Climate anxiety: how to care for your wellbeing and take action for nature

Many people in Aotearoa New Zealand are feeling worried about climate change and severe weather events happening across the motu. These feelings are often called climate anxiety or eco-anxiety.

According to Anxiety New Zealand, climate anxiety is the fear or distress people experience in response to climate change and environmental damage. It can be triggered by hearing about environmental disasters, worrying about the future of the planet, or feeling powerless to make a difference.

Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s natural to care deeply about the future of your environment.

While concern is common, climate anxiety can become more challenging if it starts to affect your wellbeing, sleep, or sense of hope about the future.

By supporting your wellbeing, connecting with nature, and taking action, you can build hope and make a meaningful difference.

Climate concern in Aotearoa New Zealand

In Aotearoa, events like Cyclone Gabrielle, the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and the Mount Maunganui landslide have brought climate anxiety closer to home. When homes are damaged, lives are lost and communities are displaced, it’s natural to feel anxious - not just about the event itself, but about what it means for the future.  

Research shows climate concern is widespread among people in Aotearoa.

The New Zealand Climate Change Attitudes Survey conducted by Motu Economic and Public Policy Research found that 58% of people are concerned about the personal impacts of climate change.
Research from Ipsos shows 81% of New Zealanders are concerned about climate change impacts globally.

Climate anxiety and young people

Young people often report strong emotions about climate change.

The State of the Generation Report 2023 from Youthline found that:

25% of young New Zealanders reported experiencing extreme weather events Among those affected, around half said their stress or mental health challenges worsened as a result
16% said extreme weather events were a source of stress.

Young people in the study described feeling anxious about future disasters and worried about the safety of their communities. Some also reported feeling frustrated about a lack of action on climate issues or powerless to influence large global problems.

Ways to cope with climate anxiety

If climate concerns are affecting how you feel, there are practical ways to support your wellbeing.

1. Focus on what you can control

Climate change is a global challenge, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Try focusing on small actions that are within your control. For example:

reducing waste
supporting sustainable choices
learning about local environmental issues
taking part in community initiatives

Taking action can help shift feelings of helplessness into a sense of purpose. Need some inspiration? Find your next naturing action

2. Spend time in nature

Spending time in nature is one of the simplest ways to support your wellbeing. Being outdoors can reduce stress and boost your mood. You might try:

walking in your local park, reserve, or ngahere/bush
visiting the beach
gardening or planting native species
watching manu/birds or other wildlife.

3. Connect with others

Climate anxiety can sometimes feel isolating, but many people share similar concerns.

Talking with others can help you process your feelings, build a sense of community, and turn concern into positive action.

You could:

talk with friends or whānau about your concerns
attend a climate café or local discussion group
join local environmental or restoration groups
take part in community activities that support nature

4. Take breaks from climate news

Staying informed about climate issues is important, but constant exposure to negative news can increase anxiety. It’s okay to step back and take breaks when you need to.

5. Try a simple grounding exercise

If you feel overwhelmed, a quick grounding technique can help calm your body:

Notice

five things you can see
four things you can feel
three things you can hear

This can help bring your attention back to the present moment. You might also like to try this guided visualisation by Anxiety NZ.

6. Seek support if you need it

If climate anxiety is feeling overwhelming or affecting your daily life, it may help to talk with a mental health professional or support service. The following offer 24/7 free support