Climate Change Fuels Global Anxiety, with Urban Women and Youth Most Affected

Eco-anxiety, the chronic fear of environmental disaster, is more than just a buzzword; it represents a deep psychological burden that increasingly affects our collective consciousness. As climate change progresses, this anxiety infiltrates our daily lives, often in subtle, unrecognized ways. The effects of climate change are no longer limited to physical changes like melting glaciers or rising sea levels; they have also begun to impact our mental well-being, particularly among urban women who face a unique confluence of socioeconomic pressures and the physical impacts of extreme weather events. These women, who often bear the brunt of caregiving and economic stress, are disproportionately affected by the compounding effects of climate change, struggling to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world.

Heatwaves are among the most visible and devastating manifestations of climate change, especially in urban areas. Cities, with their dense infrastructure, exacerbate the “urban heat island” effect, pushing temperatures to unbearable levels. For urban women, who may already be dealing with economic hardship and family responsibilities, the relentless heat is a source of constant anxiety. This oppressive heat disrupts sleep, heightens tempers, and creates a sense of helplessness, as they worry about power outages, water shortages, and the health risks to their loved ones. The fear is not just of the current heat but also of the increasing frequency and severity of future heatwaves, which casts a long shadow over their lives.

This anxiety extends beyond cities and specific demographics; it is a global phenomenon affecting people across the world. A survey by The Lancet highlighted that 59% of young people aged 16 to 25 are deeply concerned about climate change, with many feeling overwhelmed by the crisis’s scale. This pervasive sense of powerlessness is a hallmark of eco-anxiety, where the sheer enormity of the problem makes individual actions seem insignificant, leading to feelings of despair. The psychological toll of climate change is evident in the rising rates of depression, panic attacks, and other mental health issues as people grapple with a world that feels increasingly out of control.

In countries like Pakistan, eco-anxiety is intensified by the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. The devastating floods of 2022, which displaced millions and caused extensive damage, were just one example. Subsequent events, like the flash floods in Gwadar and the extreme heat of 2024, have only deepened the sense of unease. These disasters not only destroy physical infrastructure but also leave a lasting impact on the mental health of those affected. For residents of climate-vulnerable areas, anxiety is not just about the present but also about an uncertain future where their homes and livelihoods are constantly at risk.

One of the most concerning aspects of eco-anxiety is how it exacerbates existing inequalities, particularly for women and young people in vulnerable regions. Climate disasters can tear apart the social fabric, isolating individuals and making them more susceptible to mental health issues. Women, often the pillars of community networks, find themselves more vulnerable, with increased risks of early marriages and intimate partner violence as societal norms and resources are strained. For young people, the disruption of education and loss of future job opportunities due to climate events add another layer of stress, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and hopelessness.

Addressing eco-anxiety remains a significant challenge, especially in regions where mental health is stigmatized. In Pakistan, mental health issues are often misunderstood or dismissed, making it difficult for individuals to seek help. This cultural barrier, combined with a lack of resources and trained professionals, means that many people suffer in silence, unable to articulate their fears or find relief from their anxiety. This silent epidemic festers on the margins of our awareness, affecting more people than we might realize.

The generational divide in perceptions of climate change complicates efforts to address eco-anxiety. While younger generations are increasingly vocal about the need for urgent action, older individuals often view the issue through a lens of fatalism, seeing climate change as an inevitable consequence of divine will rather than something that can be mitigated. Bridging this gap is essential for fostering a collective response to the climate crisis, one that acknowledges both the emotional and practical challenges posed by eco-anxiety.

Moving forward, it is crucial to recognize that while individual actions can alleviate some aspects of eco-anxiety, systemic change is necessary to address its root causes. Governments and policymakers must take bold steps to mitigate climate change, implement sustainable practices, and provide support for those most affected by its psychological impacts. At the same time, we must create spaces for open, culturally sensitive conversations about mental health and climate anxiety. These discussions should permeate our everyday lives, in schools, workplaces, and communities. By addressing the psychological dimensions of climate change, we can build a more resilient, compassionate, and sustainable world. Eco-anxiety, despite its challenges, also presents an opportunity—a chance to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other, moving beyond fear towards a future where both the planet and its people can thrive. The question is, are we ready to embrace it?

The writer is a policy analyst and a researcher currently working at SDPI. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from King’s College London. The views are the author’s own and not of any organization.

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