News / climate anxiety
Climate anxiety impacts residents’ health and relationships
A survey conducted by climate positive search engine Ecosia has revealed that climate concerns are affecting attitudes to health and relationships across the UK.
In Bristol, more than half of respondents said they feel anxious about the climate crisis, with 10 per cent feeling very anxious and 42 per cent feeling somewhat anxious.
The worry is impacting how people are making dating and lifestyle choices, while the practical impacts of climate change are causing higher stress levels and prompting people to consider relocation.
is needed now More than ever
The survey was conducted in the wake of 2024’s hottest global temperatures on record, exceeding what is widely regarded as the climate critical temperature of 1.5°C for the first time.
The UK’s record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather events such as flooding and wildfires have served to increase financial, health and wellbeing concerns.
Storms and flash flooding in October 2024 closed roads across the city with danger of damage to homes and power cuts. The Bristol Avon Flood Strategy says: “Flood defences are needed for the whole of Bristol” – photo: Jenny Sansome
One in five Bristol residents reported climate anxiety has reduced their libido, while 13 per cent of Bristol respondents said they find climate conscious individuals more attractive and would prefer to date someone who shares their environmental values.
The survey also revealed climate stress is playing a role in 21 per cent of Bristol residents’ decision to have children.
Climate anxiety has sparked housing and financial worries. 34 per cent of respondents said they are worried about future living conditions and 7 per cent are considering relocating due to environmental concerns.
42 per cent said they have struggled with high energy bills due to extreme temperatures, and 25 per cent reported these conditions have affected their sleep quality. Another 20 per cent revealed extreme temperatures have affected their mood.
While concerns around the environmental crises are having negative impacts, a proportion are choosing to combat their anxiety with action.
25 per cent said they are buying more eco-friendly products and 24 per cent use eco-friendly modes of transport such as trains and buses rather than cars and planes.
30 per cent say they have made dietary changes in response to climate concerns – where plant-based diets have been shown to have less impact on the environment than meat and dairy.
Bristol residents are choosing to combat climate anxiety in a variety of proactive ways: the Climate Choir use song and flash mobs as a creative form of protest; Bristol Airport Action Network are campaigning against the expansion of the local airport; others are focusing attention on saving trees, growing food and installing local energy projects, such as the Lawrence Weston wind turbine – photo First Avenue Photography
“While the climate crisis can often feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that action is a powerful antidote to despair,” said a spokesperson for Ecosia, the search engine that gives all its profits to climate initiatives.
“The survey found that a quarter of respondents in Bristol use climate impact solutions like Ecosia’s search engine to mitigate their climate anxiety. While the solution to climate change requires a systemic approach, small tangible steps like switching brands that align with your values can contribute to reducing feelings of anxiety and to collective change.”
Founded in 2009, Ecosia now has 20 million users worldwide and has planted more than 200 million trees in collaboration with local communities in over 35 countries. It has a growing portfolio of solar plants which currently produce enough energy to power all searches twice over.
The survey is based on responses from 97 Bristol residents, in line with the numbers surveyed across the broader UK population.
Main image: Thrive Renewables
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