Summarizing Existing Intervention Methods Against Climate Anxiety
Abstract
Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is an increasingly salient concern as severe weather has intensified in recent years. The persistent worry and distress can impair functioning and psychological well-being among young people and are shown to be very prevalent in this population. Although recognition of climate anxiety has grown in recent years, interventions remain fragmented across disciplines. This review synthesizes empirical studies of education and mental health-based interventions aimed at reducing climate-related distress. Findings of the studies reveal a pattern of trading off between engagement and anxiety. Educational programs can heighten pro-environmental engagement but is at times ineffective at addressing the distress. Mental health programs can effectively decrease distress but is at risk of decreasing pro-environmental engagement. These findings highlight the importance of future interventions to balance the dual role of climate anxiety, where it is no longer causing distress but is still acting as a catalyst for meaningful climate action.
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