As pressure on ecosystems and nature mounts, so does our weight of worry. Experts discuss ways to alleviate destructive fears.
The Climate Question is the BBC World Service’s series dedicated to major discussion points about the environmental crisis and its implications. Covering ethics, economic, society and more, this week’s episode tackles one of the biggest elephants in the room which is omnipresent but very rarely discussed.
Last October, Environment Journal reported on the development of a new Climate Change Mental Health Vulnerability Index by the National Preparedness Commission. In this, we laid out alarming statistics about how many people in Britain are now experiencing anxiety as a result of environmental conditions, with 74% of British adults and 60% of children presenting associated symptoms.
This has likely worsened in the wake of the UK Government’s recent report on biodiversity, ecosystem and habitat loss as an existential threat to national security. Meanwhile, public opinion continues to be made clear, most recently in polling that suggests perceived ‘anti-nature rhetoric from Labour has driven one-fifth of voters away from the party.
Fear, anger, dread, and anxiety are amongst the strongest reported emotional responses, and although some degree of these reactions can be useful in helping motivate, there’s only so much people can endure before these becomes counterproductive and potentially crippling. Understanding coping mechanisms can therefore be invaluable.
Hosted by Graihagh Jackson, guests including Eco-Anxiety in Africa Project lead Svetlana Chigozie Onye, and Dr Daniella Watson – a Chartered Health Psychologist and Research Associate at The Climate Care Centre, Imperial College London – expound on initiatives and ideas that can help.
Image: Stormseeker / Unsplash
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