A recent study published in npj Climate Action finds that psychological distress linked to climate change prompts many Americans to engage in collective action to tackle the issue. Led by Matthew Ballew, this research sheds light on the intriguing connection between mental health challenges posed by climate change and environmental activism.
Analyzing data from two national surveys of U.S. adults, the study revealed that about 16% of Americans experience at least one form of climate-related psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression occurring multiple times over a two-week period. Notably, groups such as Hispanic and Latino individuals, lower-income adults, younger generations, Democrats, and urban residents reported higher distress levels compared to others.
The research highlights a compelling finding: those feeling climate-related distress are significantly more inclined to engage in collective climate actions or express a willingness to participate. This trend remains evident even when accounting for factors like political views and beliefs about collective efficacy.
The authors note, “People experiencing distress are more likely to engage in collective action on climate change,” which emphasizes that a significant number of Americans facing psychological strain related to climate impacts are taking proactive steps toward making a difference.
The study primarily focused on various forms of collective action, including volunteering, reaching out to government officials, joining social movements, and discussing climate change in social settings.
“Such actions can effectively influence policy decisions and foster pro-environmental social norms that emphasize a communal dedication to climate initiatives,” the authors added.
While the research demonstrates a correlation rather than causation, it challenges the perception that climate-related distress leads to inaction. Instead, it suggests that for many, distress serves as a motivating factor for engagement.
The researchers advocate for further studies to delve into the experiences and coping strategies of those impacted by climate distress, particularly among highly engaged individuals. They believe that this research can help identify approaches to support those vulnerable to the psychological repercussions of climate change.
“Our findings can inform strategies aimed at enhancing the well-being of those affected by climate-related psychological distress,” the authors conclude.
References
Ballew, M. T., Uppalapati, S. S., Myers, T., Carman, J., Campbell, E., Rosenthal, S. A., Kotcher, J. E., Leiserowitz, A., & Maibach, E. (2024). Climate change psychological distress is associated with increased collective climate action in the U.S. Npj Climate Action, 3(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-024-00172-8