Imlisanen Jamir
In a recent global study spanning 10 countries and surveying 10,000 young individuals, an alarming revelation emerged: almost 60 percent of them harbor profound concerns about the impending fate of our planet. The distressing findings, published in the esteemed medical journal, The Lancet, unveiled an unsettling reality. Nearly half of the respondents admitted to grappling with this distress on a daily basis, and a staggering three-quarter concurred with the unsettling notion that the future is, indeed, a source of fear. This collective angst, identified by psychologists as "eco-anxiety," is not merely an environmental threat; it has evolved into a formidable adversary to our emotional well-being.
Categorized by psychologists as heightened emotional, mental, or somatic distress triggered by perilous shifts in the climate system, eco-anxiety is not exclusive to the youth. It permeates the psyche of climate scientists, burdened by the stark realities uncovered by their research, as well as the economically disenfranchised worldwide who bear the disproportionate brunt of climate breakdown.
As we step into 2024, the specter of eco-anxiety looms large, poised to emerge as a prominent contributor to mental health issues. The reasons behind this foreboding projection are glaringly apparent. Scientists predict that the world will breach safe temperature levels, surpassing pre-industrial thresholds by 2027. Adding to the disquiet is the lackluster response from our political leaders in the face of the impending climate catastrophe.
Despite the gloomy prognosis, there exists a silver lining in the surging tide of eco-anxiety. Pathologizing the emotions of worry, grief, despair, and despondency associated with eco-anxiety would be misguided. Instead, we need to view these emotions as natural and rational responses to the undeniable external threat posed by the climate crisis. It would be novel to harness eco-anxiety as a catalyst for positive change, motivating individuals to take concerted action in defense of our planet.
Thus, in 2024, a groundswell of individuals worldwide will channel their eco-anxiety into a collective fight for climate justice. More people will gravitate towards professions prioritizing environmental sustainability, and activists will intensify pressure on governments and fossil fuel industries to swiftly phase out polluting coal, oil, and gas. It is now apparent that these industries are not only culpable for the climate crisis but are also instrumental in the burgeoning mental health crisis. The battle against eco-anxiety is not to be won through therapy alone; action is the antidote.
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