Is Eco-Anxiety the New Normal?
Climate change used to feel like a distant threat - something that might affect future generations. But today the reality is much closer to home. From record-breaking heatwaves and devastating floods to news of extinction and deforestation, the term ‘climate change’ has turned to ‘climate crisis’. It is not a surprise that many people, mainly young adults, are experiencing a rise in what psychologists are calling “eco-anxiety”.
Credit: Recipes for Wellbeing
But what is “eco-anxiety”, and why is it becoming such a common emotional experience?
Eco-anxiety refers to the chronic fear of environmental doom. It’s not a diagnosable mental illness, but instead a natural psychological response to the growing awareness of climate change. People experiencing eco-anxiety often feel helpless, angry, overwhelmed, or guilty about the state of the planet. Some people may have sleepless nights and constantly feel worried; for others, it might reflect a deep sadness about the future of humanity and the Earth.
While this anxiety might seem like something personal, it is actually a collective emotional reaction to a global crisis. A large study in 2021 published in The Lancet surveyed 10,000 young people across 10 countries and found that 59% of the responders were ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ worried about climate change. For Gen Z’s and Millennials, this isn’t just another concern, but has become a part of their everyday reality.
But eco-anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. Kind of like pain signals in our body, this emotional discomfort can actually be a wake-up call. It shows that we care and that we are paying attention to what is happenig around us. In fact, many climate activists say their worry about the planet is what fuels their drive for change. Even though it is uncomfortable, eco-anxiety can actually motivate people to take action and push societies to demand for environmental justice.
However, its important to note that there’s a line between productive concern and paralyzing fear. Being constantly exposed to distressing news, “doomscrolling” through climate disasters and feeling like your individual efforts are meaningless can lead to burnout. That’s why it’s important to not only stay informed but also emotionally grounded.
So what can we do about eco-anxiety?
First, acknowledge it. It's valid to feel worried. You're not being dramatic or overly sensitive - you're responding to a genuine crisis. Talk about it with others, whether it’s friends, a support group or a therapist. Many people find relief in knowing they’re not alone.
Second, take action, even if it’s small. Plant a tree. Reduce plastic use. Join climate campaigns. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. Studies show that action helps reduce feelings of helplessness.
Finally, take breaks. Disconnect from climate news when it becomes overwhelming. Connect with nature, not just as something to save, but as a source of joy and healing.
In a world where climate change is becoming more evident, eco-anxiety is becoming the new norm. But this anxiety doesn’t have to control us. With awareness, community, and action, we can turn anxiety into energy and build a more hopeful future.
References
Kurth, C. and Pihkala, P. (2022) 'Eco-anxiety: What it is and why it matters,' Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.981814.
Van Valkengoed, A.M. (2023) 'Climate anxiety is not a mental health problem. But we should still treat it as one,' Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 79(6), pp. 385–387. https://doi.org/10.1080/00963402.2023.2266942.
Eco-anxiety (no date). https://extension.umn.edu/stress-and-change/eco-anxiety.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00278-3/fulltext