Environment

Seven Ways To Channel Climate Anxiety Into Action

Seven Ways To Channel Climate Anxiety Into Action

Climate fear is a natural response to very serious risks to our ecosystem, especially among young people. Here's what you can do about it.

Climate change is regarded as one of the most serious dangers to global health. Over the last century, the average global temperature has also risen by around 1.8°F (16°C), which is predicted to continue unless considerable action is taken. Climate anxiety, sometimes also known as eco-anxiety, is a sort of anxiety caused by environmental degradation. While young adults appear to be the most vulnerable, people of all ages can suffer from climate anxiety. 

However, carbon offsets are said to be reducing or removing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the environment. And in the present time, it is highly required to work on the circumstances concerning climate change. So, with climate anxiety affecting so many of us, how can we learn to cope with it?

But before we go deep into it, let's understand - 

What Is Climate Anxiety, And Who Does It Affect?

Climate anxiety, also known as climate change anxiety or eco-anxiety, is an awareness of the detrimental impact that human activities have on the environment, which can be overpowering or draining at times. It may be emphasized for people of colour, who are more likely to die due to climate change-related air pollution, floods, extreme heat, and other effects. 

Carbon credit companies are expressly designed to act as a "bridge" to help in reducing carbon emissions. Carbon credits also enable businesses to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. 

Symptoms Of Climate Anxiety

Climate strain can cause several symptoms, from moderate fear to extra excessive tension, despair, and rage. A person's cultural heritage and courting with the surroundings may also affect how they revel in and care for weather tension. One research case on Inuit people in Canada, for example, discovered that those with climate anxiety were more likely to engage in substance abuse and have suicide ideation. Climate anxiety symptoms might vary between people and countries.

Climate anxiety symptoms include:

  • Impatience
  • Depression
  • Hopelessness
  • Helplessness
  • Resentment of earlier generations or persons who are not environmentally conscientious
  • Feeling guilty about earlier deeds
  • Anger over environmental losses
  • Desperate ideation
  • Hunger loss
  • Asleep issues
  • Nervousness attacks

How To Handle Climate Anxiety

If you feel you are suffering from climate anxiety, the first step is acknowledging that you are not alone. Even the most environmentally-conscious countries are not perfect. Carbon offset credits are also useful for businesses that want to become carbon neutral in their operations. 

According to experts, "Climate fear is a normal response to the conditions that exist in the world. And we all experience concern when something we value is threatened, and because climate change does endanger what we value, climate anxiety is a perfectly normal response.

Reframing your attitude about why you experience climate fear can assist. Bechard feels it can be reframed as a declaration of love. "Our negative climate emotions, such as climate anxiety and grief, remind us that we are people who care passionately about our loved ones, our communities, and the world," she says.

Finding other people who share your hobbies is another good coping approach. If you can't locate any in your community, you can always join a group built exclusively for persons dealing with climate anxiety. 

People Are Affected By Climate Change In Three Ways 

  • Immediate consequences: This is when natural calamities occur and create devastation. These unforeseeable circumstances can result in PTSD, anxiety, sadness, and stress. 
  • Gradual impacts: This is a great concern about climate change's slow, long-term effects. These are examples of increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, and shifting rain patterns. Chronic stress can be caused by gradual effects, such as weakness, tension, and headaches.
  • Indirect effects: Occur when climate change impacts your perception and causes you to think differently about yourself, others, and the world.  

Top 7 Climate Anxiety Reduction Strategies 

Do you have fears about our planet's future? Try these seven actionable tips for reducing climate anxiety. 

  • Talk to someone: Talking to someone you trust is vital to dealing with anxiety and mental health issues. So, whenever you face any kind of climate change issue, counseling with experts can really help you develop an appropriate strategy to cope with the situation.
  • Reduce stress by reading books and playing games: One of the most effective strategies to decrease stress caused by climate change is to read books and play games. This not only releases stress but also diverts your mind from the chaos rising due to air travel. So, it's very important to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted when fossil fuels are burned for heat, power, and transportation. Using energy-efficient appliances, minimizing your usage of heat and air conditioners, and taking alternate modes of transportation are all strategies to lessen your carbon footprint.
  • Turn your fear into action: Anxiety may be devastating and, at times, paralyzing. You may feel helpless with the question if you can make a difference. If you have climate anxiety, then spend time with nature. This will help you to focus and get control over your anxiety. Calculating your carbon footprint with a reliable carbon footprint calculator is another imperative way by which you can know and measure how much you need to reduce the CO2.
  • Realize there is a God who loves you: When we are going through a difficult time in life, the first thing that comes to mind is loneliness. Nobody, we believe, is with us. Everyone is working against us. It's possible to be correct. But there is a God who created you and will never abandon you, even if everyone else abandons us. 
  • Spending time in nature: Spending time in nature can also help you deal with climate anxiety and enhance your mental health. Whether swimming, hiking, or simply sitting motionless, being in nature has numerous advantages. It can help reduce stress and the chance of acquiring certain mental health issues, boost your mood and increase understanding and cooperation. Although, being outside also helps you to feel more associated with the natural world. Thus, by adopting this feature, you can easily reduce your own carbon footprint.

In the last two decades, the carbon emission ratio in the environment has improved a lot. As per the report, carbon emissions contribute to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming. 

  • Think about ecotherapy: Eco-therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on human-nature relationships. Eco-therapy combines animals, horticulture, and outdoor enjoyment into the therapy process. 
  • Find support in communities: There are numerous supportive communities for those with climate anxiety. Even if you're dealing with climate anxiety, try to find a local community that works for you. 

Final Thoughts:

Climate anxiety is a common complaint that affects many individuals nowadays, especially young people. If you're worried about climate change, then the carbon offsets calculator is another best tool by which you can measure the growing environmental damage. Consult a climate-aware therapist if you're still feeling worried and stunned after taking action on your own. For more information, do contact or write to Climate Carbon