Extreme weather events driven by climate change are increasingly impacting our world, with consequences ranging from rising global temperatures to more frequent droughts and intensified forest fires. Not to mention the storms, often accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds, that are becoming more common and leaving visible marks on daily life worldwide.
Portugal, for instance, recently endured a series of storms that ravaged the nation, particularly the Centre region. The Intermunicipal Community (CIM) of the Leiria Region in Portugal reported that the financial toll in just ten municipalities could surpass one billion euros.
The ramifications extend beyond physical destruction and economic burdens; the psychological impact on residents is substantial. Teresa Pereira, a psychologist with expertise in applied psychology and climate change, highlighted a growing concern known as “eco-anxiety.” She described it as encompassing the emotional reactions of people anticipating or experiencing climate-related events.
Pereira noted that the term “eco-anxiety” originated from environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht in 2007 and was later defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2017 as “a chronic fear of environmental degradation.”
Understanding Eco-Anxiety
Eco-anxiety manifests through various emotional and physiological symptoms, such as anxiety, worry, and changes in sleep patterns. According to Pereira, it can affect mental health on three levels. The direct impact occurs when individuals experience extreme weather events, leading to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Indirect impacts involve disruptions to daily life, such as public service interruptions or agricultural damage, which can also affect mental health. Additionally, media exposure to climate change information can heighten eco-anxiety, even for those who haven’t directly experienced such events.
As climate change becomes more prominent in media narratives, the sense of proximity and immediacy of its effects grows, intensifying the experience of eco-anxiety among the population.
Normalizing Eco-Anxiety
Despite its diverse symptoms, Pereira emphasized that eco-anxiety is a “normal” and adaptive response to the vast changes affecting people’s lives. While not classified as a pathology, it may require professional attention if it significantly interferes with daily functioning.
Community support, empathy, and promoting literacy on this issue are vital strategies in managing eco-anxiety, especially as it becomes more prevalent. Educational institutions play a crucial role by incorporating both cognitive and emotional dimensions of climate education into the curriculum.
Strategies for Coping with Eco-Anxiety
Pereira suggests that engaging in environmentally friendly actions can mitigate eco-anxiety. Research indicates that involvement in environmental protection fosters a sense of control and hope. Joining environmentally focused groups can also provide social support.
Furthermore, contact with nature is linked to increased well-being, making it a recommended approach for alleviating anxiety and depression associated with climate change.
Research Insights on Eco-Anxiety
Recent studies have explored eco-anxiety’s impact across different demographics and geographies. A European study published in 2023 revealed significant variations in eco-anxiety levels among European countries, with Germany and Spain exhibiting the highest concern.
Another 2021 analysis in The Lancet Planetary Health surveyed young people across ten countries, finding that regions in the Global South and Portugal showed heightened eco-anxiety, likely due to their direct experiences with climate change.
However, further research suggests that overall, eco-anxiety prevalence among adults in Portugal remains relatively low. Pereira pointed out that those more ecologically aware exhibit higher levels of eco-anxiety, a trend particularly pronounced among the youth due to their prolonged exposure to climate impacts.
Original Story at www.euronews.com