than ever before. The advancements in renewable energy technologies, sustainable building practices, and environmental policy reforms are all weapons in our arsenal. The key is to support and invest in these innovations along with other passionate individuals and teams working tirelessly to solve various aspects of this complex issue.
#9 Explore Both Sides of Climate Anxiety and Eco Anxiety
Eco anxiety is not all bad, anxiety can be good. While often overwhelming, it serves as a signal, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truth about our environment. It nudges us out of complacency and fuels our determination to seek out and implement solutions. Rather than succumbing to a sense of doom, you can harness your eco anxiety into education, activism, and lifestyle changes that contribute to the collective effort to mitigate climate change.
Consider the words of writer Rebecca Solnit: “The future is dark, with a darkness as much of the womb as the grave.” Solnit reframes “darkness” as uncertainty and the potential for new life instead of defeat, despair, or terror. The unknown future holds as much potential for positive change as it does for negative outcomes.
Although not a medical diagnosis, climate anxiety and eco anxiety are increasingly recognized as impacting people’s well-being by mental health professionals. They stress the importance of finding a balance between staying informed about climate issues and avoiding the paralysis that can come from constant exposure to negative news. For example, you may choose a “smart media” diet by reading articles in the morning to stay informed and avoiding exposure to distressing news before bedtime.
Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a student supporting Greta Thunberg’s message, or simply someone trying to navigate the complexities of eco anxiety and mental health, start your journey today. Take small steps and set healthy, achievable goals.
The battle against climate change is as much about healing our planet as it is about healing ourselves.
Now stop scrolling and go make some noise!