How to deal with climate anxiety

Wildfires, extreme flooding and record temperatures across the globe.

It’s no surprise that young people are feeling anxious about climate change, especially in an environmentally conscious city like Bristol.

Nearly three-quarters of University of Bristol students have experienced climate anxiety in the past year, according to a recent survey by Epigram newspaper. These students are by no means the minority.

A YouGov poll found that 70 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds in the UK were more worried about climate change in 2020 than they were the previous year. Climate anxiety has made me doubt my future more times than I can remember.

Almost 75 percent of University of Bristol students are dealing with climate anxiety – photo: Lucy O’Neill

Here are my top three tips to deal with it:

TAKE ACTION 

Many people think that climate anxiety is caused by witnessing environmental destruction itself. That definitely contributes to it. However, for most people, it’s the inaction of governments and world leaders that causes the most distress, combined with feelings of powerlessness to affect change.

That’s why taking action – big and small – is so important. Action is the antidote to helplessness. In many ways, you are in the best place to deal with climate anxiety, for Bristol is renowned for its environmental activism.

REFRAME YOUR CLIMATE ANXIETY

No one wants to feel anxious or distressed. But sometimes the best way to deal with climate anxiety is to realise that it’s actually a very healthy response to the world around us.

The reason you’re anxious or fearful is because you have empathy for the planet and for other people. Caroline Hickman, from the Climate Psychology Alliance, told me recently that pathologising climate anxiety as a medical problem is the wrong approach. It’s a societal problem.

Try not to worry about feeling anxious. Start by recognising that your feelings are totally rational and try to view your climate anxiety as a positive thing. Caroline prefers to use the terms ‘eco-empathy’ or ‘eco-compassion’.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF 

There is nothing fossil fuel companies and politicians love more than telling you (or implying) that climate change is your fault.

Maybe you rinse your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Or occasionally forget your reusable coffee cup. Living in accordance with your values is certainly not a bad thing and can actually help to alleviate climate anxiety.

However, do not let yourself feel shamed for not being perfect. As environmental campaigner George Monbiot says, it’s better to be a hypocrite than a cynic. You are not to blame for the climate crisis, and you certainly cannot fix it on your own.

Finally, talking to other people who feel the same way can be a really good way to build resilience, but if you need to, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Main photo: Lucy O’Neill

Read more: The need for sustainable communities in Bristol

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