Page 6 - Summer Term One, Eco-Schools Newsletter - English

Eco-Anxiety

We are living in a time of of the world but in the UK and close to It is helpful to recognise and knowledge that others harbour similar
environmental upheaval, where we home in Wales. understand the range of emotions feelings and that you’re not alone.

are realising that a changing climate that we might be feeling about this
is a reality that is unfolding in front of The term attributed to emotions felt by global climate problem that often feels Climate or Eco-Anxiety is all too familiar
our eyes. We are seeing that the fears people in response to this threat is Eco so far out of our realm of control. It’s for young climate activist and Youth

of what could happen as greenhouse or Climate Anxiety. Although the range important when learning about the Climate Ambassador for Wales, Poppy
gases increase in our environment of feelings generated can be vast and issues to make time to talk about Stowell-Evans, read her blog on her

is happening in the form of extreme varied… your feelings towards climate change, solution to dealing with the negative
weather events, not only in other parts what it means for you, share in the feelings.

Some are negative:
• Surprise and Confusion can be felt as we learn about the facts

• Worry, Anxiety and Dread as we realise the implications of a changing “...the role I can play has allowed me to lean into a feeling of
climate empowerment rather than fear, which can only come when

• Sadness and Grief for what we stand to lose trusting one’s ability to make the change you want to see.”
• Guilt, Shame, Feeling Inadequate for how we live our lives and contribute to - Poppy Stowell-Evans
the problem

• Anger, Feeling Betrayed, Frustration towards the people in power that
should be doing more to influence the situation, or towards peers that we

perceive not to be taking climate change seriously
• Feeling Isolated, Envy and Jealousy of others that have more resources to
adapt or we see as ‘doing more good’ than us

But also, some of the emotions in response can be positive:

• Admiration for those that are taking proactive steps to change their lifestyles

for the better

• Motivation and Determination to take action and make a difference
• Pleasure, Joy and Pride for knowing we are helping to be part of the solution,

whatever the scale

• Hope, Optimism and Empowerment through taking some control and taking

positive action

• Belonging and Togetherness with other like-minded individuals

• Love, Empathy and Compassion towards the future we want for ourselves

and other living beings