Climate Anxiety: The Mental Health Impact of a Warming World

As the wildfires spread across California in 2021, many youngsters reported feeling more distress and anxiety. A survey by The Lancet found that 59 percent of youth are gravely concerned about climate change. Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old climate activist, was also a part of this eco-distress and talked about her struggles coping with climate anxiety.

Climate change is often regarded as the most significant risk to global mental health in the upcoming century. This increasing concern, commonly known as climate anxiety, is a profound mental health issue that is affecting millions of people worldwide.

According to a survey undertaken by the American Psychiatric Association, more than two-thirds of Americans are somewhat or extremely anxious about the impact of climate change on the planet, and more than half are anxious about its effect on their mental health.

So, it’s not just the young generation who is dealing with it, and soon, if not already, it will be a crucial factor affecting mental health, generally. Just imagine awakening each morning feeling an impending doom—not because of personal issues or work pressure but because of our planet’s constant degradation.

"The trauma caused by the disruption of our climate is real and it's happening now."

Lise Van Susteren - a psychiatrist and climate change activist

Dr. Lise Van Susteren

Psychiatrist and climate activist

Regional Case Studies

Filho and his peers (2023) reviewed multiple case studies from the Pacific region, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, and others, showing that extreme weather events disrupt life-support systems, population livelihoods, and well-being. This disruption affects determinant factors such as food security, malnutrition, water security, vector- and water-borne diseases, and displacement, affecting the population’s mental health.

Climate change could force up to 75 million people in the Pacific region to migrate by 2050. Mental illness prevalence in the first two years following flood events ranges from 8.6% to 53%. The 2012 flood in Fiji, the country’s worst, caused over FJ $70 million in damages, about 0.9% of the country’s GDP.

Tropical Cyclone Winston affected approximately 40% of Fiji’s population, resulting in 44 deaths. After the cyclone, 8,466 people received psychological first aid. Tropical Cyclone Harold affected the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga in early April 2020, impacting areas home to 92,300 people, or 30% of the country’s population.

The entire population of Kiribati, about 115,840, lives only one kilometer from the sea. It’s estimated that 10% of the Kiribati population will experience mild to moderate mental illness, and nearly 3% will experience a severe form of mental illness.

The findings imply that a higher prevalence of mental health issues in the area is a result of the region’s increasing frequency of extreme weather occurrences. These issues are linked to increased vulnerability and a comparatively low level of resilience. The results highlight the need for Pacific nation public health systems to be improved in order to better prepare them to handle the demands of a changing environment. (Filho et al., 2023)

Another study discusses the vulnerability of older persons to climate anxiety. The authors highlight that climate change threatens the basic prerequisites for well-being, including clean air and water, food supply, and shelter security.

This is especially harmful to older persons, who are more susceptible to climate-related adversities, leading to high incidences of physical and mental health conditions such as shock, trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobic impairment, substance use disorders, and increase in suicidality or aggression.

An interesting concept of “climate change ageism” blames seniors for climate change, negatively affecting their well-being. It notes the absence of legal protection for the elderly in international climate agreements. The authors advocate for a UN convention on the rights of older persons and emphasize the need to merge elder care and environmental sustainability in the face of a worsening climate crisis.

However, children are also at the most risk. A 2021 UNICEF report estimates that one billion children will be at “extremely high risk” due to climate change. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to chronic stress, which may increase their risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

The Root Causes of Climate Anxiety

So, what’s fueling this surge in climate anxiety? Let’s delve into the main culprits:

Media Coverage and Scientific Reports

The media plays a significant role in shaping our perception of climate change. The incessant flow of news about escalating temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events can make us anxious and helpless, adding to our climate anxiety.

An article published in PubMed drew a positive correlation between media exposure and climate anxiety was reported in a study conducted on Italian university students. The researchers found that media coverage of climate change was among the primary factors influencing the level of anxiety experienced by participants.

Moreover, reports from scientific bodies detailing the dire consequences of climate change can also stoke climate anxiety. The feeling that governments are not doing enough to avert a climate catastrophe further exacerbates this anxiety.

Personal Experiences

Unlike other stressors that are often personal, climate change is more universal, chronic, and intangible, affecting people from all walks of life. Experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand, such as extreme weather events, can amplify anxiety.

The lack of effective risk perception and the attribution of extreme weather events to climate change are important factors that influence people’s decisions and behaviors related to climate change.

Humans are wired to respond more strongly to immediate, visible, and fast threats with clear personal impacts or caused by identifiable groups. Climate change, however, often lacks these characteristics, leading to a reduced sense of anxiety and urgency. (Dodds, 2021)

Coping and Resilience Amidst Climate Anxiety

Climate change, a daunting reality of our times, can often trigger feelings of anxiety and helplessness. However, it’s crucial to remember that we are not powerless in this situation.

