Climate changes occur due to various reasons—global warming, volcanic activity, variation in sun’s radiation, and increased emission of greenhouse gasses. Climate change has become a norm in recent years as we humans utilize natural resources more than in the previous centuries. Humans cut down trees, but mostly don’t plant the new sapling. As a result, the Earth will not have the required amount of oxygen. Burning fossil fuels lead to carbon dioxide emissions, which alleviate global warming.

But, how can climate change lead to anxiety among humans? 

Due to the change in climatic conditions, man is getting affected by droughts, floods, hurricanes, water scarcity, UV radiation, and other natural disasters. These impacts of climate change affect our mental health that can lead to anxiety.

Fear of sudden habitat destruction, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss are the causes of Eco-anxiety. People who lost their loved ones in natural disasters are more prone to anxiety.

Fluctuations in weather prediction, often and sudden storms can make people worry about what will happen in the future. The perception changes according to every person.

Immediate Impact:

Immediate impacts are the ones that occur due to natural disasters which cause people loss—loss of loved ones, destruction of buildings, homes, and cattle loss. These unexpected incidents can lead to greater anxiety in an individual about survival. The immediate impact can cause PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), depression, stress, and brain damage. People in this stage will tend to self-harm, abuse drugs, and even attempt suicide.

Gradual Impacts:

The rise in temperature, high sea levels, and changing rain and climate patterns are the long-term consequences of climate change. People who worry about the next generation tend to fear these gradual impacts more. This can cause headaches, migraine, chronic stress, and high blood pressure.

Indirect Impacts:

Indirect impacts can change your perspective about the planet. It can make you look at society differently. Indirect impact occurs when you are not the direct victim of incidents that happened due to climate change. The climate anxiety symptoms caused due to indirect impacts could be everyday anxiety and increased vulnerability to stress. Children get affected more than adults.