The UN has issued a report on climate change referred to as a ‘survival guide for humanity’ as it lays out how the irreversible damages of climate change can be avoided.
The report states that “some future changes are unavoidable and/or irreversible but can be limited by deep, rapid and sustained global greenhouse gas emissions reduction”.
Whilst this information is important to know, it can be an overwhelming read for the individual who does not feel they alone are able to make any real difference.
Tackling climate anxiety
A Woodland’s Trust Survey published by YouGov revealed that 63% of UK adults were worried about climate change and its results – a sentiment so common it is often referred to as ‘Climate Anxiety’ or ‘Eco Anxiety’.
Climate or Eco Anxiety refers to the fear of environmental doom and frustration stemming from the lack of action to prevent it. The term was coined by the American Psychological Association in 2017.
Despite the majority of Britons admitting they were concerned by climate change, the scale of the problem appears so large that it is hard to know where to begin.
A study published by Lancet Planetary Health in 2021 about Climate Anxiety in children and young people reported that over 50% of participants felt helpless to tackling climate change.
This feeling of helplessness for tackling an issue of such magnitude is what often pushes people to ignore the problem entirely, as any efforts made by an individual, such as switching to reusable bags or electric cars, feel inadequate.
Fighting Climate Change on a local level
Climate anxiety can be a formidable state to exist in, and so it raises the question of where to begin fighting an issue that feels far greater than yourself.
On a local level, there are a number of climate activist groups in the Merseyside area welcoming members.
Such groups include the Merseyside Environmental Trust and Extinction Rebellion Youth Merseyside, who provided some insight of where to begin for those demoralised by warnings of climate change.
“The facts on climate change are very overwhelming, and it’s easy to become scared with the reality which is already taking effects around the world,” said a spokesperson Extinction Rebellion Youth Merseyside.
“It’s a system and community change that is needed. Therefore joining a local climate group can help you achieve things that can make a larger change, due to the help of working together.”
The burden of knowing the state of the climate can be hard to bear, but if you’re looking for somewhere to begin, you can get in touch with Extinction Rebellion Youth on their Instagram @xryouthliverpool.
