Turning climate anxiety into action

As an undergraduate student at King’s College London, I experience first-hand the impact of eco-anxiety on my fellow students. In this blog, I discuss how we can transform this reaction to the climate crisis into positive climate action.

Having been researching how to communicate about the climate crisis during my KURF placement with the Centre for Sustainable Business, I’ve developed a new perspective on turning climate anxiety into action. Being in an environment that values both learning and practical solutions, I’m discovering how to communicate the urgency of the crisis effectively and highlight purposeful steps to inspire awareness and engagement.

The effects of eco-anxiety on the younger generation

Defined by the American Psychological Association as a “chronic fear of environmental doom”, eco-anxiety is becoming increasingly common.

For young people especially, pessimism often seems to be the default mindset for climate-related matters. This can stem from looming panic that we’ve already passed the point of no return in mitigating environmental damage, or jaded hopelessness that harm toward future generations is inevitable. A recent international study by The Lancet confirmed this. By surveying 10,000 children and young people aged 16-25, the study found that 59% were ‘very or extremely worried’ about the climate crisis, and 84% were at least ‘moderately worried’.

This anxiety can often transform into frustration due to our perceived lack of power, resulting in a paralysing effect on many. We become bystanders, avoiding both the climate emergency issue and our emotions. However, while navigating these turbulent times, we should not internalise or dismiss this anxiety, but acknowledge and embrace the discomfort instead. Eco-anxiety should not be viewed as a problem to be solved, but rather a rational response to the difficult situation we are facing.

Recognising the emotional weight of the climate crisis is an important first step towards translating eco-anxiety into meaningful action. By doing so and consequently shifting emphasis from the daunting scale of the issue to the tangible steps we can take, we empower ourselves to drive change and inspire others.

Reframing the narrative

To delve into the actual root of eco-anxiety, we should reframe our narrative and methods of expression to fit a more optimistic mindset. Rather than sharing fear-mongering clickbait posts, we can instead circulate and consume helpful environmental education resources and stories of resilience from communities fighting for climate action. This doesn't mean we should ignore difficult news; it simply highlights that language is an essential tool for expressing ourselves and fostering hope.

In fact, resources have been published for the sole purpose of engaging audiences in a psychologically sensitive manner and taking into account the anxiety people may feel in relation to this issue. For example, the Carbon Conversations Method involves group discussions that focus on both emotions and climate activities. The Project Inside Out offers educational climate materials designed with psychological sensitivity in mind.

The power of community engagement

One of the most frequently suggested ways to make a positive impact on the environment is by taking individual action to reduce our carbon footprint. Simple steps such as avoiding single-use plastics and conserving water are undoubtedly important in addressing the climate crisis and should always be ingrained in our daily habits. However, the sheer magnitude of the emergency facing us often feels like an overwhelming burden – and while individual action is essential, it can be isolating.

Therefore, for many, undertaking community action and sharing the burden with others may be more of a relief in soothing the sting of eco-anxiety. Collective engagement on environmental issues is associated with hope and well-being, transforming feelings of helplessness into wider and concrete impact. To cultivate a sense of efficacy and determination, we can join community organisations, whether it be at school, university, or in our neighborhood, and get involved in cooperative efforts to protect green spaces or campaign for more public transport.

Governmental accountability and youth activism

Eco-anxiety is deeply intertwined with a sense of disappointment towards governments. According to a study by non-governmental organisation Forces of Nature, almost 60% of Gen Z individuals that feel climate anxiety daily attribute this to the failings of their national governments. This frustration often arises from governmental inaction on environmental policies and the dismissal of concerns and complaints.

To rectify this and build trust, governments must shoulder increased responsibility by developing new policies suited to the needs of environmental justice initiatives and being transparent about their efforts and progress. Young people can hold those in positions of power accountable through conducting awareness and activism campaigns, creating petitions, guiding lobbying efforts, and getting more politically involved.

The establishment of youth-led climate movements is also central to bridge the gap between the younger generation and institutions of power. With platforms designed for youth, we can voice concerns and contribute to policies. In a similar vein, intergenerational support is key toward making young people feel heard and creating a collaborative forum in which multiple generations can work together on environmental initiatives. Being able to talk to an adult, whether it be a parent, teacher or community leader, can ease anxiety and foster open dialogue and new ideas. 

Final thoughts

As a young person, I understand the eco-anxiety my generation is experiencing and the inclination to succumb to negative thinking. However, this cannot be our long-term mindset. By reframing our anxiety, leveraging community efforts, and engaging in constructive dialogue, we can reframe our strategic thinking to become catalysts for change and build a more sustainable future.

Useful resources to combat climate anxiety

1. Outrage + Optimism Podcast
2. Carbon Conversations Method
3. The Project Inside Out
4. Positive News
5. Eco Anxious Stories
6. Climate Awakening Sessions
7. The Resilience Project
8. Generation Dread
9. Climate Change and Happiness Podcast
10. Not Too Late

About the author

Suchita Hariharan is a second-year student at King’s College London, studying Liberal Arts with a major in International Development. She is working with the Centre for Sustainable Business as a KURF placement, where she is contributing to a research project focused on effective communications strategies to engage specific audiences on sustainability.