It’s not the only concerning news as of late. The Willow Project has also sparked debate and worry among climate change activists. The oil drilling project, which has been given the green light by the White House, is set to take place on Alaska’s North Slope. However, to date, more than 5 million citizens have signed a change.org petition requesting that the project be axed. The campaigners argue that the continued oil drilling is an “exploitation of nature” and poses “risks to indigenous communities globally.”
When reading about climate change and the devastating impact of the wildfires, it’s only natural that one might become anxious. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, and helpless. Climate Change Anxiety is a very real thing, and it’s something that can impact anyone, especially younger generations. In fact, according to research from The Royal College of Psychiatrists, 60% of adults say that the climate and ecological emergencies are affecting their mental health, and will continue to do so in the future.
It’s an issue that’s taking its toll particularly among the young who feel betrayed by the inaction of their elders. Over half (57%) of child and adolescent psychiatrists in England are seeing children and young people distressed about the climate crisis and the state of the environment.
“An increasing number of my students are concerned about the climate,” says psychologist Dr Audrey Tang. “They are, after all, the ones who will need to make the planet work for them. I hear a lot about students asking parents to recycle only to be told in response, ‘When I was your age, we used to only use one piece of toilet paper each time we went.’
“What can sometimes add to mental health issues when it comes to, well, issues, is that those more greatly affected will advocate for change but those who advocated in the past – especially if they are feeling under-appreciated or unrecognised for their efforts – will struggle to listen.”
Climate anxiety is defined not just as panic, but also describes other emotional responses we experience in relation to climate crisis, including anger and grief. While the symptoms might feel severe, ranging from difficulty sleeping up to panic attacks, it’s important to understand that climate anxiety is a very natural and understandable emotional response to what’s happening in the world. Greta Thunberg’s furious response at UN leaders in 2019 was completely proportional to the situation.
“Feeling this distress or anxiety is the price we pay for being aware, awake and caring about the future of humanity and the world – it is a healthy and caring response,” says Caroline Hickman, of University of Bath and Climate Psychology Alliance. She explains that, although these emotions are difficult, they are crucial. “The important thing is not to judge yourself for having these feelings, but to make sure there is some balance between the anxiety, sadness and taking action,” she says. “It is only by feeling this distress that we will take the situation seriously, and be moved to act.”
Around a decade ago, when climate psychologist Tree Staunton discovered the irreparable damage humanity has inflicted on the planet, she fell into a depression. “I found myself constantly initiating conversations about environmental and social collapse, where I would simultaneously bemoan the horror of the situation whilst secretly hoping somehow for a response that might suggest things were not as bad as they seemed,” she tells us. “Managing those who refuse to accept climate change as an issue is probably less important than managing ourselves and our own feelings.” It’s a point worth remembering as many of us struggle to deal with loved ones who might not have yet accepted the realities of climate change.