Eco-anxiety, what can be done about it?
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Eco-Anxiety
Across the world, eco-anxiety has increased dramatically due to rising sea levels causing flooding, extreme heat waves, climate change and global warming. Eco-anxiety is when a person is wildly anxious about climate change and global warming. Eco-anxious people are so distressed about earth that their sufferings result in them losing their appetite, sleepless nights and not being able to do simple things like go to work or basic activities like leave home they also end up feeling weak and like they can do nothing to help even though that’s the only thing that matters to them. These symptoms of eco-anxiety can be very negatively impactful on their health.
People suffer from eco-anxiety as the devastating events on earth can seriously affect people leading to them becoming eco-anxious people. However, many people don’t care about this and just continue worrying these people leading to chaos around the world.
Eco-anxiety is a normal thing to suffer from as the terrifying events on earth can be very distressing and upsetting. Unfortunately, in 2022 the Office of National Statistics found that 62% of UK people were afraid that rising temperatures were going to directly affect them by 2030. Additionally, the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2005. These statistics have worried eco-anxious people causing them to only think about climate change and global warming which are very negative on their mental health. Plus, between 2010and 2020, people were 15 times more likely to die from extreme weather such as flooding, droughts and storms according to the IPCC’s report. Also, a temperature rise of another nine-tenths of a degree Celsius from now, and the amount of land burned by wildfires will increase by 35% globally. Researchers found that climate change was a likely factor in the devastating 2019 Australian bushfires, destroying almost 10,000 homes.
Eco-anxious people tend to sometimes avoid news as they know that most of the news is about climate change and global warming and as you already know, this stresses out eco-anxious but they need to be up to date with demolition levels on earth so they know what is going on, on earth. Especially, when devastating facts like the Green Peace’s report that the UK will see more severe weather due to climate change , including extreme heat waves, flooding, storms and wildfires and this is stressing for these climate anxious people that love earth.
Comments (19)
Hello,
I think that a lot really can be done about it. Eco-anxiety to me is a result of the ignorance of a lot of people. This distinction is mainly caused by two things, namely experience and information. Breaking the gap is the perfect way of handling eco-anxiety and this can only be done through media balancing.
News plays an essential role in the way people experience eco-anxiety. Balance is key to handling this. We need to give more good news to victims to help them to recover from their trauma and we need to show more bad news to news consumers, to drive their urge for an impact. This will help in recovery and development at the same time.
In conclusion, I think we should mainly focus on those with harsh eco-anxiety because fixing them will help others by encouraging the news consumers to do a lot more for the victims.
THANKYOU.
I agree because people need to know what is going on to help do something about it. Balancing it can be good because you can see growth whether that be mentioned on good news or bad news.
Rightly said.
Eco-anxiety reflects the widespread ignorance prevalent among many individuals, influenced significantly by both personal experience and access to information. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial in addressing eco-anxiety, and the key lies in achieving media balance.
The media's portrayal of environmental issues plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of eco-anxiety. Striking a balance is essential in managing this issue effectively. Providing positive news to those directly impacted can aid in their recovery, while showcasing negative news to wider audiences can spur action and create meaningful impacts. This dual approach fosters both recovery and progress simultaneously.
Ultimately, prioritizing support for individuals grappling with severe eco-anxiety can have a ripple effect, motivating others to take action and contribute towards positive outcomes for those affected.
Many things can be done to combat eco-anxiety. One thing is you make sure that you're also reading or listening to good things that are helping to stop climate change, like recycling news. This will help you to stay positive and remind you that there are things that are happening in the world. Another thing you can do to combat eco-anxiety is to change your lifestyle. Instead of dwelling on the problem, try to create a solution. Riding bikes or buses, using reusable water bottles, and planting trees are all good ways to help. One last way to combat eco-anxiety is to just not think about it. Sometimes, just taking a break from all of the news and taking time for yourself is good, and it calms you down.
I agree a lot with you and i think that the best solution is trying to solve it but everyone even people which arent concerned about this should make something for people to deal with the situation, as for example talikg about the topic in schools. What do you think about this?
