Global Change and Health

From Anxiety to Action: Embracing Hope in a Planetary Health Crisis

Every day, news about rising temperatures, natural disasters, biodiversity loss, or melting ice caps seems to get worse. It’s challenging not to feel a growing sense of worry about the future. Emerging global difficulties are weighing heavily on an increasing number of people, and they are not just environmental issues; they are also impacting our mental, emotional, and physical health.

This increasing worry, often called climate anxiety, comes from the pressure we feel as we witness the planet’s ongoing environmental decline. In this blog post, which is part of our blog series on planetary health1, we’ll explore what climate anxiety is in more detail, why it matters, and how we can turn these feelings into positive action.

What is Climate Anxiety?

Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, refers to the growing sense of dread or fear linked to environmental issues. It’s more than just worry about a specific environmental issue, it’s the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness when thinking about the future of the planet. For many, it manifests as sadness, grief, or even guilt about human-induced harm to nature, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.

One of the reasons why climate anxiety is unique is that it’s grounded in very real, ongoing threats. It’s not just abstract worry about something distant, it’s rather a response to visible changes in the environment around us. Unlike temporary stressors, these concerns can build over time and contribute to long-term mental health challenges.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to climate anxiety. In a global study by Hickmann et al. (2021), 59% of young respondents said they were “very” or “extremely” worried about climate change, and 45% stated these emotions directly impacted their daily lives, affecting their ability to function and feel hopeful about the future. The term may be rather new, but the phenomenon is very real. The American Psychological Association recognizes eco-anxiety as a legitimate mental health concern. While it’s not categorized as a disorder, it represents a serious and widespread stressor affecting millions of people worldwide.

Physical and Mental Health Impacts

Eco-anxiety can seriously impact physical and mental health. Chronic worry about environmental issues often leads to depression, with feelings of guilt or helplessness taking a toll on mental well-being (Fig. 2). This may also cause social isolation, as individuals feel misunderstood in their concerns. For those active in environmental work, eco-anxiety can lead to burnout, especially when progress feels slow. Long-term climate stress can also affect physical health, causing sleep issues, headaches, and a weakened immune system.

Why Does it Matter?

Climate anxiety is distinct because it is rooted in existential threats. The vast, unpredictable nature of climate change leaves many feeling powerless, heightening fear and helplessness. This growing psychological toll is now recognized as a public health issue, impacting not only individual well-being but also society’s ability to respond effectively. If not addressed, eco-anxiety can lead to depression, chronic stress, and social withdrawal, reducing motivation to engage with climate solutions and complicating collective efforts to tackle environmental challenges.

However, climate anxiety is not just a negative force. If managed correctly, it can also be a catalyst for positive change. Many activists have already transformed their anxiety into meaningful action. Their collective fear has empowered them to demand change from governments and corporations alike, showing that eco-anxiety has the potential to fuel activism and advocacy rather than hopelessness.

Coping with Climate Anxiety

Managing climate-related fears is challenging, but several strategies can help you stay engaged. Educating yourself on climate issues is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety—knowledge empowers you, reveals solutions, and reminds you that many are tackling these problems. Taking action, even small steps like reducing your carbon footprint, advocating for policies, or volunteering, can restore a sense of control, with small efforts adding up as more people join in. Finding a community also helps; connecting with others who share your concerns can ease isolation and offer both emotional support and practical ways to make a difference.

It’s also important to look after yourself. While staying informed is crucial, constantly absorbing negative news about the environment can increase anxiety. Set boundaries with media consumption, take breaks, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Mindfulness, moving your body, or spending time in nature are great ways to reduce stress. Lastly, if your anxiety becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help is a good option. Many professionals are now familiar with eco-anxiety and can offer tailored strategies to help you manage it effectively.

Finding Hope in Action

Though the climate crisis can seem daunting, there is hope. More and more people are becoming aware of the challenges we face, and this growing awareness is a critical step towards creating change. The fact that so many people are worried about the state of our planet is a sign that there’s momentum for action.

Climate anxiety doesn’t have to stop us from moving forward. By acknowledging these feelings, educating ourselves, and taking positive steps, we can turn anxiety into a force for good. Together, we can push for a healthier, more sustainable future, for both the planet and us.

Stay tuned for the third part of our blog series, where we’ll dive into sustainable food systems and explore the Planetary Health Diet – a practical way to nourish both people and the planet.


This blog entry was written within the Planetary Health Campus Ambassador Programme 2024 of the Planetary Health Alliance. Views expressed may not represent the positions of the Planetary Health Alliance or its membership.

  1. This blog entry is the second one of four on planetary health. ↩︎
Share this
Website |  + posts

My main academic interest lies in exploring the interconnection between human well-being and environmental health. With a background in health science, I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Environment, Climate Change, and Health, which allows me to deepen my knowledge and understanding in this field. Beyond my studies, I enjoy reading and love spending time outdoors

I started my master program in Environment, Climate Change and Health at the University of Bayreuth last year. During my bachelor's degree, I was already particularly interested in the interrelationships between climate change, environmental alterations and public health. Looking ahead, I aim to find a way towards a healthy future while acting with respect to the environment.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *