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How to Deal with Eco-Anxiety
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Eco-anxiety, the overwhelming fear of environmental degradation or looming ecological disaster, is an increasingly common issue in today’s world. As climate change accelerates, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent, ecosystems being destroyed, and livelihoods threatened, it’s no surprise that many people - especially younger generations - are grappling with concerns for the future. The uncertainty and helplessness tied to climate change, compounded by a constant stream of alarming news, fuels eco-anxiety, leaving many feeling powerless.
👉 In this article, we’ll delve into the causes of eco-anxiety, explore its common symptoms, and discuss actionable strategies to reduce its psychological burden.
What is eco-anxiety?
While eco-anxiety isn’t yet an officially diagnosable condition, its impact on mental well-being is undeniable. The persistent threat of environmental degradation, climate change, and natural disasters is taking a toll on people’s psychological health.
“ The American Psychological Association (APA) defines eco-anxiety as “the chronic fear of environmental doom, stemming from the observation of climate change’s seemingly irreversible effects and the worry about one’s own future, as well as the future of the next generations." ”
In many ways, this response is a natural and rational reaction to the world we live in. With constant media coverage of climate disasters, from wildfires to floods, and frequent reports on the state of the environment, it's no surprise that many people are beginning to feel overwhelmed and anxious about the future.
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What causes eco-anxiety?
Eco-anxiety (also referred to as climate change anxiety), while more common today, is not entirely new. Concerns about environmental damage have been around for centuries. During the 19th century, for example, people in industrialised cities worried about the harmful effects of black smoke and smog from factories. However, in recent decades, the scale and intensity of environmental problems have dramatically increased, making eco-anxiety a growing issue across the globe.
The rise in eco-anxiety can be traced to several key factors:
Frequent climate disasters
One of the most immediate triggers of eco-anxiety is the increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters. Extreme weather events, such as wildfires in Australia, the Amazon, and California, devastating floods in Pakistan, and deadly heatwaves across Europe, dominate headlines worldwide. These events are a near-constant reminder of how climate change is already affecting millions of lives, and they highlight the fragility of our environment. The repeated exposure to these crises, whether through news or social media, can lead to a sense of dread and helplessness.
Additionally, those directly impacted by climate disasters are at a higher risk of experiencing mental illness. Studies have shown that survivors of such events - whether it’s wildfires, floods, or hurricanes - are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and heightened eco-anxiety. The trauma of losing homes, livelihoods, or loved ones, compounded by the long-term recovery process, makes it harder for individuals to cope. For many, the disaster acts as a stark, personal reminder of the realities of climate change, intensifying their concerns about future environmental risks.
Environmental health hazards
Alongside climate disasters, alarming reports about pollution, pesticides, and "forever chemicals" (toxic substances that don’t easily break down) add to the growing fears about the impact on human health. Studies linking air and water pollution to respiratory problems, cancer, and other diseases have made many people more aware of the direct threat environmental degradation poses to their personal well-being. This heightened awareness of how pollution affects our health amplifies feelings of vulnerability and anxiety.
Loss of biodiversity
The accelerating global loss of biodiversity is another major contributor to eco-anxiety. As more species become endangered or extinct due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and pollution, it’s clear that entire ecosystems are at risk. The interconnectedness of life on Earth means that the disappearance of even one species can have ripple effects on food chains, agriculture, and natural balance.
Rising sea levels and changing landscapes
Coastal regions around the world are already experiencing the consequences of rising sea levels, as glaciers and ice caps melt at unprecedented rates. The threat of cities and communities being submerged or severely impacted by flooding has left many people worried about the long-term viability of living in certain areas. The slow, creeping nature of this change, combined with its global scale, adds to the feeling of inevitability.
Media saturation and constant exposure
While media and social media have played a crucial role in raising awareness of climate change, they also contribute significantly to eco-anxiety. Constant exposure to alarming headlines, from new climate reports to heart-wrenching images of disaster-stricken areas, can overwhelm us. The 24/7 news cycle keeps people in a state of heightened alert, creating a feedback loop of fear and helplessness. For younger generations in particular, who have grown up in the digital age, this constant stream of alarming information can make the future seem bleak.
