Personal stories on eco-anxiety
Short interviews with climate activists on their experience of eco-anxiety that will make you feel less alone.
Emilie
Tell us briefly about yourself and how you’re involved in climate action:
My name is Emilie, I’m 26 and from France. My involvement in climate action is through various youth organisations, including YEE, where I focus on informal education and raising awareness about environmental issues among young people.
What emotions come up for you when you think about the climate crisis?
I often feel frustrated, powerless, and angry at decision-makers for not taking enough effective action. I also experience guilt for not doing more personally, and I worry a lot about the future. Being around people who aren’t interested in the issue can feel lonely. Despite this, small positive changes give me moments of hope, and I’m inspired by activists who never give up.
Have you ever felt eco-anxiety? In what situation/s?
Yes, I did, especially after the European and French elections this year. I felt overwhelmed and depressed by the lack of political urgency on climate action and environmental protection. It has even affected some friendships with people who don’t fully understand how deeply I’m concerned about this issue. I also experience eco-anxiety when I hear about extreme climate events in the news, constantly wondering when we will be next.
What helps you cope with anxiety/these feelings?
Staying positive, and optimistic, and believing we can still improve things helps me cope. I rely on friends who understand and share my concerns. Humour and sarcasm (who hasn’t dreamed about frying under the sun in summer?!) also help me manage these feelings. Sometimes, just going outside, connecting with nature, or even taking deep breaths and putting things into perspective can really help.
Where do you find hope in your climate work?
I find hope in working with young people who are so determined, passionate and resourceful. They motivate me to keep going and remind me that positive change is still possible. Seeing younger generations become increasingly involved and concerned about climate issues also gives me hope for the future.
Hasmik
Tell us briefly about yourself and how you’re involved in climate action
Hasmik / Armenia/ Environmental Specialist
What emotions come up for you when you think about the climate crisis?
I often feel a mix of urgency and frustration when thinking about the climate crisis. The scale of environmental degradation creates a sense of helplessness, especially considering the lag in climate policy implementation. There’s also a degree of optimism, connected to innovative strides being made in renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration efforts. Balancing the catastrophic projections with potential solutions gives me a spectrum of emotions, from anxiety to hope in collective action.
Have you ever felt eco-anxiety? In what situation/s?
Yes, eco-anxiety is something I have felt, especially when reflecting on very hot summers in Yerevan. The city has extreme temperatures, and it’s hard to ignore the discomfort and health risks associated with these heat waves. Walking outside feels like entering an oven, and it becomes clear how unprepared urban areas are for this level of heat, with limited green spaces or cooling infrastructure. Another thing is winters without snow which is also a reminder of climate change. Yerevan used to have more consistent snow cover, but in recent years, winters have been dry. This absence of snow changes the natural rhythm of the seasons. When you see these changes happening in your home city, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of worry about the future.
What helps you cope with anxiety/ these feelings?
In my last training, I took on the role of trainer and facilitator, focusing on the theme of creating positive nature future narratives. The goal was to shift participants’ perspectives toward imagining a hopeful and thriving ecological future, despite the overwhelming narratives of the climate crisis. Together, we explored how communities can engage in proactive, nature-focused projects that promote sustainability and environmental resilience. By the end of the session, we helped participants design a community project, emphasizing local action to restore ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. The process was energizing, allowing participants to share ideas of responsibility.
Where do you find hope in your climate work?
I find hope in my research job and as a youth worker through the creativity of young people. Their energy and innovative ideas inspire me, reminding me that the future is in capable hands. I also draw hope from seeing communities come together, even in small ways, to take action on environmental issues. Empowering youth for positive futures and giving them the tools to create change offers a sense of purpose. Seeing their growth, from awareness to action, I am sure my collective efforts can lead to impactful change.
Shogik
Tell us briefly about yourself and how you’re involved in climate action
Shoghik, Armenia. I am a Biologist currently doing research on the biodiversity of Ladybugs including invasive species and how human activity and climate change influence the spreading of them. Also I am involved in Uniting Bridge SNGO raising awareness among young people about civic activism and environmental action.
What emotions come up for you when you think about the climate crisis?
Mostly powerlessness, panic and worry, fear of uncertainty which I think is the worst. But I also think there are people that dedicate their knowledge and energy to act for change and then I feel hope.
Have you ever felt eco-anxiety? In what situation/s?
Yes, sometimes. Mostly when I read scientific papers related to biodiversity loss, climatic scenarios and endangered species, which I do a lot because of my profession.
What helps you cope with anxiety/ these feelings?
Some psychological tricks of being grounded and mindful in the moment, walking in nature help me stop overthinking. Talking to my friends and telling them about my feelings is also one of my coping mechanisms.
Where do you find hope in your climate work?
I do when I share my knowledge with youth. I always felt the gap between scientists and society. Now with my involvement in youth work and civic activism, each time I share the issues our planet is facing and the little conscious action that we can take in our daily lives, I feel empowered and hopeful.
Disclaimer
These interviews were conducted during a project called "Dealing with Eco-Anxiety". The project is supported by the European Youth Foundation.
Do you have questions about your eco-emotions? We asked a certified psychologist and an eco-emotions expert to answer them for you!
If the distress over climate and environment starts to severely affect your daily functioning, please make sure to seek professional support. You can find a map which gathers helplines or support organisations for young people in all European countries at mentalhealtheurope.org
Our mission
YEE aims to unite environmental youth non-profit organisations in Europe in order to enhance international cooperation, increase knowledge about the climate crisis, raise awareness of environmental problems and to strengthen participation of youth in environmental decision-making.
Financially supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Council of Europe
