Opinion Should There be Support for Eco-Anxiety at Universities?

Lulu Goad, BA Arabic

2022 was the hottest year on record for Britain, achieving a daily maximum temperature of more than 40°C. Once the multiple heat waves had subsided, there were storms and heavy rain to follow, which led to the infamous sewage spills around England and Wales. Climate change was making itself known, and it was no surprise that people were feeling a bit s***; pun intended.

Researchers have discussed the link between climate change and emotional well-being since 2007. But it wasn’t until 2017 that the American Psychological Association put a name to the ‘chronic fear of environmental doom’: eco-anxiety - otherwise known as ‘climate anxiety’ or ‘eco-distress’. Eco-anxiety can come as a result of both rst and second-hand experiences, and with information at your ngertips, you don’t need to have been in Florida or Cuba during Hurricane Ian to endure the emotional e ects. Although research from the Environment Agency suggests that if you did, in fact, experience the hurricane rst-hand or even a storm in the UK, you’re ‘50% more likely to su er from mental health problems, including stress and depression.’ Stress and depression are among a variety of symptoms that are associated with eco-anxiety.

Others include trauma or PTSD, panic attacks, and feelings of guilt or helplessness, to name a few. And it’s the younger generations that are su ering from these e ects the most. In a survey with participants aged from 16 to 25, ‘over 45% said their feelings about climate change negatively a ected their daily lives.’ So why aren’t we hearing more about eco-anxiety from universities? If this issue is so prevalent among the target audience of higher education, why don’t