Climate Anxiety
Climate Anxiety
Climate anxiety, sometimes called eco-anxiety or climate grief, refers to the feelings of sadness, loss, fear and hopelessness caused by climate disruption. Youth and young adults are often the ones experiencing climate anxiety most acutely.
The Oregon Health Authority conducted a study on the impact of climate change on youth mental health, and found results similar to those found in international studies. A summary of the experience of Oregon youth:
- They are experiencing feelings of hopelessness, despair, anxiety and frustration about climate change
- They feel dismissed by adults and the older generation.
- They feel angry that not enough is being done to protect their future
- They understand climate change as closely linked with systemic racism and oppression. They believe both need to be addressed at the same time. "Climate Change and Youth Mental Health," June 2022, p.5.
This guide includes resources for understanding and addressing climate anxiety, including programming and support available here at Portland Community College. See below recommended web resources and videos for learning about eco- and climate anxiety. Use the tabs on the left to find
- Books and podcasts—highly recommended!
- Connections—groups and resources at PCC and beyond to connect those with shared concerns, including those working for climate solutions
- Hope—quick hits of hope and resources for the long haul
- Past events—information about past programming and events at PCC for students, staff and faculty related to climate anxiety
Online resources
- What is Climate Grief?Comprehensive introduction from Climate & Mind, compiled by psychotherapist Andrew Bryant
- Climate Mental Health Network resourcesTips and downloadable tip sheets, guided meditations, recommended books and more
- EcopsychepediaEncyclopedia created by mental health professionals about the psychological impacts of the climate crisis.
- Resources for working with climate emotionsBlog post by Britt Wray providing an extensive list of resources.
- "Climate grief and anxiety"Resources on PCC Library's Climate Change research guide
Climate anxiety videos
PBS video. "Our host will tackle the big question: what can someone do to realistically treat climate anxiety." (11 minutes)
Our house is on fire, so why aren’t we acting like it’s an emergency? From Earthrise. (9:04 minutes)
- Interview with Britt Wray. Program from Protecting Blue Nature (40:26 minute video)
Additional recommended videos.
- Jennifer Atkinson presents “Climate Anxiety, Hope and Action: Inner Strategies for an Age of Crisis”Dr, Jennifer Atkinson is an author and Professor of environmental humanities at the University of Washington, Bothell. In this video she explains that the age of climate consequences is upon us, and anxiety and despair are rising along with global temperatures. To successfully face the challenges ahead, we need to build more than solar panels and sea walls — we also need to build the emotional resilience to stay engaged in climate work over the long haul. She offers five key steps for navigating the psychological and emotional impacts of climate change while channeling our anxiety into collective efforts to create a livable future. (31:22 minutes)
- Renée Lertzman TED Talk: How to turn climate anxiety into actionIt's normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed by climate change, says psychologist Renée Lertzman. Can we turn those feelings into something productive? In an affirming talk, Lertzman discusses the emotional effects of climate change and offers insights on how psychology can help us discover both the creativity and resilience needed to act on environmental issues. (13:57 minutes)
Climate emotions wheel
