Eco anxiety
- Amanda Ross
- May 28, 2024
- 5 min read
Understanding Eco-Anxiety: A Growing Concern in the Modern World
Feeling a bit green around the gills? You might be suffering from eco-anxiety, the latest buzzword for the collective bellyache we're feeling about our planet's health. It's not just a passing concern, this is deep-seated worry seeping into our everyday, affecting our peace of mind and mental well-being. But hey, at least we're paying attention, right?
Defining Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety is characterized by a range of emotional responses, including stress, worry, fear, and even depression, triggered by the awareness of environmental issues. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines eco-anxiety as "a chronic fear of environmental doom" and acknowledges it as a legitimate psychological phenomenon. It is particularly prevalent among younger generations who are acutely aware of the long-term implications of climate change.
Causes of Eco-Anxiety
Several factors contribute to the development of eco-anxiety:
Media Exposure: Continuous exposure to news about natural disasters, climate change, and environmental degradation can amplify feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
Direct Experience: Individuals who have experienced climate-related events, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods, are more likely to develop eco-anxiety.
Scientific Reports: Reading and understanding scientific reports on the current and projected impacts of climate change can contribute to a sense of impending doom.
Intergenerational Responsibility: Younger people often feel a burden of responsibility for future generations, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
Impacts on Mental Health
Eco-anxiety can have several psychological effects, including:
Chronic Stress: Persistent worry about the environment can lead to chronic stress, impacting physical health and cognitive functions.
Depression: Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness regarding the environment can lead to depressive symptoms.
Anxiety Disorders: Severe eco-anxiety can contribute to generalized anxiety disorder or specific phobias related to environmental issues.
Existential Anxiety: Concerns about the survival of humanity and the planet can lead to existential dread and a sense of purposelessness.
Research and Findings
Recent studies have highlighted the growing prevalence of eco-anxiety. For instance, a 2021 survey conducted by the Lancet found that 84% of respondents aged 16-25 were moderately worried about climate change, with 59% very or extremely worried . Additionally, a report by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that 70% of Americans are worried about climate change, and 29% are very worried.
Another study published in the journal Global Environmental Change explored the psychological impact of climate change on young people. It found that climate change and environmental destruction contribute to high levels of stress and anxiety among youth, often leading to feelings of betrayal by governments and older generations.
All the Small Things
Let's face it, the state of the environment can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. Eco-anxiety is a real and valid response to the challenges our planet is facing. But it’s not just the bigger picture of climate that can spark eco-anxiety!
Where I live, the county’s board of supervisors has gone rouge and is making our once small-ish town into a full blown over grown and over populated city. According to Global Forest Watch, in 2023, it my county allowed 140 ha (hectare) of tree cover to be flatted, that’s 57.5 kt of CO₂ emissions no longer being sequestered. As a nature lover, a birder, and even as a homeowner, this caused me to be more than just anxious. I have to admit, I’m genuinely furious. (But more on that in a later post.) The anxiety started as I drove around town running errands one day. As I drove, I noticed more and more wooded areas were flatted. Being a nature nerd like myself, I couldn’t help but think of all the life that was bing disrupted and lost with every tree that was cut down. The little pockets of trees that once speckled our town, were now going to be smothered in concrete.
Thoughts flooded my mind.
After a couple of minutes in my garden, I start to feel better, at least a tiny bit at ease knowing that I can help. Looking around, I realize that I’ve made my yard an extension of the surrounding natural habitats, a safe passage for wildlife. I volunteer for several different local environmental organizations. Just a couple of months ago, I even participated in our local government meeting, speaking my mind about the unchecked destruction of our local green spaces. (It was horrifying, but worth it.) The more I spread the word about the importance of living with and being part of nature, the more people will see and appreciate the nature right outside their door.
The good news is that by acknowledging this feeling, we are already taking the first step towards making a positive change. It's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but let's channel that energy into actions that can help make a difference.
Whether it's reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, or advocating for environmental policies, every small effort counts. So, take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and let's work together towards a brighter, greener future for all creatures, big and small.
Coping with Eco-Anxiety
Addressing eco-anxiety involves both individual and collective action:
Education and Awareness: Understanding the facts about environmental issues can help individuals feel more in control and less anxious.
Community Involvement: Joining environmental groups and participating in local conservation efforts can provide a sense of purpose and community support.
Professional Help: Mental health professionals can offer strategies and therapies to manage eco-anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices.
Policy Advocacy: Engaging in policy advocacy can empower individuals to contribute to larger systemic changes, alleviating feelings of helplessness.
Remember
Eco-anxiety is a valid and increasingly recognized mental health issue that arises from concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. As awareness of this phenomenon grows, it is crucial to provide support and resources for those affected. By understanding eco-anxiety and promoting proactive coping strategies, we can help individuals manage their fears and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Address eco-anxiety through education and advocacy. By learning about the science behind climate change and the actions that can be taken to mitigate its effects, individuals can feel empowered to make a difference. Encouraging sustainable lifestyle choices, engaging in environmental activism, and connecting with like-minded individuals can also help alleviate feelings of helplessness and despair. It is important to remember that small actions can have a big impact, and by working together, we can create positive change for the planet and our mental well-being.
Northern Virginia organizations & where to find some by you
To find local environmental organizations, start by searching online with specific queries like "environmental groups near me" or "conservation organizations in [your city/town]." Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be valuable resources, as many organizations maintain active pages and groups. Additionally, visiting local community centers, libraries, and educational institutions can yield useful information through bulletin boards and staff recommendations. Checking your city or county's official website, as well as local newspapers and magazines, can provide insights into environmental programs and upcoming events. Networking with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who share an interest in environmental issues can also lead to discovering active local groups.
Helpful Definitions
hectare: a unit of area in the metric system equal to 100 ares, or 10,000 square meters
References
Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, R. E., Mayall, E. E., Wray, B., Mellor, C., & van Susteren, L. (2021). Young People's Voices on Climate Anxiety, Government Betrayal and Moral Injury: A Global Phenomenon. The Lancet. Link
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. (2021). Climate Change in the American Mind: November 2021. Link
Ojala, M., & Cunsolo, A. (2018). Climate Change, Anxiety, and the Role of Young People. Global Environmental Change, 48, 158-169. Link
Wow, very inspirational reading. Although I have to admit it brought up anxiety too. I know down here in Appommattox County we’re pretty lucky right now. We have trees and fields everywhere. I do watch a lot when I go out driving. Right when I see a field of trees flatten, in weeks I see where they’ve replanted so right now it looks as if we’re lucky down here in our county, still plenty of open air, trees, and grasses. Thanks for bringing all of this out into the open. Well done you!