Anxiety and activism in response to climate change

Abstract

Increasing evidence for climate change is leading to increasing awareness of human impacts, including threats to mental health as well as to social relationships. Experiencing the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events or wildfires, as well as awareness of the threat that climate change presents, can lead to anxiety, loss of social connections and support, and relational challenges including aggression and conflict. However, climate change awareness also has the potential to increase engagement in activism designed to promote an effective societal response. Activism can help to mitigate environmental harm as well as promote the well-being of those involved. Further research is needed to understand the circumstances in which climate anxiety can encourage activism, and the conditions and limits surrounding the positive impacts of activism on climate anxiety. Policies and programs could also be established to encourage activism among those distressed about climate change.