Concern for future generations
A common aspect of eco-anxiety is worry about the world that will be left behind for future generations. Many individuals, especially parents and young adults, are deeply concerned about what life will be like for their children or grandchildren. Will they face more extreme weather, food shortages, or economic instability due to climate change? This anxiety about future generations is often compounded by feelings of guilt or responsibility, as people struggle with the idea that they must somehow fix these issues for the next generation.
Feeling of powerlessness
Underlying many of these causes is a strong feeling of powerlessness. Climate change is a global issue that requires large-scale, systemic solutions, yet individuals often feel that their actions - whether it’s recycling or reducing their carbon footprint - are not enough to make a real difference. This sense of helplessness, where the problem feels too big for individual action, can lead to feelings of frustration and despair, further feeding into eco-anxiety.
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What are the symptoms of eco-anxiety?
The symptoms of eco-anxiety can vary greatly, ranging from mild unease to more severe mental health challenges. While eco-anxiety isn't currently classified as an official medical condition, it shares many similarities with general anxiety disorders. The psychological responses associated with eco-anxiety can deeply impact daily life, making it essential to recognise and address these symptoms.
Understanding these symptoms can help individuals recognise when their concerns about the environment are affecting their mental well-being.
Emotional symptoms
People suffering from eco-anxiety often experience a wide range of emotional symptoms. These can include:
- Chronic stress and worry: Many individuals feel persistent worry or dread about the future, particularly regarding the impact of climate change. This may manifest as ruminating over potential disasters, whether local or global.
- Fear and panic attacks: In more extreme cases, eco-anxiety can lead to episodes of intense fear or panic attacks, especially when triggered by media reports of climate disasters or personal experiences with extreme weather events.
- Guilt and despair: Feelings of guilt are common, particularly among individuals who feel responsible for their personal carbon footprint or who believe they aren’t doing enough to combat climate change. This guilt can often lead to a sense of hopelessness or despair about the future.
- Frustration and anger: People may also experience frustration over the lack of action taken by governments or corporations, or feel anger towards others who they believe are not taking the climate crisis seriously.
Physical symptoms
Just like with general anxiety, eco-anxiety can also present physical symptoms, including:
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or waking up frequently due to anxious thoughts, is a common issue. Some people may experience recurring nightmares about environmental disasters or other climate-related fears.
- Headaches and fatigue: Chronic worry and stress can lead to physical exhaustion, frequent headaches, and a general sense of fatigue. This can occur even if the person isn’t directly impacted by climate events but is constantly exposed to anxiety-inducing information.
- Tension and muscle aches: Anxiety often manifests physically through muscle tension, tightness, or pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Cognitive symptoms
Eco-anxiety can also interfere with cognitive functioning, affecting how people think and process information. These symptoms may include:
- Inability to focus: Constant preoccupation with thoughts about climate change or future disasters can make it difficult for individuals to concentrate on everyday tasks, leading to lower productivity or forgetfulness.
- Intrusive thoughts: People may find themselves repeatedly thinking about environmental collapse, pollution, or extreme weather events, even when trying to focus on other things. These thoughts can feel uncontrollable, leading to a sense of being overwhelmed.
- Catastrophic thinking: Sufferers of eco-anxiety often engage in catastrophic thinking - ie. believing the worst-case scenario will happen. They may worry that every small climate event is a sign of impending, irreversible disaster.
Behavioral symptoms
The emotional and physical toll of eco-anxiety can also influence behavior in noticeable ways:
- Avoidance or withdrawal: Some people may begin to avoid conversations, news, or activities related to climate change because it feels too overwhelming or distressing to engage with these topics. In more severe cases, individuals may withdraw from social or environmental activism out of despair or a feeling that their efforts are useless.
