Climate anxiety is a term that describes the fear, worry, and stress that many people experience as they contemplate the future of the planet. With climate change increasingly impacting the environment and society, more people are feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the crisis. From wildfires and floods to rising temperatures and species extinction, the evidence of a changing climate is unavoidable. For many, these visible effects trigger deep concern about what the future holds for themselves, their children, and the world as a whole (Hickman et al., 2021).
Unlike typical anxiety disorders, climate anxiety is driven by external events rather than internal fears. It is a rational response to a real and growing threat, but it can still have a significant effect on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. As awareness of climate change grows, so too does the number of people experiencing these anxious feelings. While it is not yet classified as a clinical condition, mental health professionals recognize it as a legitimate and widespread issue, one that requires attention as the climate crisis intensifies (Clayton et al., 2017).
In Canada, climate anxiety is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly among younger generations who feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to address the problem. With the country facing its own unique environmental challenges, the mental health effects of climate change are felt keenly here. Understanding what climate anxiety is and why it matters is essential for developing ways to cope and build resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Climate Anxiety in Canada
Canada is not immune to the psychological impacts of climate change. The country’s vast and diverse landscape, while beautiful, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a warming planet. Northern regions are warming faster than the global average, with the Arctic experiencing dramatic losses of sea ice and permafrost (Bush & Lemmen, 2019). This not only affects wildlife and ecosystems but also threatens the traditional ways of life for Indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with the land for generations (Cunsolo Willox et al., 2015).
In other parts of Canada, wildfires, flooding, and severe weather events are becoming more common. Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have faced devastating wildfires, displacing communities and causing significant ecological damage (CBC News, 2023). Meanwhile, areas like Quebec and Ontario have been hit with record-breaking floods. These events are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, serving as constant reminders that climate change is a present and evolving reality.
For many Canadians, especially those directly impacted by these disasters, this can trigger a deep sense of anxiety about the future. People feel a loss of control over their environment and their lives, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair (Palinkas & Wong, 2020).
What makes climate anxiety particularly challenging in Canada is the sense that the country, despite its relatively small population, plays a significant role in contributing to global emissions. Canada ranks among the top per capita carbon emitters globally and has a significant oil and gas industry (Government of Canada, 2022). This creates a conflict for many Canadians, who want climate action but are also aware of the industry’s economic importance.
For younger generations, this anxiety is even more pronounced. Surveys have shown that Canadian youth are among the most concerned about climate change and feel frustrated by the slow pace of political response (Fraser et al., 2021). They carry the emotional burden of knowing that today’s inaction will shape their future, which can lead to intense stress and feelings of powerlessness.
Why Addressing Climate Anxiety Is Important
Recognizing and addressing climate anxiety is crucial, not only for the well-being of individuals but also for society as a whole. When people feel overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, it can lead to inaction—a psychological paralysis that undermines the collective effort needed to address climate change (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020).
On an individual level, persistent anxiety can lead to burnout, depression, and physical symptoms like fatigue and muscle tension (APA, 2023). These effects can compromise daily functioning and erode overall well-being. In severe cases, climate anxiety may contribute to mental health crises such as panic attacks or suicidal ideation (Cunsolo & Ellis, 2018).
At the societal level, widespread unmanaged climate anxiety can disrupt public discourse and democratic engagement. Some may disengage entirely, while others may respond with extreme or maladaptive behaviors, fueled by desperation rather than long-term thinking (Pihkala, 2020). Building emotional resilience is therefore essential not only for mental health but for fostering a capable, adaptive, and hopeful society.
Coping with Climate Anxiety
While climate anxiety is a rational response to an urgent global issue, there are evidence-based ways to manage it. Acknowledging one’s emotional response is the first step. Mental health experts encourage viewing climate anxiety as a sign of empathy and engagement, not weakness (Ojala, 2012).
Focusing on actions within one’s control can help counter feelings of helplessness. Small steps—such as reducing personal carbon footprints, supporting sustainable businesses, or advocating for climate policies—can instill a sense of agency (Clayton et al., 2017). Research shows that engaging in climate action, especially in a group setting, boosts hope and reduces eco-anxiety by providing purpose and community (Verplanken et al., 2020).
Connecting with others is also key. Participating in environmental groups, local clean-ups, or climate education initiatives fosters a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. These activities reduce isolation and help individuals feel part of a meaningful collective effort.
For individuals whose mental health is significantly affected, professional support is important. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are increasingly being used to address eco-anxiety (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020). Mindfulness practices can also help manage stress and build emotional regulation.
Balancing climate awareness with emotional self-care is critical. Limiting exposure to distressing news and seeking stories of climate solutions and innovation can help maintain optimism and motivation (Ojala, 2012).
The Future
Climate anxiety is a growing issue that affects individuals, communities, and societies worldwide. In Canada, where the impacts of climate change are increasingly visible, more people are grappling with feelings of fear and uncertainty about the future. While these feelings are a natural response to a real crisis, it is essential to address climate anxiety both at the individual and societal levels.
By recognizing climate anxiety and providing resources for coping, we can help people move from paralysis to action. Empowering individuals to take meaningful steps toward sustainability, fostering community engagement, and supporting mental health will be key to building a resilient, hopeful future. In the end, addressing climate anxiety is not just about mental health—it is about creating the conditions for a society that can effectively respond to the environmental challenges ahead.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety
Bush, E., & Lemmen, D. S. (Eds.). (2019). Canada’s changing climate report. Government of Canada. https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/
CBC News. (2023). Wildfires in Canada: What you need to know. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-wildfires-explainer-1.6872583
Clayton, S., Manning, C., Krygsman, K., & Speiser, M. (2017). Mental health and our changing climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance. American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica.
Clayton, S., & Karazsia, B. T. (2020). Development and validation of a measure of climate change anxiety. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 69, 101434. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101434
Cunsolo, A., & Ellis, N. R. (2018). Ecological grief as a mental health response to climate change-related loss. Nature Climate Change, 8, 275–281. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-018-0092-2
Cunsolo Willox, A., Harper, S. L., Ford, J. D., Landman, K., Houle, K., & Edge, V. L. (2015). Climate change and mental health: An exploratory case study from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Canada. Climatic Change, 121, 255–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-013-0875-4
Fraser, S. A., Beaudoin, C. E., & Sauvageau, M. (2021). Young Canadians and climate anxiety: A national survey. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 112(5), 832–835.
Government of Canada. (2022). Greenhouse gas emissions. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/greenhouse-gas-emissions.html
Hickman, C., Marks, E., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, R. E., Mayall, E. E., Wray, B., Mellor, C., & van Susteren, L. (2021). Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: A global survey. The Lancet Planetary Health, 5(12), e863–e873. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00278-3
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Palinkas, L. A., & Wong, M. (2020). Global climate change and mental health. Current Opinion in Psychology, 32, 12–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.06.023
Pihkala, P. (2020). Anxiety and the ecological crisis: An analysis of eco-anxiety and climate anxiety. Sustainability, 12(19), 7836. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12197836
Verplanken, B., Marks, E., & Dobson, K. (2020). The emotional impact of environmental activism: Findings from a survey of climate activists in the UK. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 72, 101518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101518
Written By:
Inaam Chattha
