Source: French to English Tester Published on: 2026-05-20
Source: The Conversation – France (in French)– By Daniella Watson, Research fellow, Imperial College London
How can we describe the distress of youth in the face of environmental and climate disruptions? The terms “eco-anxiety” and “climate anxiety” are the most frequently used, but they do not reflect the full complexity of the emotional, mental, or physical distress experienced by some people. A new study challenges them.
“Eco-anxiety” and “climate anxiety”are two of the most commonly used terms to describe what people feel when they become aware of the climate crisis.
We conducted aanalysisuniversity articles published, including original research articles and review articles, and we have obtained surprising results on how young people aged 10 to 29 actually perceive global warming, climate change, and their effects.
Even if you may have already felt climate anxiety or heard about it, you may not know exactly what it is about.
However, researchers do not agree on a common definition. In the articles we examined as part of our study, the termeco-anxietyhas been described 41 times andclimate anxiety24 times.
The main divergence between the different definitions of eco-anxiety lies in the way it is linked to anxiety. Some definitions present eco-anxiety as an extension of generalized anxiety, or as having characteristics comparable to those ofanxiety disorders. Others, however, do not mention anxiety at all in their definition and rather use concepts such as “worry” or “concern,” which muddles the conceptual clarity.
“Natural” catastrophes versus human-caused catastrophes: a myriad of definitions
Another divergence concerns whether these definitions should solely address climate-related changes, or also broader environmental changes. There is also the question of whether the expressed feelings should only relate to changes of human origin.
Some definitions consider these terms to describe experiences related to awareness of climate and ecological changes, while others believe that “eco-anxiety” and climate anxiety are only experienced in reaction to more direct climate events.
In reality, all these phenomena are probably real. Ourprevious researchhave shown that levels of eco-anxiety are significantly higher among young Americans aged 16 to 24 who report being directly exposed to risks related to climate change.
Although the terms “eco-anxiety” and “climate anxiety” are the most commonly used, our study identified a total of 173 testimonies describing thethe way young people think, feeland react to the awareness of the climate crisis. For example, we find here thesolastalgia, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, financial difficulties as well as other experiences not documented in the scientific literature.
Also to read:
What I understood about eco-anxiety after talking to 1,000 people who have experienced it
Climate awareness, the result of the interaction between several key concepts
Given the large number of experiments described, we have classified them into six interdependent categories and subcategories, listed in the table below.
Daniella Watson,CC BY
It is important to take into account and integrate all the experiences lived by young people, beyond climate anxiety. This is particularly the case for its repercussions on physical health (such as sleep, physical activity, and eating habits), social and cultural practices, as well as overall well-being.
On the importance of understanding cultural and postcolonial factors
In our research, we collaborate with“experts by experience”from around the world in order to design research and support tools that truly reflect the diversity of ways people perceive climate change and experience its consequences. Since the perception of the climate crisis is shaped by history, identity, place, and power, it is essential that research be conducted in collaboration with people whose lives are directly affected by these dynamics.
An example illustrating how expertise derived from lived experience was able to broaden the field of study is provided by a contributor who questioned and deepened the existing definitions of eco-anxiety. He explained:
“I think we perceive [climate anxiety] more as a deep wound, embodied and intergenerational, stemming from colonization and its legacy, and as something much more personal.”
However, our research has not revealed any existing definition of climate change or eco-anxiety that takes into account the impact of colonial history on how individuals experience environmental distress. By collaborating with experts stemming from these lived realities, we have deepened and refined our understanding in this field.
Another example of our collaboration with experts from lived experience, where we conducted a joint evaluation of the intervention carried out by young people within the framework of theProject Resilience, encouraged us to adopt a broader definition of resilience. It is not simply about “bouncing back,” but about finding a balance between strength, kindness, andself care, so that young people can carry out actions in favor of the climate in a truly protective and sustainable manner.
Beyond definitions
Overall, our results show that young people’s experiences regarding climate awareness are much more complex, varied, and dependent on cultural context than the terms “eco-anxiety” or “climate anxiety” suggest.
If thesetermshave become established in public and academic debates, our data reveals a much broader landscape regarding emotional, social, cultural, and structural impacts. These range from intergenerational grief to sleep disorders, financial difficulties, solastalgia, not to mention deep reflections on thejustice and inequalities.
However, the absence of clear and coherent definitions harms not only scientific clarity but also risks restricting our understanding and thesupport for young peoplewho evolve in a rapidly changing world.
If researchers, practitioners, and policymakers wish to implement effective interventions and create supportive environments, they must go beyond this overly narrow psychological framework and take into account the full diversity of realities experienced by individuals.
This involves first designing studies with these audiences, as well as the measures and policies to be implemented. Then, it is about recognizing the structural and historical forces that shape climate anxiety. And finally, ensuring that the language we use reflects the world as people actually experience it. We acknowledge that news media and social networks play an important role in shaping public opinion, which is why we chose to write this article andothers of the same kind.
AXA’s scientific patronage is now part of the AXA Fund for Human Progress, which brings together the philanthropic commitments of the Group and AXA mutual insurance companies in the fields of science, nature, solidarity, and culture. Before 2025, this overall scientific patronage was carried out by the AXA Fund for Research, which has supported more than 750 projects around the world since its creation in 2007. For more information, visitAxa Fund for Human Progress.
Emma Lawrance received funding from the AXA Research Fund. At the time this work was carried out, Emma was director of the Climate Cares Centre at Imperial College London; she is now a researcher specializing in climate change and mental health at the University of Oxford.
Daniella Watson does not work for, advise, hold shares in, receive funds from any organization that could benefit from this article, and has declared no other affiliation than her research organization.
–ref. Eco-anxiety, a common feeling among young people, but whose definition is still debated –https://theconversation.com/lecoanxiete-un-sentiment-repandu-chez-les-jeunes-mais-dont-la-definition-fait-encore-debat-283336