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The Emotional Toll of Climate Change
How global warming affects our well-being.
Posted January 7, 2024 Reviewed by Gary Drevitch
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it has a profound impact on our emotional well-being. From eco-anxiety to despair, climate change can drive an array of emotional consequences.
Climate change, driven by rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, is not confined to its physical manifestations. Its effects extend into the emotional realm, influencing how individuals feel and respond to the world around them. Understanding these emotional responses is crucial for addressing the emotional well-being of communities and individuals.
Climate change is often associated with the rise of eco-anxiety, a form of chronic worry and fear about the future of the planet. Researchers like Clayton (2012) have examined how concerns about climate change can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Grief and Loss
The emotional toll of climate change is also linked to feelings of grief and loss. Research by Doherty and Clayton (2011) discusses the concept of ecological grief in the face of climate-related losses. Loss of species, habitats, and even entire communities due to environmental changes can lead to profound sadness.
Hopelessness and Despair
As the impacts of climate change intensify, some individuals may experience a sense of hopelessness and despair. The work of Kieft and Bendell (2020) explores the phenomenon of "deep adaptation," acknowledging that individuals will need to adapt emotionally to a rapidly changing world.
Understanding the emotional consequences of climate change is the first step toward effective coping. Strategies for managing these emotions include:
- Eco-Therapy. Nature-based therapies, as researched by Jordan et al. (2019), can help individuals connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of well-being.
- Community Support. Building supportive communities that share common concerns and goals can help individuals cope with eco-anxiety and grief (Ungar, 2018).
- Mental Health Services. Seeking professional help from psychologists and therapists who are knowledgeable about eco-anxiety and climate-related emotional distress can provide valuable support.
- Knowing That You Are Helping To Solve the Problem. Every step you take to lower your carbon footprint helps and you need to take that in so you have the inner strength to keep doing it. You won’t suffer much by fixing your old washing machine instead of throwing it in a landfill so you can get a new one. And that should be celebrated.
Climate change is not only a physical threat but an emotional one as well. Acknowledging the array of emotions it can evoke is essential for providing individuals with the tools they need to cope effectively. By understanding and addressing the emotional toll of climate change, we can work towards a more emotionally resilient and climate-resilient future.
To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
References
Clayton, S. (2012). Environment and identity. In S. Clayton (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Environmental and Conservation Psychology (pp. 49-63). Oxford University Press.
Doherty, T. J., & Clayton, S. (2011). The psychological impacts of global climate change. American Psychologist, 66(4), 265-276.
Kieft, J., & Bendell, J. (2020). The responsibility of communicating difficult truths about climate influenced societal disruption and collapse: An introduction to psychological research. Institute for Leadership and Sustainability (IFLAS) Occasional Papers, 3.
Jordan, M., Hinds, J., & Hinds, J. (2019). Ecotherapy: Theory, research and practice. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Ungar, M. (2018). Change your world: The science of resilience and the true path to success. Scribe Publications.