I agree with you but make sure that when you talk about it, provide ways to make it better. For example, if you're talking about icecaps melting, also talk about ways to combat global warming, like using less energy at home.
Thank you.
Can you suggest any solutions to the examples you have given, comfortable_conclusion?
Hello,
I think the solutions to the examples that comfortable conclusion made is by reducing the burn of fossil fuel, protecting our forests, increase iceberg thickness, Using less energy, reusing and recycling wastes.
This can stop climate change in our home, Earth.
The easiest way to combat or reduce eco-anxiety is turning them as a positive spirit and determination to save the climate and the world as well. Now the question may arise that how can we convert our eco-anxiety into positive trait? Well, eco-anxiety proves that you are worried about climate and are going to do the extreme work to protect the climate. So, we can easily turn this determination in a tangible action. Instead of becoming just worried, we will take step to protect our climate. We will change our habit and behavior to switch into an eco-friendly live pattern. We will not just overthink about the climate, but also come up with new and realistic solutions. We will work hard to mold the public opinion about climate change and encourage them to follow an ecofriendly lifestyle. In this way, we can turn our eco-anxiety into actions which can protect the climate.
This is very true! These are many methods to improve eco-anxiety. There is much that you can do without doing big things. Recycling can improve eco-anxiety by a lot. Planting trees can improve the oxygen. You can also change your mode of transportation. This may seem very little, but it really does a lot.
Many things can be done about eco anxiety but I think the main thing is making sure are people understand it and are ready to help.Some people may not have the right mindset or mental capacity to understand their eco anxiety and can make things hard for them to do anything.They could even be scared to want to help out because they feel that they may not be putting all their efforts into it. THis is why maybe people could probably meditate or read some books to try to get an understanding to not be scared.
I agree that you can take your mind off of it, but it would also be no harm IF you were to do something about it. Staying inside, keeping to yourself, or basically isolation will keep them scared. If they do not try to do something, it can only lead to worse climate change. It will cause them to be even more scared about doing anything. Doing something about it can strengthen you and be more confident. It will help you make a better change. Even doing little things like planting trees can do a lot. You do not necessarily have to do a lot. If nothing is done to make a change, how will the environment improve? Even if it is very little, the little things matter too.
There are a lot of things things that could be done to tackle eco- anxiety and if we all decide to work together we could make great effort and advancements in tackling eco- anxiety. As said by the American Psychiatric Association'' Eco- anxiety is a chronic fear of environmental doom.” A lot of people day by day are affected more and more by the negative effects of climate change and they are beginning to become afraid of what the future has in store if right now a lot of natural disasters are affecting many countries due to climate change. We as humans have to take action immediately if not our fears could soon become a reality, putting both us and future generations in danger. some ways we could counter and tackle these negative effects of climate change is by;
1)We could raise awareness about the dangers of man's activities to the earth and we could try and encourage people to recycle and think green.
2) We could also try and plant more trees and avoid the cutting down of trees because deforestation also plays a role in destroying our eco system.
3) We should try our best to use environment friendly products and also reduce the amount of waste we create
4) Another important thing we could do is raise awareness about animal poaching and illegal hunting because killing of animals is slowly making them go extinct and if animals go extinct it would really put the eco system in a lot of danger.
5)Lastly, we should try our best to think green and also live green
To address eco-anxiety, people can engage in environmental activism, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and practicing mindfulness. By channeling concerns into positive actions, staying informed without being overwhelmed, and focusing on personal contributions to environmental well-being, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Remember, small actions can lead to significant impacts in combating eco-anxiety.
I agree with you! Many small actions can lead to impacts. People may think that there is not a lot to do about it, and if there was, it would have to be big. Starting off small can also benefit because as you go you improve the environment slowly and do better around you. People need to be more informed and contribute more so that we can benefit the community.
You're right! You know when you play with little toys or games and you clean up after you're done? That's just like taking care of our Earth. Even if you only pick up one toy, it still helps keep your room clean. The same goes for our planet! If we all pick up one piece of trash, or plant one tree, it can make a big difference.
