As the frequency of climate-related crises increases, so does the phenomenon known as “climate anxiety.” This growing concern, particularly prevalent among young people, reflects deep unease about the environmental future we’re shaping. A survey found that over 60% of young people worldwide are highly worried about climate change, with many expressing that these concerns impact their daily lives. Although these feelings are natural, they can weigh heavily on our mental health if left unaddressed.
However, climate anxiety doesn’t need to be paralyzing. It can be a powerful catalyst for change. Rather than suppressing or pathologizing these feelings, we can harness them to advocate for a more sustainable world. Experts like Dr. Elizabeth Pinsky, a child psychiatrist, emphasize that climate anxiety is not simply a mental health issue, it’s a reasonable response to a genuine crisis, and one that can fuel positive action. Pinsky and others note that climate anxiety often includes feelings of grief and helplessness, which are entirely rational when considering events like the catastrophic floods, intense droughts, and escalating wildfires.
Interestingly, climate anxiety isn’t confined to those directly experiencing these impacts. Studies led by researchers like Anthony Leiserowitz at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication show that people from all walks of life are affected. Leiserowitz’s research has revealed a steadily increasing awareness of and concern for climate issues in the U.S., noting that the number of Americans “alarmed” by climate change has tripled in recent years. Despite these high levels of concern, relatively few feel truly hopeless. Instead, they’re eager for action but unsure how to engage.
Engagement in collective action efforts has shown promise as a way to buffer against climate anxiety. Psychologist Sarah Lowe, also from Yale, explains that working on environmental initiatives with others provides both a sense of social connection and a tangible way to address climate concerns. This collective engagement can offer a sense of agency, and even hope, which helps counteract feelings of despair. Participating in community events, advocating for local sustainability efforts, or pushing for policy changes, all these actions contribute to both environmental and personal resilience.
It’s important to acknowledge that climate anxiety may affect individuals differently based on their socioeconomic background. Those facing food insecurity or economic hardships may experience heightened anxiety, as they often bear the brunt of climate impacts without the resources to adapt. Lowe points out that people who can move comfortably between air-conditioned spaces may experience extreme weather as an inconvenience, while for others, it presents a direct threat to health and livelihood.
For young people, especially, climate conversations are potent tools for change. Research shows that dialogues initiated by younger generations often influence family and community perspectives, even among those previously disengaged or skeptical about climate change. This influence can create ripple effects that contribute to broader cultural shifts toward environmental awareness and action.
Ultimately, climate anxiety can be more than a source of distress, it can inspire community, collective action, and a shared sense of responsibility. By transforming this anxiety into resilience and taking meaningful steps together, we can nurture a hope that goes beyond simply alleviating fear.