- Hypervigilance: Others might become hyper-aware of their environmental impact, scrutinising their daily habits and making drastic lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint. While this can be a positive response, in some cases, it can lead to extreme behaviors or obsessive-compulsive tendencies around sustainability efforts.
- Over-engagement in activism: On the opposite end, some may feel compelled to constantly participate in environmental activism or advocacy. While activism is important, this can become problematic when it starts to consume a person’s life to the detriment of their personal relationships, work, or self-care.
Social symptoms
Eco-anxiety doesn’t just affect individuals on a personal level; it can also shape their relationships with others:
- Strained relationships: People who are deeply affected by eco-anxiety may find it hard to relate to others who do not share the same level of concern for climate issues. This can create tension in friendships or families, particularly if those around them dismiss or downplay their anxieties.
- Isolation: As a result, individuals suffering from eco-anxiety may begin to feel isolated, believing that no one else understands the depth of their concerns. They may pull away from social activities, feeling that the issues they care about are not shared by their peers or community.
Who Is Affected by Eco-Anxiety?
It’s important to note that anyone can experience eco-anxiety, regardless of their personal background or direct involvement in climate-related events.
- People directly impacted by climate disasters: Those who have experienced natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, or floods may be at greater risk of developing eco-anxiety. For these individuals, the trauma of living through such events can trigger ongoing fears about future catastrophes.
- Young people: Research shows that eco-anxiety is particularly prevalent among younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z. Many young people report feeling anxious about inheriting a world shaped by climate change and are concerned about the long-term future. They often feel they are being handed an environmental crisis they didn’t create but are expected to solve.
- Activists and environmental advocates: People who are highly engaged in environmental causes may experience heightened eco-anxiety due to their deep understanding of the scale of the crisis. The more immersed someone is in climate activism, the more they may feel the weight of responsibility and the urgency of the situation.
“ 💡 Research has found that 57.3% of child and adolescent psychiatrists in England reported seeing young patients distressed about climate crises and the state of the environment. The same research also revealed that young people feel betrayed and abandoned by governments and adults, believing that insufficient action is being taken to address climate change, leaving them with a sense of hopelessness about the future. ”
How to cope with eco-anxiety
Eco-anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to manage these feelings and regain a sense of control. By focusing on practical steps, individuals can address their mental and emotional responses to environmental concerns. The following strategies can help reduce feelings of helplessness, build resilience, and empower people to take positive actions for both their well-being and the planet.
Take action
Eco-anxiety often stems from feelings of powerlessness in the face of overwhelming environmental issues. Climate change and environmental degradation can seem so vast that individuals may feel there’s nothing they can do. However, taking action - even small steps - can help reduce these feelings of climate grief by providing a sense of control and agency.
- Adopt sustainable habits: Making eco-friendly choices in your own life can have a ripple effect, reducing your carbon footprint and providing a psychological boost. Simple actions like recycling, reducing plastic use, conserving energy, or opting for greener transportation methods (such as walking, biking, or using public transport) can make a real difference.
- Shift to a sustainable diet: Reducing meat and dairy consumption, supporting local farmers, or choosing organic and sustainably sourced products are actions that contribute to environmental health. By aligning your lifestyle with eco-friendly values, you might feel more empowered.
- Engage in environmental advocacy: Get involved with local environmental groups or larger global movements advocating for climate action. Joining a community or participating in campaigns for change can foster a sense of belonging and purpose, helping combat feelings of helplessness.
Educate yourself
Eco-anxiety can often be exacerbated by uncertainty or misinformation. Education is a powerful tool for combating fear. Staying informed about the current state of environmental issues through reliable, scientifically-backed sources can give you a better understanding of both the challenges and the solutions available.
- Access accurate information: For people directly impacted by climate change it’s important to have access to reliable information. This can help prepare for environmental challenges and build resilience. For others, understanding the science behind climate change can alleviate the feeling of impending doom, showing that progress is being made, even if slowly.
