Back in 2019, the Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year was “Climate Emergency”.  Two words, but one meaning: “a situation in which urgent action is required to reduce or halt climate change and avoid potentially irreversible environmental damage resulting from it.”

The words used in that definition are frightening. How does “potentially irreversible environmental damage” make you feel? Now throw in other stuff that you may know, think, and believe. The number of habitats and species already lost, decisions affecting communities, and nature, taken by Governments and businesses around the world, your neighbourhood. Finally – the realisation about what you can do.

It is surely understandable that eco-anxiety is on the rise.  With six in 10 of young people feeling “very worried” about the climate crisis, according to a 2021 global survey,  and the health service in the UK taking it seriously (as evidenced by the British Medical Association back in 2021). Growing climate anxiety poses a significant threat to individuals and society– we all need to think seriously about what we can do to manage our own feelings and to help others too.

So what can we do?

Advice from Young Minds – a youth mental health charity includes: 

• focussing on the things you can control
• taking time to reflect on the progress that has been made
• limiting your news intake – and the number of places you get it from.  Seek positive news stories, there are plenty if you look!

There is also evidence to suggest that doing something, no matter how small, works for many, so here are three suggestions:

Speak up

Individuals have a great deal of power, and joining forces with others magnifies your power.  Find an organisation or an action that you believe in, that you feel will make a genuine difference – and act. Here are some things happening right now.  

1. Take Action for Insects,  41% of insects face extinction. However, you can make a difference and take actin today. Find out how. 
2. Go peat-free to help keep precious peatlands safe and intact.
3. Or support access to Nature for Everyone 🌱👩‍👩‍👦  a legal right, no matter where people live.
4. The Natural History Musuem also has fantastic idea for actions and how to cope with eco-anxiety. 

Contact your MP and local councillors 

MP's and local councillors do care, they also have a responsibility and a duty to represent you, and your views. We’re passionate about saving our natural world. Let your MP’s and local councillors know a change is needed by sending them one of our postcards – promoting change to defend nature

Contact your local MP

Wild up your life with 30 Days Wild

Taking part in 30 Days Wild is a great way to connect to nature – and encourages families, individuals, communities, schools and businesses across the UK to re-connect with nature and take one small action each day.  According to research from Professor Miles Richardson from Derby University, doing so will not only help nature, but your mental health will improve, with the positive affects lasting for 3 months after. Take on the challenge and let us know if this improves your mental wellbeing

 Sign up for 30 Days Wild

For some people, poor mental health is caused by long-term medical conditions and life-limiting disabilities. Whilst The Wildlife Trusts are committed to bringing about a wilder future,  where healthy people live alongside a healthy natural environment, we do not seek to minimise this and understand the importance of a health system that is resourced to meet this need.

Whatever you choose to do, acting on the things that matter to you and the natural environment will help; no matter how small.