Date of the last update: 24.06.2025
Climate anxiety is a huge psychological threat for modern societies. This emotional response to the dangers of climate change is becoming an increasingly common experience for people around the world, especially in the context of the increasingly visible and perceptible impacts resulting from climate change and increasing awareness of global environmental challenges.
Table of contents:
- What is climate anxiety?
- What causes climate anxiety?
- How to deal with climate change anxiety?
- How can ecotherapy tools be used to combat climate anxiety?
- Summary
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What is climate anxiety?
Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, is an emotional and psychological response to the threats of climate change and environmental degradation. People experiencing this type of anxiety often feel helpless, anxious, sad or powerless in the face of environmental problems such as global warming, loss of biodiversity, destruction of ecosystems or extreme weather events. They are gripped by fear of the future, worried about the escalation of the climate crisis and its potentially catastrophic consequences for humanity and the environment.
What causes climate anxiety?
Climate anxiety stems from the evolving climate crisis, which is a complex phenomenon resulting from a number of factors. At its genesis are human activities such as intensive extraction and burning of fossil fuels, deforestation of rainforests, excessive greenhouse gas emissions and irresponsible management of natural resources. These factors are leading to climate change that not only raises the temperature, amplifying the Earth’s greenhouse effect, but, above all, causes extreme weather events such as storms, floods and droughts that make communities fearful. It is important to stress that the climate crisis has serious consequences for biodiversity, ecosystems and human mental health, requiring urgent action at both global and local levels.
How to deal with climate change anxiety?
Research shows that climate anxiety is a growing mental health problem, especially among young people. More research findings in this area are alarming. One of these studies “Climate Anxiety in Young People: A Call to Action”, conducted by Caroline Hickman, Elizabeth Marks, Panu Pihkala, et al. revealed that young people around the world experience significant levels of climate anxiety that affect their mental health and overall wellbeing. The results of the study indicate that just under 60% of young people feel anxious about the future of the planet and are concerned about the consequences of climate change. Furthermore, the survey highlights the urgent need to implement environmental measures and psychological support for young people to help them cope with the anxiety and stressful effects of climate change.
Therefore, a number of measures should be taken on an international level to help cope with increasing climate anxiety. In our opinion firstly, it is useful to start by raising awareness of environmental problems through sound scientific information and verified sources, which reduces feelings of confusion. Next, it is important to take concrete measures to protect the environment within one’s means, such as reducing energy consumption, separating waste or supporting environmental initiatives. It is also crucial to talk openly about climate anxiety with relatives, friends or professionals, which helps to find emotional support and coping strategies for difficult emotions. Finally, practising relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or outdoor physical activity, significantly reduces the stress levels associated with ecological concerns and supports overall mental health.
Explore more: How to Reduce Stress Levels – Natural Methods
How can ecotherapy tools be used to combat climate anxiety?
More and more people are experiencing climate anxiety, but few realise that effective methods to alleviate its symptoms are available right now. Ecotherapy, based on close contact with the natural environment, offers effective tools to combat this emotional challenge. Therapy through contact with nature helps to reduce feelings of helplessness and anxiety by offering direct interaction with the surrounding environment. Regular walks in the woods, observing nature, gardening or being outdoors have a relaxing effect and provide mental relief. In addition, getting involved in social environmental actions such as cleaning up local areas or participating in sustainability campaigns support mental health and a sense of empowerment in the fight against the climate crisis. In summary, ecotherapy fosters a connection with the environment, which reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation in the face of environmental problems. As a result, people affected by climate anxiety feel calmer and more motivated to take action to protect the environment.
Check out also: Eco-anxiety as a new social phenomenon
Summary
Climate change is intensifying and with it the number of people suffering from climate anxiety is increasing. It is important to take action to mitigate its effects and support people to cope with this difficult experience. Raising awareness of climate change and its consequences is key, helping to reduce feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Additionally, taking practical pro-environmental action and open communication about climate anxiety are key to improving mental health, building social connections and increasing personal resilience to these difficult challenges. In the fight against climate anxiety, the tools of ecotherapy play an important role, enabling people to regain their connection with nature, which supports people to cope with ecological challenges. Despite growing climate anxiety, increasing environmental awareness and the use of ecotherapy are promising steps towards building social and personal resilience to global environmental challenges.