- Stay informed, but avoid overload: While staying informed is important, too much exposure to distressing information can worsen eco-anxiety. Focus on balanced, evidence-based content and avoid sensationalised or inaccurate media reports. Choose reliable sources such as climate science organisations, academic studies, or trusted news outlets.
Build resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt to stress and bounce back from adversity. Developing resilience can help individuals cope with eco-anxiety, especially when facing the uncertainty and challenges that come with a changing climate.
- Focus on social connections: Building strong relationships with friends, family, or community groups provides emotional support and helps combat feelings of isolation. Sharing concerns with like-minded people can offer reassurance and practical advice.
- Set realistic goals: Avoid falling into the trap of believing that you have to solve the entire climate crisis alone. Set achievable goals related to sustainability.
- Practice self-care: Eco-anxiety can take a toll on both mental and physical health, so it's essential to prioritise self-care. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.
- Avoid catastrophic thinking: It’s easy to feel like environmental problems are unsolvable, but catastrophising won’t help. Reframe your thoughts to focus on what can be done, rather than what seems impossible to fix. Remind yourself that while the situation is serious, progress is possible.
Embrace optimism
Shifting your mindset from one of hopelessness to one of optimism can significantly reduce eco-anxiety. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of climate change, but rather reframing the way you perceive the situation.
- Challenge negative thoughts: When you start to feel overwhelmed by climate news, pause and question the thought. Is the situation truly hopeless, or is there progress being made? Are there solutions being implemented that you aren’t aware of? By reframing these thoughts, you can reduce anxiety and foster a more constructive outlook.
- Focus on positive environmental stories: While negative news dominates headlines, there are countless positive environmental efforts happening globally. Look for stories of environmental successes - like reforestation projects, clean energy advancements, or community-led conservation efforts. Celebrating these wins can help restore hope.
Engage with nature
Spending time in nature has well-documented mental health benefits, including reducing anxiety and improving mood. For those struggling with eco-anxiety, reconnecting with nature can provide a sense of perspective.
- Get outside regularly: Studies show that spending as little as two hours a week in natural environments can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health. Whether it’s a park, forest, beach, or garden, being in nature helps ground you and offers a break from the stress of everyday life.
- Join environmental projects: Volunteering with environmental conservation projects or local green initiatives can help address feelings of helplessness. Not only do you contribute to positive change, but you also get the opportunity to connect with others who share your concerns.
Exercise
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage any form of anxiety, including eco-anxiety. Regular exercise releases endorphins, improves mood, and helps clear anxious thoughts.
- Green your exercise routine: Incorporate eco-friendly habits into your fitness routine. Walk, run, or cycle instead of driving. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also benefit from the stress-relieving effects of physical activity.
- Engage in outdoor activities: Exercising outdoors in natural settings combines the mental health benefits of being in nature with the stress-relieving effect of physical activity. Hiking, jogging in the park, or cycling along green trails can all have a positive impact.
Disengage from the news and social media
The constant influx of alarming environmental news can lead to “doom scrolling", which only heightens anxiety. While staying informed is important, it’s equally crucial to step back and take breaks from negative information.
- Limit media exposure: Consider setting boundaries around your media consumption. Limit how much time you spend reading climate-related news or scrolling through social media. Curate your social feeds to focus on reliable sources or more positive content when needed.
- Take digital breaks: Unplugging from news and social media periodically allows your mind to rest. Try digital detox days or time blocks where you focus on other activities, whether it’s spending time outdoors, reading, or engaging in hobbies.
Don’t feel ashamed
Many people with eco-anxiety report feeling shame, believing that their personal efforts are never enough. It’s important to remember that solving the climate crisis requires collective action, and every contribution matters.
- Recognise the collective effort: Individual actions, while small, are part of a larger movement toward sustainability and combating global climate change. No single person can fix the planet, but collective actions, from voting for climate-conscious leaders to supporting sustainable businesses, all contribute to broader change.
