what is ecoanxiety?

Are you feeling overwhelmed when you think about the climate crisis? Are you worried about your future (and the future of others’) on this planet? How often do you find yourself thinking about climate change? What are you most worried about when it comes to climate change?

If you said that you were feeling overwhelmed when you think about the climate crisis, are worried about our future on Earth, and that you think about climate change fairly often, you are not alone.

Ecoanxiety describes the chronic fear or anxiety that arises from the awareness of environmental issues, particularly climate change. Individuals experiencing ecoanxiety may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future and the potential impacts on their lives and the planet. This anxiety can manifest as worry about the state of the environment, the health of future generations, and the effectiveness of combating climate change.

Numerous research studies, including one conducted by Pew Research in 2021, show that the majority of people across world are greatly concerned about climate change and willing to make sacrifices to address it, but there is less confidence in efforts to solve the problem.

It is estimated that 72% of the world’s population report that they are worried about the climate crisis and express at least some concern that they will be personally harmed by climate change in their lifetimes (Pew Research, 2021). Levels of anxiety appear to be greatest in nations where government climate policies are considered weakest (Hickman et al., 2021)

Even though these emotions can feel quite overwhelming, the fact that you are experiencing them means you care for the natural world and all living beings. Acknowledgement and affirmation of our feelings towards climate change is an important step in helping to process and move through these feelings, rather than getting stuck in them. As Carl Jung said, “What you resist, persists.” 

Instead of being resistant, can we get curious about our anger and our pain (or any other feeling you might be experiencing)? Asking ourselves, “why am I feeling tension in my shoulders while I’m listening to the news?” Or, “why do I feel anxious and overwhelmed right now? Is this a call to action? Is it a call for me to get involved in a community initiative? Is it a call for me to reach out to a local councillor? Is it a call for me to practice some self-care for myself?” This last piece might include taking a break from the news. It’s important to be informed about the world, but it’s also okay to say, “Not now.”

We might realize that our ability to be hurt and angered by the world is, in some ways, a good thing, because if we lose our sense of outrage over the problems in our world we could sink into apathy and inaction.

One way to reorient yourself towards having hope are positive affirmations. These positive affirmations can also be really helpful in helping you work through eco-anxiety:

1. I am part of the solution, and my actions can make a difference.

2. I choose to focus on what I can control and take positive steps for the environment.

3. Every small action I take contributes to a healthier planet.

4. I release my fear and replace it with hope and determination.

5. I am surrounded by a community of individuals working together for a sustainable future.

6. I honour my feelings and use them as motivation to create change.

7. I am resilient and capable of adapting to challenges.

8. Nature is healing, and I will take time to connect with it regularly.

9. The positive changes I make today will create a better world for future generations.

10. I find joy in the beauty of nature and the impact I can have on its preservation.

11. I am empowered to learn, grow, and make a difference every day.

12. I trust that collective action will lead to significant change.

13. I release the weight of eco-anxiety and embrace a proactive mindset.

14. I will use fear as fuel for meaningful action.

15. I recognize and celebrate the progress being made in environmental stewardship.

Finally, I will leave you with this poem:

Do not try to save
the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create
a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there
patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself to this world
so worthy of rescue.

by Martha Postlethwaite

~Kate

The information provided by Rooted in Wellness Canada is solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling, you are advised to consult with your physician or other medical professionals.