Thankfully, concern for the environment, previously undertaken by those seen as ‘eco-warriors’, seems to have finally spread by osmosis in recent years. The proliferation of extreme weather phenomena and natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, overexploitation of natural resources, deforestation and its effects, alongside some very eye-opening scientific reports, seem to have done the trick. Unfortunately, this wakeup call has triggered a phenomenon in many, known as ‘eco-anxiety’.

What is eco-anxiety?

‘Eco-anxiety’ is a growing term that, as a conservation artist, I am hearing thrown about more and more. I think it’s safe to say that ‘eco-anxiety’ is not another mental health issue that needs to be fixed, cured or talked about, rather it is a very reasonable response to an environmental crisis that we are all facing.

The American Psychology Association (APA) describes eco-anxiety as ‘the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one's future and that of next generations’.

Eco-apathy

Alongside eco-anxiety, I have personally noticed a particular strain of what I like to call ‘eco-apathy’. Often, when faced with the consequences of abusing a planet for far too long, watching fires rage and animals go extinct, there is a tendency to sigh and say, “well, it’s too late now; I’m just one person. There’s no point.”

It’s difficult to determine which is more infuriating; not believing in climate change, or knowing it to be true and doing nothing. The latter is, of course, a very understandable reaction. Overcoming the impact of the abuse we have inflicted on this planet will be a very steep hill to climb indeed and will undoubtedly need the cooperation of everybody.

There is also a tendency, I have noticed, to resign to the fact that the future of our planet is in the hands of the ‘powers that be’. Whilst that is indeed true, it is also up to the rest of us to make vital changes to our own lifestyles, inform ourselves and others and more importantly, put pressure on governments to act.

What can we do?

It’s important for me to state that when coming from a place of fear, anger or desperation, changes will rarely be healthy or sustainable; releasing your own eco-anxiety by lecturing others or making people feel guilty about their actions is unlikely to inspire or motivate.

I have always been a huge advocate of leading by example. To do so, it’s important to regulate your own actions and emotions. Release any guilt you may have by committing to some positive lifestyle changes; eat a more sustainable diet (less meat & dairy), be mindful of the companies that you buy from (preferably B Corp or small local companies), travel in a more environmentally-friendly way if possible, avoid unnecessary water usage, pollutants of the planet and of course, recycle.

Inform yourself and others

Being environmentally savvy is vital if you want to make a difference. This doesn’t mean inundating yourself with scary news articles or reading hefty environmental reports. Many conservation charities will have useful articles that will inform and inspire you to make a difference. Starting (nonaggressive) conversations with people and informing them of what you have learnt can also help to inspire others.

“Take action”

You’ve probably heard these two words thrown around a lot, but what does ‘take action’ actually mean? Firstly, if you’re already informing yourself and others, as well as making positive changes to your lifestyle, then you’re already taking action. But there’s a few things you can do to go the extra mile.

If you’re a human, and I’m guessing you are, then you are also a consumer, a customer and a voter. You have the ability to use your voice, your vote and your money in any way you choose.

Invest your money wisely.

I’m not just talking about your investment portfolio. Most banks and pension funds hold investments in fossil fuel companies. Find out where your money goes by researching or writing to your bank and avoid using those that invest in all the wrong places.

Let your voice be heard.

Find out who your local MP, councillor or mayor is and contact them to voice your concerns about the environment, green spaces, infrastructure, recycling etc. Sign petitions, get involved in campaigns that get people talking about climate change, or if you’re not feeling confident enough to start marching the streets in protest, then donate to conservation charities that do make a difference. Many climate change charities work to help those affected by climate change already. I encourage everybody to research a charity before donating; make sure that the charity is registered and find out what percentage of the money actually goes towards making a difference. You can do that here.

There are also many opportunities to volunteer for relief programs, doing community outreach, collecting signatures for petitions, handing out leaflets or running social media campaigns.

Finally, remember that, although you are just one person, you have the potential to make a big difference, to inspire many others to also make a difference and to forge a path that future generations will tread.