Our ability to cope and our resilience can serve as powerful tools to navigate through this climate-induced anxiety. As research suggests, resilience can be fostered through maintaining a positive outlook, effective planning, and demonstrating flexibility in the face of adversity.

Consider the analogy of a sailor amidst a storm. Despite the crashing waves and howling winds, the sailor remains calm, adjusts the sails, and changes the course to navigate the storm. This is resilience.

In the context of climate change, the storm symbolizes the challenges we face – rising temperatures, increasing frequency of natural disasters, and more. However, just like the sailor, we too can adjust our sails and change our course. We can take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Advocacy and Action: Catalysts for Climate Change Mitigation

Advocacy and action are the driving forces behind any significant change, and this holds true in the context of climate change as well. They have played a pivotal role in bringing about policy changes and raising global awareness about the urgency of the situation.

"We need urgency and agency to solve the Climate Crisis."

Dr. Michael E. Mann

American climatologist and geophysicist

Consider the example of Greta Thunberg. Her school strike for climate change was a powerful act of advocacy that sparked a global movement and inspired millions to take action. This example clearly illustrates how a single act can create a ripple effect of change. Greta Thunberg’s strike was not just about missing school; it was a statement against climate inaction. It was a call to everyone to stand up for their beliefs and understand that their voice matters.

So, let this inspire you. Stand up for what you believe in. Your actions can make a difference. Remember, advocacy and action start with you.

In conclusion, coping mechanisms, resilience, and advocacy and action are essential tools in our fight against climate change. They help us navigate through the storm and drive change. So, exercise your resilience muscle and raise your voice. You have the power to make a difference.

Future Directions: Steering Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow

As we navigate through the storm of climate change, it’s easy to feel like a small boat in a vast ocean. But remember, even the smallest rudder can steer a big ship. Our actions, no matter how small, can guide us towards a sustainable future.

This journey, however, is not without its mental toll. The growing concern over our planet’s health has evidently given rise to climate anxiety.

The uncertainty and fear can be overwhelming, but a conversation needs to be had. Evidence of this can be seen in the rise of renewable energy. Solar and wind power are becoming more affordable and accessible, providing viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This shift towards cleaner energy sources is not just a trend; it’s a testament to our ability to innovate and adapt. It’s also a beacon of hope for those grappling with climate anxiety.

Take, for example, the city of Copenhagen. Their goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2025. It’s an ambitious target, but they’re striving to achieve it. From wind turbines to green roofs, the city is harnessing the power of renewable energy and setting a precedent for others to follow. It’s a tangible example of how we can combat climate change and, in turn, alleviate some of the eco-anxiety.

Analyzing this, it’s clear that our future direction lies in embracing sustainable practices. It’s about making conscious choices that benefit not just us, but the planet as a whole. It’s also about acknowledging and addressing the mental health implications of climate change.

So, tie this into your life. Think about the choices you make every day. Every decision has an impact, from the food you eat to how you commute. You can shape our planet’s future and manage your climate anxiety.

It’s a journey of resilience, advocacy, and action. It’s a testament to our ability to adapt and innovate. So, let’s embrace the challenge and pave the way for a sustainable future. Because the future is not something that happens to us, it’s something we create. And as we create it, let’s remember to take care of our mental health too.

The bottom line

Climate change’s impact on psychological well-being and mental health is a crucial consideration for policymakers in developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to environmental shifts.

Fiona and her team underscores this, highlighting that while climate change is a significant global mental health threat, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity. By transitioning to sustainable practices, we can mitigate climate change’s effects and improve our mental well-being for future generations.

Our fight against climate change is not solely about environmental preservation; it’s also about safeguarding our mental health.

It’s essential to remember that sustainable practices are not just beneficial for the environment, but they also contribute positively to our mental health.

FAQs

What is climate anxiety?

Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom and the distress caused by watching the slow and seemingly irrevocable impacts of climate change on the earth’s environment and being worried about the future for oneself, children, and future generations.

How does climate change affect mental health?

Climate change can lead to a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and feelings of loss and helplessness. The stress of experiencing or even anticipating the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and long-term shifts in climate, can significantly impact mental well-being.

How to deal with climate anxiety?

Reducing climate anxiety can involve several strategies, such as staying informed but setting limits on media consumption, engaging in community action or environmental advocacy, seeking support from like-minded individuals or groups, and practicing mindfulness or other stress-reduction techniques to manage feelings of anxiety.

Are certain groups more vulnerable to climate anxiety?

Yes, certain groups may be more vulnerable to climate anxiety, including young people, indigenous communities, residents of coastal or drought-prone areas, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions. These groups often face direct impacts from climate change and may feel a greater sense of urgency and vulnerability.

How can communities support individuals experiencing climate anxiety?

Communities can support individuals by fostering climate resilience through education, providing mental health resources specifically addressing eco-anxiety, creating spaces for community members to share their experiences and concerns, and promoting active participation in local environmental actions to empower individuals and reduce feelings of helplessness.