Recently, while driving home after picking up my child from school, I tuned into a news report on a series of unusual tornadoes in the Midwest. Shortly afterward, my phone chimed with an alert regarding the alarming number of manatee deaths in Florida this year. Later, I spoke with a friend who was dealing with the aftermath of a severe storm that had wreaked havoc in our neighborhood, resulting in extensive flooding. As I pieced it all together, my eco-anxiety escalated from its usual low-grade worry to a severe, nail-biting level.
This frequency of heightened anxiety is becoming increasingly common. The American Psychological Association first defined eco-anxiety in 2017 as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” Although not classified as a clinical diagnosis, it is a form of anxiety that therapists are encountering more often.
As psychotherapist Laura Bennett noted in an interview, “It’s a legitimate concern. It’s not about feelings of inadequacy or imposter syndrome; it stems from real, alarming events occurring on our planet.”
The Rise of Eco-Anxiety
For as long as I can remember, especially since becoming a parent, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night anxious about rising sea levels, extreme weather, and poor air quality. My heart races when I receive news about declining bee populations and rising global temperatures. I voraciously seek out any glimmers of hope regarding environmental recovery or scientific solutions to climate change.
I once believed I was alone in my worries. Climate change often feels like an abstract concern compared to more immediate local issues. However, a recent survey of 10,000 young adults aged 16-25 across ten countries revealed that three-quarters find the future daunting. Over half believe humanity faces significant challenges, and nearly 45 percent said their anxiety about climate change negatively affects their daily lives, even influencing decisions about having children.
Facing Uncertainty
Eco-anxiety encapsulates the fear that the future is unpredictable and perilous—not just for us, but for our children and future generations. As parents, we have an instinctual desire to shield our kids from harm. Climate change looms as a serious threat, one that could fundamentally alter life as we know it. This concern leads me to wonder if I should be teaching my children survival skills in the event of societal breakdown, even though I have no idea how to do that.
My penchant for dystopian fiction allows me to envision a future where my children’s lives revolve around securing basic necessities rather than enjoying simple pleasures. That scenario is one I dread, and it often keeps me awake at night.
Most climate scientists don’t predict a complete societal collapse in Western Europe within the next few decades, which is somewhat reassuring. However, that timeframe is not far off, and the focus on Western Europe raises concerns about how eco-anxiety and climate change affect different regions and demographics. Vulnerable communities will bear the brunt of these challenges sooner and more severely.
Strategies for Managing Eco-Anxiety
Experts suggest that eco-anxiety is a valid emotional response to our current situation, and in some respects, it can be a catalyst for positive change. “It’s encouraging that people are discussing their fears because they are grounded in reality,” says Bennett. “This issue demands attention. Acknowledging it is the first step in addressing it.”
Taking action against climate change can help restore a sense of control and mitigate feelings of helplessness. This might involve reducing single-use plastics, participating in grassroots initiatives, or supporting organizations dedicated to combating climate change. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid becoming overly obsessive, Bennett warns. Ultimately, the most significant changes will rely on political leaders and major corporations, but taking personal action can be empowering.
Caroline Miller, a psychotherapist and member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, encourages individuals grappling with eco-anxiety to share their feelings. “You don’t have to navigate this alone,” she advises. “It’s crucial to talk about it because these fears are valid and frightening.”
The reality is that our climate is changing—and not for the better. Repairing the damage already done may be impossible. Unless we, along with large corporations, start making changes immediately, things are likely to worsen. That prospect is indeed alarming.
Yet, I remain hopeful that we can avert the direst scenarios. World leaders and scientists are finally addressing climate change more earnestly, and a growing movement suggests that progress may be on the horizon. This hope is what allows me to find peace at night and fuels my determination to contribute positively to the environment.
For many of us, myself included, eco-anxiety is a persistent companion. However, we can channel that anxiety into action, striving to shield future generations from similar fears and preventing them from living through the worst-case scenarios we dread.
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Summary
Eco-anxiety is an increasing concern among individuals, particularly parents, as they grapple with fears about climate change and its impact on future generations. While this anxiety can feel overwhelming, experts suggest that taking action, sharing feelings, and engaging in discussions can help manage these emotions. It’s vital to recognize that eco-anxiety is a natural response to real-world events, and finding ways to address it can empower individuals to contribute to positive change.