Climate Anxiety: Friend or Foe?

As part of my Innovation & Venture Development program our cohort has been tasked with conducting a series of marketplace conversations, my focus happens to be 'climate actions'. I was interviewing a colleague and they asked 'why' are you doing this, why are you doing the Carbon Summit - thanks Simon Sinek .

When conversations get beyond the small talk, into real emotions, there's a need for people to understand why we do things. I'll put it this way, let's say climate action is one side of the coin, the other side is climate anxiety - for the sake of this dialogue. *Disclaimer: there are many forms of anxiety, consider what type drives you?*

In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming rise in anxiety. It's a growing concern that is often attributed to a potent cocktail of dire scientific warnings, sensationalist media coverage, and a frustratingly slow pace of political action. This insight isn't about finger pointing though, that's not the focus. While climate anxiety can feel paralyzing, it also presents an opportunity— a catalyst for change, a source of motivation, could even see it as a call to action.

The Rise of Climate Anxiety

I feel?climate anxiety as a psychological phenomenon rooted in fear, helplessness, and distress caused by the looming threats of climate changes. The scientific consensus is in: our planet is warming, extreme weather events are more frequent, and ecosystems are degraded. Consequently, lots of individuals around the world are experiencing a heightened sense of dread and uncertainty, is that unreasonable?

Hang in there with me here, because there's a silver lining after this...there's a dark side to this anxiety, one fueled by external forces. Some politicians exploit climate change as a divisive issue, casting doubt on established science for short-term gain. Media outlets, in pursuit of ratings and clicks, often amplify alarmist narratives, which can exacerbate climate anxiety. We can not be a society that only moves to crises, that’s mania. It's crucial to recognize this dynamic, for it can turn an already alarming issue into a paralyzing one.

Harnessing Climate Anxiety for Positive Change

Instead of succumbing to the overwhelming sense of dread, we can use anxiety as a powerful motivator. Anxiety, when properly channeled, can become the impetus for transformational change, it is trying to tell us something! By reframing our collective anxiety as a catalyst for action, we can mobilize communities and governments to address the challenges of climate change head-on. Well where do I start? That took a long time to figure out and it's still a work in progress...everyday.

The first step in harnessing climate anxiety is education. We empower ourselves with knowledge about climate change, its causes, and potential solutions. This knowledge can become a defense against misinformation and a tool for inspiring informed action. My goal isn't to change anyone's mind on what's real and what's not, what's fact or what's fiction; my goal is to find the people and organizations willing to put in the work. Willing to roll up their sleeves, dig into challenges, and identify root causes. There's a formula for problem solving and it can start with a simple question, 'Why?'.

The Role of Institutions

Why Institutions? Institutions are the foundation that our country and our society depend on, they must be sturdy and upright. Institutions, such as Arizona State University where I study, have a unique role to play in climate actions. They can serve as proving grounds for common good. Universities have an opportunity to lead the way in climate education, research, and innovation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainability initiatives, they can inspire students and faculty alike to become the solutions.

I see an opportunity for universities, along with strategic partners and student bodies, to facilitate dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and communities. Acting as a bridge and serving as a liaison between the scientific communities, governments, and the broader public; ensuring that evidence-based solutions reach those who need them most. Institutions can be the example by adopting sustainable practices themselves, reducing their carbon footprint, optimizing operations, and showing their peers that change is possible. Provide students with these two things, things will happen - opportunities & incentives.

?A Peace Offering ??

Climate anxiety is undoubtedly on the rise, driven by the convergence of scientific evidence, political polarization, and media sensationalism. However, we have a choice in how we respond to this anxiety, this is where the rubber meets the road, in that decision. We can view it as an insurmountable foe that paralyzes us, or we can embrace it as a friend—a source of motivation, a fuel, and an actionable guide. It starts with small steps, sometimes tiny, yet forward is the direction.

Institutions like ASU and thousands more will be crucial in this journey, lighting the way. By channeling our climate anxiety into positive actions, supporting our institutions, we can work together to tackle the tremendous challenges of climate change and secure a sustainable future for all. We depend on our institutions being sturdy and upright, which requires good decisions and forms of consensus. ASU's President put out a call for 'Heroic Sustainability', message received.

P.S. It's much easier to post these kind of insights when they are extra-credit, professors. I also feels good to be encouraged when we do hard things :)

Respectfully,

J