Climate anxiety is a growing concern among Canadians, with a recent study indicating that nearly a million individuals in the country are significantly affected by it. The research, conducted by University of Alberta public health professor Sherilee Harper and her team, surveyed over 2,400 Canadians aged 13 and older to assess their levels of climate change anxiety. The study revealed that 90% of respondents expressed concerns about climate change, with 68% experiencing some degree of anxiety related to the issue.
According to the study, approximately 2.35% of Canadians exhibited “clinically relevant” symptoms of climate anxiety, which equates to over 980,000 individuals nationwide. Harper highlighted that these individuals face challenges in their daily lives, impacting their sleep patterns and ability to focus. While the prevalence of clinically significant climate anxiety is slightly lower than that of generalized anxiety disorder in Canada, Harper emphasized the importance of providing support for those affected.
The research found that climate anxiety was more common among younger generations, particularly Generation Y and Z, as well as among Indigenous people, women, individuals with lower household incomes, and those residing in Northern Canada. Harper stressed the need for tailored support mechanisms, such as therapy and community programs like climate cafes, to address the psychological impacts of climate change.
Merril Dean, a school psychologist working in the Northwest Territories, highlighted the heightened anxiety in northern communities due to visible impacts of climate change, such as increased wildfires. Dean noted the existential dread felt by many individuals, including children, in these regions, emphasizing the need for open discussions and proactive measures to manage climate anxiety.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing climate anxiety as a legitimate concern, with experts advocating for increased awareness and support for those grappling with the psychological effects of climate change.
