Many people feel anxious about climate change and other trends in the world around us. However, there are constructive ways to cope with one's emotions. Researcher Marlis Wullenkord sums up the current state of research.
In step with the incorporation of the word "klimatångest" (climate anxiety) in the Swedish vocabulary, more and more researchers have become interested in the concept. One of them is Marlis Wullenkord, associate senior lecturer in environmental psychology at Lund University.
"We are also living in the shadow of war, risk of pandemics and the erosion of democracy. What makes climate change particularly interesting is its existential character. Even though the threat is well known, extensive and affects the whole of humanity, collective action proportionate to the problem is lagging behind," she says.
In 2021, Marlis Wullenkord presented a thesis on the psychology of climate denial, such as emotion regulation and protection of privilege. She is currently involved in several projects, covering aspects such as of young people's eco-emotions and distancing from the climate issue.
Another ongoing project concerns understanding whether connection with nature could be a way of coping with climate anxiety.
Normally, a close relationship with nature is good for our mental wellbeing, but in the case of climate change we do not see the same protective effect, according to Marlis Wullenkord.
"For people with a strong connection to nature spending time in nature may awaken climate-related grief and anxiety, because the changes become more tangible and the losses more concrete. Nature then becomes a source of both recovery and anxiety."
Pluralistic ignorance - underestimating the engagement of others
Surveys show that a majority of people are worried about climate change. In Sweden there are statistics that indicate around 75 per cent of Swedes are quite or very worried about the effects of climate change and want to see measures taken faster.
Despite this, other surveys point to a widespread notion that one's own climate engagement is greater than others'. It is a phenomenon that appears in several fields and which in research is known as pluralistic ignorance.
In simple terms, it means that many of us privately think or feel one thing, but believe that most people think something different.
"The phenomenon can lead to a dissonance between your own thoughts and public discourse," according to Marlis Wullenkord.
It is not over-sensitivity
Another common notion that has flourished in public discourse and become more and more prominent in recent years is that climate anxiety is an expression of over-sensitivity. This is not true.
"It's rational to worry or even be anxious about the actual threats that climate change poses. There is sometimes an underlying notion that rationality and emotions are separate, even though they are closely connected. It would be reasonable to have more scope for emotions and collective emotion regulation in public discourse," thinks Marlis Wullenkord.
Well-meaning disservice in interactions
Another mental slip concerns how we may respond to other people's worries - particularly how parents may handle their children's questions and concerns.
"Instinctively, you may try to get rid of what feels uncomfortable and reduce anxiety- perhaps your own as well - by soothing and reassuring others that 'it's not that bad after all' or by shutting down the conversation and changing the subject."Research shows that such comforting can be perceived as dismissive and therefore can create distance and isolation in the experience, which can lead to the feelings being more difficult to handle.
Four tips on how to cope with climate anxiety
So, what is the best approach? The following tips draw from the overall research, according to Marlis Wullenkord. Some of the tips are also effective for coping with worry and anxiety about other things happening in the world around us.
Meaning-focused coping
The aim is not to get rid of the worry and anxiety, and not even, necessarily, to reduce it. Instead, the recommendation is to dare to remain in the difficult and uncomfortable situation, while trying to find meaning in it. Perhaps it is even possible to find positive aspects and respond constructively. This approach, known as meaning-focused coping, is relevant in dealing with many of life's challenges and has clear similarities with mindfulness-based strategies.
Marlis Wullenkord mentions, among other things, a study about how chronically-ill people achieved an increased quality of life when they recognised the positive aspects in life and accepted the realisation of their own illness.
Validate feelings
Climate anxiety is not something that must be healed. It is an adaptive response to a real threat. In conversation, it is therefore better to validate the other person's feelings rather than diminish them or change the subject. Give the other person the chance to discuss feelings, listen and show respect. Recognising and putting words to feelings is the first step towards gaining control of them.
Understand yourself
Fundamentally, what is it that is actually stressing you? Is it grief over the loss of biodiversity or that other people are at risk? Is it the risk of losing personal property caused by extreme weather or not being able to travel? Is it not being able, or having the energy, to live as sustainably as you want to? Or is it a question of a feeling of hopelessness, that those in power don't seem to do enough?
People worry about different things. Being able to understand your own reactions and values increases the chances of acting in an appropriate way.
Take action
Think about what feels meaningful for you and what can awaken positive climate feelings. Perhaps it's joining a climate network, getting involved at school or the workplace, or "just" putting words to your feelings. The point is not to do everything, but to find something that feels relevant and sustainable for you.