- Focus on progress, not perfection: It’s easy to feel like your efforts aren’t enough, but remember that progress is better than perfection. Every small step counts in the fight against climate change.
Seek professional help
For those experiencing severe eco-anxiety, where at-home strategies aren’t providing relief, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Anxiety that significantly interferes with daily life might require guidance from a healthcare provider.
- Consult a therapist: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapies are proven to help individuals manage anxiety. Seeking support from a professional can provide coping mechanisms tailored to your specific needs.
- Access support groups: Some regions offer eco-anxiety-specific support groups, where individuals can share their experiences and coping strategies in a community setting. Alternatively, online support groups or climate anxiety hotlines are available.
| Coping Strategy | Actionable Steps | Mental Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Take Action | Adopt sustainable habits like recycling, reducing energy use, and using public transport. Join environmental groups. | Helps regain a sense of control, reduces feelings of helplessness. |
| Educate Yourself | Stay informed with reliable, science-based sources about climate change and solutions. | Reduces uncertainty and fear, improves clarity and focus. |
| Build Resilience | Strengthen social connections, set achievable goals, and practice self-care (exercise, mindfulness, etc.). | Reduces stress and anxiety, promotes adaptability and recovery. |
| Engage with Nature | Spend at least 2 hours a week in natural environments like parks, forests, or beaches. | Lowers anxiety, boosts mood, and improves overall mental well-being. |
| Disengage from Media | Limit exposure to distressing climate news and take regular breaks from social media. | Reduces media-induced anxiety and stress, promotes mental rest. |
| Seek Professional Help | Consult a therapist or join eco-anxiety support groups. Use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for managing anxiety. | Provides tailored support, addresses severe anxiety, offers coping tools. |
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Looking forward
Eco-anxiety is not yet an official medical diagnosis, but with the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related crises, it’s clear that many people are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety about the environment and the looming climate emergency. As these concerns grow, eco-anxiety is increasingly being recognised as a significant public health issue that requires attention and support.
As awareness of this issue grows, future research may lead to a shift in how mental health professionals approach and support individuals dealing with eco-anxiety. In the future, climate-related stress could become a more widely recognised part of mental health care, with new therapies and coping strategies specifically tailored to help people navigate the emotional impact of environmental change.
The conversation around eco-anxiety is just beginning, and recognising it as a legitimate emotional response is a vital step toward finding long-term solutions for both mental health and the planet.
How can Greenly help your company?
While individuals can make personal changes to reduce their environmental impact, businesses also play a crucial role in addressing climate change on a larger scale. By adopting sustainable practices, companies not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to broader environmental solutions.
Greenly offers comprehensive carbon management services that help your business take meaningful action, positioning you as a leader in sustainability while driving real progress for the planet.
Carbon Management
At Greenly, we provide a full range of services to measure, manage, and reduce your company’s carbon footprint, empowering you to take real action:
- Measure Your Carbon Emissions: Gain real-time insights into your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Our advanced platform gives you the tools to track and report on your carbon footprint, helping you make informed decisions.
- Custom Reduction Plans: Our climate experts collaborate with your team to create tailored strategies that target the most impactful areas of your business, allowing you to implement practical and effective solutions for reducing emissions.
- Monitor and Report Progress: Stay on track with your sustainability goals by using our user-friendly platform to measure progress toward net-zero targets. We help ensure that your efforts deliver meaningful and measurable results.
Supply Chain Decarbonisation
Greenly also supports you in reducing emissions throughout your supply chain. Our tools enhance transparency, engage suppliers, and enable your business to transition to low-carbon alternatives, ensuring that your sustainability impact extends across all areas of your operations.
Seamless Integration
Greenly’s platform integrates smoothly into your existing business processes, allowing you to track and report your environmental impact. Whether you’re managing ESG goals or sustainability data, our platform streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on both growth and sustainability.
Start your journey with Greenly today and take meaningful steps to address both climate change and eco-anxiety, creating a positive impact for your business and the world.
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