Some individuals—especially adolescents and young adults—struggle with what has been dubbed “climate anxiety ”: ongoing feelings of fear , guilt , and grief related to environmental changes caused by climate change . For many, “eco-anxiety” can feel overwhelming because the problem of climate change is large, complex, and unlikely to be solved with individual actions alone. Some report feeling des
What Is Climate Anxiety? (Plain Language Explanation)
Climate Anxiety refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Climate Anxiety
- Symptoms: The specific ways climate anxiety shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen climate anxiety
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When climate anxiety occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Climate Anxiety
- Climate Anxiety is far more common than most people realize
- Climate Anxiety is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with climate anxiety see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about climate anxiety is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing climate anxiety, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.