Climate Anxiety

Are you concerned about climate change? Is it impacting your mental health or wellbeing?  

A recent study by Student Minds found that 71% of respondents were quite or very concerned about climate change. Additionally, 90% of respondents felt climate change had negatively impacted their mental health and wellbeing. Moreover, some explained they experienced negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours after they had learned about sustainability in their curriculum. You can find the full report here – we can confirm it is an interesting and informative read!  

If you are experiencing any stress, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness or low mood as a result of the climate and environment emergency we want to reassure you that this is a normal and rational response. We also want to support you and make you feel empowered enough to make the small changes that have big impacts (on both the climate and your wellbeing).  

You can find the University’s Climate Companion pack 2023 which has lots of information on how you can get involved in Exeter’s sustainability journey and start your own!  

Similarly, follow the University’s latest Green Futures news and events here.  

We also have lots of societies that do their part in our fight for climate action!

Social media and doomscrolling can definitely increase climate anxiety, and following accounts which focus on climate optimism can help. We recommend @browngirl_green and @istherehopein on Instagram.

If you feel you need some extra support, please connect with the university wellbeing services.  

Climate anxiety is a relatively new and emerging theme! Some interesting recommendations coming out of the Student Minds Report include more green wellbeing initiatives and embedding sustainability and psychological wellbeing in the curriculum.