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 among 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.
Talking to tamariki/children about climate anxiety
If a tamariki you care for is feeling worried about climate change, it’s important to have an open, honest and comforting kōrero. For tips, read this helpful guide from Greenpeace UK, or watch this video from the BBC.
Ways to cope with climate anxiety
If climate concerns are affecting how you feel, there are practical ways to support your wellbeing.
