Acknowledging Climate Anxiety to be a part of Positive Change

Image: Parque Nacional Sangay by Christine Parini, Chimborazo, Ecuador

It is accepted within the climate activist and mental health community that experiencing climate anxiety is real and normal while existing in this world. It has become increasingly difficult to ignore the damage done by seemingly subtle changes in climate. As we have seen, small changes in some locations can equal extreme weather irregularities in other places, which disturb and damage livelihoods across the globe. 
Even the smallest degree of change in CO2 levels in our planet’s atmosphere can cause extreme consequences to be felt in regions across throughout the world. We can see that people and the planet are already suffering, and this is hard to face.
“The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of action.”
— Simon Stiell, Executive Director of the UNFCCC

It is important to acknowledge our emotions surrounding our planet’s livelihood so that they can serve as motivators to action. Rather than letting outrage mellow into hopelessness, these emotions can serve as fuel to join community and be a part of the remedy for the consequences of climate change.

It is never too late to take care, and every action matters. You can be a part of change for the better. We all can.