Some people might think, "Oh, I'm just one person. What can I really do?" But even the smallest person can save the Earth! We don't need to do big things all at once. We can start small and grow. Like learning to ride a bike, or learning to tie your shoes, it takes time and practice.
So, let's all learn more about our Earth and how we can help. Just like how you learn to do something new, we can learn to be better at taking care of our home. And the more we do, the better our community and our Earth will be!
So, let's all be superheroes and help clean up our Earth, one piece of trash at a time!
Greetings,
I think and strongly believe that with the peoples contribution,commitment,unity and positive thinking a lot of things can be done to eco -anxiety. Eco-anxiety is caused due to the carelessness and ignorance of people about the climate change. Today , eco-anxiety has spread a lot all over the world . To change it, people should contribute to it without ignorance. We can do many things like hold awareness programs,sites.We should teach children as well as every person about it. This can be done by spreading awareness online as well. A singular person's small contribution like recycling, reducing etc. can also make a great difference in this matter .
Thank you
I disagree with your standpoint because in my country U.S.A, there has been a recent devastating wildfire, known as the Texas smokehouse wildfire, which has burned over 1 million acres of land. This has sprung back up the discussion of eco-anxiety, because although we know many ways on how to stop climate change, we don't do it. This is because we feel that only the wealthy can do something to stop it, which is only partly true.
What would you say to someone who says:
"Why should I spend my savings on an electric car when people fly around on private jets? What I do won't make a difference"
I would most likely tell them that all of our small decisions could make a big difference to climate change. I believe that we should also make incentives to "go green" by for instance, giving benefits like higher pay rate, or decreased prices on the electric car. These could make people want to make resourceful decisions because of the benefits. Right now, we don't see any improvements to our life in terms of money because we don't get any.
Hi Steff,
Every individual action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the larger picture. While it's true that some people fly on private jets, it's essential to understand that collective efforts drive significant change. Choosing an electric car over a traditional one, for instance, reduces carbon emissions and promotes sustainability. Each person's decision to make environmentally conscious choices adds up to a substantial impact on the environment and society as a whole. By making informed choices and advocating for positive change, individuals collectively influence industries, policies, and societal norms. Remember, every drop fills the ocean, and every small action contributes to a more sustainable future.
Its appearing more commonly spoken about today because the drastic affects it has on our lives now and maybe later in life is a big concern to many all over the planet. It is said and most likely true that 99% of coral reefs will be lost if we exceed 2 degrees Celsius of the warming of the oceans around the world. These massive changes are affecting all of our lives and all of the species on the land or either in the sea as well.
We all might not be able to solve all of these problems if we don't help out to clean and actually care for our planet in the way we should do ,we are causing all of this to our planet and others all over the country and the continent need our help so we can beat climate change and solve all of the problems with the ocean, the deserts and most of our county's as well.
After the lesson we watched abit of Wollie after we watched abit of Wollie i feel the message shown to us would increase someones Eco-anxiety because it shows humans getting lazy and not caring about the world
If the governments listen to us it would decreased Eco-anxiety. The fact that the governments arent listening its terrrifying. We have already seen the effects climate change has had and yet government failed to give a good response to combat it.
I think we if we reduce our use in fossil fuels and recycle more we could slowly and surely begin to help our world
I agree with you because there are various ways that people will be able to stop eco-anxiety from happening to people. Some ways that we can stop climate change include:
1) The practice of afforestation instead of deforestation.
2) Stopping bush burning to not harm the ozone layer.
3) Taking care of our environment and always keeping it hygienic to gradually stop pollution.
These are all ways that we can stop eco-anxiety from happening to people. Generally, we should take care of the climate issue so that people especially young ones will not be worried again.
THANK YOU.
I agree with this a lot. There are so many ways you can stop pollution without having to do a lot. These are very good methods to improve air pollution around the environment. Taking care of the environment and putting effort into this can really make a change.
