ECO-anxiety, the chronic fear of environmental disaster, has become a pervasive part of my everyday existence. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a deep psychological burden that creeps into every corner of our lives, gnawing at our sense of security. As someone deeply involved in the intersections of mental health, gender, and climate change, I see how climate anxiety is a silent storm, building up with every passing heatwave and report of another natural disaster. This isn’t just an emerging concern—it’s a profound challenge that we can no longer afford to ignore.
The impacts of climate change are no longer distant or abstract. They’re here, in our cities, in our homes, and in the conversations we have with those we care about. I see it daily in the faces of women trying to hold everything together as the world around them becomes increasingly unpredictable. For urban women, especially those already dealing with economic stress and family responsibilities, the weight of climate anxiety is almost unbearable. They’re standing at the crossroads of vulnerability and resilience, trying to navigate compounded pressures in a world where the weather itself seems to have turned against them.
What strikes me most is that while climate anxiety is universal, it affects people differently depending on their circumstances. Urban women, particularly those in lower-income brackets, experience an intense form of this anxiety. The relentless heatwaves that have become more frequent and severe don’t just make life uncomfortable—they create a sense of dread that permeates daily life. The “urban heat island” effect, where cities trap and intensify heat, pushes temperatures to extremes that are difficult to endure. For these women, already juggling so much, the fear of power outages, water shortages, and health risks for their loved ones only adds to the stress, casting a long, dark shadow over their lives. Despite growing awareness of eco-anxiety, addressing it remains a formidable challenge, especially in places like Pakistan where mental health issues are still taboo. I’ve seen how the impacts of climate-induced stress often go unnoticed because they are invisible, especially in a society where admitting to mental health struggles is seen as a weakness. Many women suffer in silence, unable to express their fears or seek help, and this silent epidemic is more widespread than most realize.
Gender disparities exacerbate climate anxiety in ways that are impossible to ignore. When disasters strike, it’s not just physical infrastructure that’s destroyed—it’s the social fabric, the community networks that women often rely on for emotional support. These networks are vital, but when they’re severed, women are left isolated, more vulnerable to mental health issues. In some cases, societal norms make it even harder for women to speak out or seek help, especially in informal settlements where their voices are often ignored. The psychological stress of being confined to their homes, unable to leave without the permission of male family members, adds another layer of anxiety.
Traditional approaches to addressing climate change simply aren’t enough. We need to rethink our strategies and start integrating mental health considerations into our climate action plans. This means creating spaces where we can have open, culturally sensitive conversations about these issues. It’s about raising awareness through public campaigns, providing mental health support, and incorporating climate education into schools and communities.
Community engagement is also crucial. Women, particularly those in vulnerable regions, need to be included in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They aren’t just victims of climate change—they are agents of change, bringing valuable insights and solutions to the table. Empowering women in leadership roles, particularly in climate-related fields, is essential for building resilience and ensuring that our responses to climate change are both inclusive and effective.
We also need to be creative in how we raise awareness and build resilience. Community theatre, infotainment, and digital platforms can help bridge the gap between academic research and real-world experiences, making the issue of climate anxiety more relatable to a wider audience. By engaging people in meaningful conversations about mental health and climate resilience, we can begin to address the root causes of climate anxiety and create a more supportive environment for those affected.
Addressing eco-anxiety requires a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional environmental policies. It’s not just about protecting the planet; it’s about protecting the people who live on it, especially those who are most affected by the changes we’re seeing. Eco-anxiety, despite its challenges, offers an opportunity—a chance to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other. We can move beyond fear and 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 advocate and researcher. She is a Public Policy Master’s graduate of King’s College London.
(soha.nisar@yahoo.com)
