Climate Distress

Climate distress refers to the negative emotions people may experience in response to climate change. The term encompasses a range of conditions, from chronic depression and PTSD caused by the loss of homes and livelihoods to extreme weather events, to temporary feelings of anger or grief, perhaps from witnessing this destruction on social media. The conversation on climate change has typically focussed on its tangible impacts, but the links between climate change and mental health are increasingly being measured and recognised. In a study of 10,000 people across ten countries, 45% reported that anxiety and stress over climate change was negatively impacting their everyday life. Initiatives like the Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London have been set up to learn more, as well as providing individuals and communities with the resources to manage climate distress.