Understanding Eco-Anxiety and Its Increasing Prevalence
A growing number of people, especially children and young adults, are experiencing feelings of sadness, depression, fear, and a deep sense of betrayal, coupled with the belief that humanity is doomed. These emotions are not driven by war, worldwide unrest, politics, or escalating crime, but by a phenomenon known as "eco-anxiety." Eco-anxiety, as defined by Yale, is the fear about climate change and humanity’s existence.
What is Eco-Anxiety?
Eco-anxiety is expected to become one of the major sources of mental health distress within the next year, according to scientists and mental health clinicians. Melissa Porrey, a counselor who specializes in treating eco-anxiety, explains that although symptoms of eco-anxiety can present similarly to other types of anxiety, it is often rooted in feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness about the changing climate and our role in it.
The increase in eco-anxiety cases is attributed to more natural disasters and news coverage about global warming. Tom Nelson, a member of the CO2 Coalition and producer of the documentary “Climate: The Movie,” agrees that increased media coverage has likely fueled eco-anxiety cases, but argues that the hype around climate change goes beyond what can be backed up by science.
Changing Behavior
A study published by The Lancet surveyed 10,000 people aged 16–25 from 10 countries about their feelings regarding climate change. The majority of respondents expressed extreme worry about climate change, with 75% stating that the "future is frightening." More than half of the respondents felt betrayed by the government for failing to take appropriate action to address climate change.
The Journal of Environmental Psychology published a study calling climate anxiety a "significant psychological burden." However, it also suggested that climate anxiety could be a motivating force for effective action against climate change.
Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions
Several studies have investigated the impact of media coverage on climate change. One study found that people have become accustomed to negative reporting around climate change and may be more motivated to take action if they see coverage of it on a daily basis. Another study found that the frequency of media use and attention given to climate change news significantly predicted climate anxiety.
Emmanuel Maduneme, author of the latter study, believes that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of issues such as climate change. As such, he argues that the media has a responsibility to translate complex scientific information into easily understood facts that convey the urgency of the climate change situation without sensationalizing it.
Impact of Climate Coverage
A recent study from Brookings, a major U.S. think tank, found that climate coverage has surged 300 percent since 2012, with the most significant increase occurring over the past five years. However, some have expressed concern about the subsequent impact of climate-related restrictions on people’s lives.
Addressing Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety often arises from the feeling of having no control and can be isolating and overwhelming. As a possible treatment, Porrey often suggests seeking controllable actions that benefit the planet, such as biking to work, joining a “Climate Café,” connecting with nature, and volunteering.
Bottom Line
Eco-anxiety is a growing concern, particularly among younger generations. It's clear that media coverage plays a significant role in shaping perceptions about climate change and can often fuel feelings of anxiety. However, it's also important to remember that these feelings can motivate individuals to take action against climate change. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the media is doing enough to accurately portray the climate crisis without causing undue anxiety? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
Understanding Eco-Anxiety and Its Increasing Prevalence
A growing number of people, especially children and young adults, are experiencing feelings of sadness, depression, fear, and a deep sense of betrayal, coupled with the belief that humanity is doomed. These emotions are not driven by war, worldwide unrest, politics, or escalating crime, but by a phenomenon known as "eco-anxiety." Eco-anxiety, as defined by Yale, is the fear about climate change and humanity’s existence.