I think that using more eco friendly things and recycling could make a big difference. I think all of our help could give us a better opportunity to have a good future ahead
Can you give an example of eco-friendly alternatives that people could use?
Yes! In the real world, people can adopt various eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their environmental impact. For instance, using reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags, opting for public transportation or carpooling to reduce emissions, switching to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, and embracing solar panels for renewable energy are practical eco-friendly choices. Additionally, composting organic waste, supporting sustainable and ethical brands, and reducing water waste by fixing leaks or installing water-saving fixtures are simple yet effective ways to contribute to a greener planet. By incorporating these eco-friendly alternatives into daily routines, individuals can make a positive difference in preserving the environment for future generations.
I think should embrace their eco-anxieties rather than find ways to get off it, like Jocelyn said eco-anxiety will always be a part of you, so rather than being ashamed of it, use it as a motivating tool to show others that eco-anxiety is something we should not be afraid of. There is a saying that goes" Embrace your flaws because that is what makes you stronger", I believe sharing your eco-anxieties with others will show others that eco-anxiety can help save the planet. We can start little, starting little protests at schools can help show other kids with eco-anxiety that they can make a difference. Taking action now to help stop pollution can show others with eco-anxiety that they can do something to prove to others there is hope to stop climate change, there is a saying "Hope is not something that you have, hope is something that you create with your actions". In my opinion, I believe we are all the solution, those with eco-anxiety and those without eco-anxiety, if we all come together and find effective to help save the planet, there will be a brighter tomorrow.
Well, I think that if eco anxiety is to be stopped, then all we need to do is to stop climate change because according to Topical Talk,Eco anxiety is when people are scared, terrified and anxious about climate change which causes global warming. Eco anxiety also known as climate anxiety is fundamentally distress about climate change and its impacts on the landscape and human existence.
So, generally, I say that the only way to defeat eco anxiety is to defeat climate change.
THANK YOU.
I think that in our world it is important to not just think about all the negatives about all that is happening but to look at all the progress that we have achieved on helping the environment and to make it a better place for all the people to come but we should be aware about what we are doing in our home life because you may not be aware of what you are doing because it may devastate the environment even more and it is evident that the progress is getting better and better and it is us to us to help our world just like it has looked after us all these years
Hi there! I think there is a lot to do about eco-anxiety. Many people may stay inside and keep to themselves because they are scared. But do not fear because you do not have to do a lot to improve the environment. You can plant always plant trees. You don't necessarily have to go out. All you have to do is plant them outside your house where there's space. If you want to plant trees in other places, you can! For others who go out, you can change your mode of transportation. It would not hurt to use a bike, right? Motivation plays a big part. If you are motivated to change the environment, you may go overboard, but it is okay to do more than less. To improve pollution, some ways would be to not burn your garbage, using air pollutants, and just to not let pollution spread. If pollution spreads, it can cause diseases. Being able to make a change, or just doing something small can make a big difference.
I think a lot of things can be done about eco anxiety. A lot of people can go and make a change by recycling use eco friendly products and more.
Hello, Firstly, Hickman's environmental concern is that controlling individual emissions can significantly improve people's psychological and mental state. Instead of ignoring the problem. Then Jennifer is one of a growing number of people who suffer from environmental anxiety, a chronic feeling of despair and fear of environmental doom. Third, once the threshold exceeds the threshold, performance begins to deteriorate and health anxiety may be a good thing, as it motivates us to prepare for an event. Third, a recent global survey showed the depth of anxiety that many young people feel about climate change. If nearly 60 percent of the young people who participated said. Fourth, climate anxiety can raise concerns about phenomena and about whom studies indicate that women are more affected by anxiety. Nowadays, environmental issues are on the front pages of newspapers around the world.
I absolutely agree with you because I think Especially, when devastating facts like the Green Peace’s report that the UK will see more severe weather due to climate change , including extreme heat waves, flooding, storms and wildfires and this is stressing for these climate anxious people that love earth.It's understandable that reports like Greenpeace's can be distressing for people concerned about climate change. It underscores the urgency of taking action to mitigate its effects and adapt to the changes already underway