How does climate change make you feel?
If news of melting glaciers and oil spills makes you upset or angry, this is a normal reaction called climate anxiety. Here's what you need to know about climate change and how you can turn feelings of fear into positive action.
What is climate change?
Climate change means changes in long-term weather patterns, including rising temperatures that are known as global warming. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, contribute to climate change and cause extreme events like wildfires and floods. This risks the lives of humans, animals and plants. Scientists say these events will get worse unless people around the world work together.
What is climate anxiety?
These threats to our planet can seem overwhelming, and can make you feel frightened, angry, upset or hopeless. This is a normal, healthy response called climate anxiety, says Dr Elizabeth K Haase, an expert on the mental-health impacts of climate change. She tells The Week Junior, “If you feel worried about what’s happening to the world, good for you. It’s normal to be upset when things you care about are getting hurt.”
How can I feel better about the future?
No-one can fix climate change on their own, but we can all play a part. Haase believes there are lots of things you can do to help adults take better care of the world. “Turn your fear into power by doing something,” she says. Breaking the problem into bite-sized chunks is a good way to start. Think of something you feel passionate about, such as protecting marine life or saving forests, and join a community group or charity that supports that cause.
Positive action can inspire others too.
Sisters Amy and Ella Meek from the charity Kids Against Plastic have picked up 90,000 pieces of plastic. They ask schools, businesses and councils to follow their lead. Tell friends and family what you’re up to, and encourage them to join in. Local charities like Plastic Free North Devon organise beach cleans, and the Rainforest Alliance has lots of planet-saving ideas, such as reducing food waste.
For even more ideas on how you can make a difference, visit our sister magazine Science+Nature's website to discover 10 essential suggestions for how you can be an earth hero. Remember - millions of small actions add up to big changes. It’s time to take a stand to save the planet and the time to start is now!
