In recent years, increasing awareness of climate change has given rise to a new concept in the literature: climate anxiety. Research shows that as awareness of climate change grows, levels of climate anxiety also increase. A study conducted by Emine Çokluk, a Master’s student in Psychology at İstinye University, under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Ezgi Ildırım, found that higher awareness of climate change is associated with increased climate anxiety, which in turn correlates with higher health-related anxiety. This anxiety can manifest in two ways: some individuals experience “eco-paralysis,” a state of inaction, while others channel their concern into environmentally friendly behaviors. According to Dr. Ildırım, the key to addressing this issue lies not in a vicious cycle where awareness fuels anxiety, but in a motivation that transforms awareness into action.
Although the Earth’s climate has gone through various changes throughout history, the rapid and abnormal climate shifts observed in the past century are largely driven by human activity. Fossil fuel use, deforestation, and industrial greenhouse gas emissions have disrupted the planet’s natural heat balance, causing rising temperatures that trigger extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, threatening all aspects of life. These human-induced changes, particularly in the last century, have not only affected the physical environment but also deeply impacted mental health, giving rise to the concept of climate anxiety.
Dr. Ezgi Ildırım, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Istinye University, explains:
“The concept of climate change anxiety, which has emerged in the literature in recent years, describes the intense worry individuals feel about the potential consequences of the climate crisis.”
In a study led by Dr. Ildırım, Turkish participants aged 18-35 across different provinces were surveyed. The findings confirmed that increased awareness of climate change raises climate anxiety, which in turn elevates health-related anxiety.
Women Experience Greater Impact
Among participants, women reported feeling the potential effects of climate change more intensely, resulting in higher levels of anxiety. Interestingly, this anxiety often motivates environmentally friendly behaviors, such as recycling and energy-saving practices. In contrast, men showed lower levels of concern, which also reflected in their comparatively lower awareness.
Anxiety as a Driver, Not a Source of Despair
The study emphasizes that anxiety is not always negative. When properly directed, concern about climate change can motivate proactive steps to protect the environment. Individuals who experience climate anxiety can transform it into positive action through recycling, energy conservation, or sustainable consumption.
Daily Choices Increase Awareness
One of the strongest findings was that simple, sustainable choices in daily life enhance awareness. Sorting waste, using eco-friendly products, and conserving water and electricity help individuals perceive the climate crisis more concretely. Researchers highlighted:
“Our behaviors are not only the outcome but also the source of awareness,” underscoring the significance of small, everyday actions.
Sustainability Practices Among Participants
Energy and Water Conservation: Approximately 79% of participants reported conserving energy, and 77% reported careful water use.Recycling: About 72% engage in recycling, showing it is becoming a common habit. However, roughly one-third still do not recycle.
Transportation and Consumption: Only 41% use environmentally friendly transportation, 35% prefer local or organic products, and 36% make conscious clothing choices, indicating consumption habits are a weak point in sustainability.
Nature Protection: Only 25% participate in nature protection activities, suggesting a focus on actions easily integrated into daily life.
Overall, 98% reported at least one sustainable behavior, while just 2% did not engage in any.
Climate Concern Is High, But Monitoring Is Limited
73% of participants consider climate change important, and over half recognize it as a worrying problem. 87% emphasize the critical importance of sustainability for the future, and 90% support educating future generations on sustainable behavior. Despite this, only 43% regularly follow news on climate issues, with social media engagement low: 11% follow sustainability accounts, and 21% follow health-related accounts.
Turning Awareness into Action
Dr. Ildırım underlines the solution:
“The key lies not in a vicious cycle where awareness feeds anxiety, but in motivating individuals to turn awareness into action. Our findings show that people experiencing climate anxiety tend to engage in more sustainable behaviors. Choosing organic products, conserving energy, integrating recycling into daily life, and using electric vehicles not only benefit the environment but also strengthen psychological resilience. Climate anxiety, when directed toward sustainable actions, can become a positive contribution to environmental protection. Addressing the climate crisis is a collective responsibility, not just for scientists or policymakers. Balancing awareness, anxiety, and action is the strongest step we can take to safeguard the planet and the rights of future generations.”
