Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg opened up about her struggles with climate anxiety as a child. At just 11 years old, the weight of the climate crisis overwhelmed her so much that she stopped eating and lost 10 kilograms in two months.
In Canada, many share similar feelings. A mother from Salmon Arm, B.C., describes her anxiety about the climate future for her children as “suffocating.” A student in Calgary admits that her worry about food choices and their impact on the planet led to her barely eating at times.
But how widespread is this anxiety? A recent study found that nearly a million Canadians experience significant stress related to climate change. This research, published in Nature Mental Health, surveyed over 2,400 Canadians aged 13 and older using a climate anxiety scale. The results were stark: about 90% of respondents were worried about climate change, and 68% reported some level of anxiety. Researchers deemed this response normal, given the alarming effects of climate change, like severe wildfires and heatwaves. However, they identified 2.35% of respondents as experiencing “clinically relevant” symptoms.
Sherilee Harper, a public health professor at the University of Alberta and lead author of the study, highlighted its significance. Almost one million Canadians are facing climate anxiety that negatively impacts their sleep and daily lives. This figure is slightly below the 2.5-3% prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in the country, though there’s uncertainty about overlaps between the two conditions.
Britt Wray, a researcher at Stanford University specializing in mental health and climate change, supports this finding. She notes that younger generations are particularly affected. Wray suggests that it’s crucial to offer emotional support for those struggling, whether through individual therapy or community initiatives like climate cafes where people can openly discuss their concerns.
Interestingly, the study revealed that anxiety levels decrease with age, with younger Millennials and Gen Z experiencing the highest levels. Indigenous communities reported even higher anxiety rates, possibly due to their close ties to the land, which is rapidly changing. This aligns with the experience of Merril Dean, a school psychologist in the Northwest Territories. She explains that many residents see climate change’s impact firsthand, such as increased wildfires and changes in wildlife patterns due to warming temperatures.
The North has warmed at four times the global rate. Dean recalls that in the past, she rarely saw lightning storms, but they are now commonplace, leading to devastating fires. When communities evacuated due to wildfires in 2023, their return was marked by stark changes in their environment, causing further anxiety.
In southern Quebec, psychology professor Catherine Malboeuf has noticed similar trends. Regardless of age, people are increasingly reacting to climate change, and this has psychological effects. The challenge, she notes, is breaking the taboo around discussing climate anxiety openly.
Both Harper and Malboeuf underscore that awareness of climate anxiety is essential. Offering support and creating spaces for dialogue can help those struggling with these feelings. As society continues to grapple with climate change, understanding its psychological impacts is a critical step toward promoting mental well-being in an uncertain world.
