[Answered] “The feeling of being overwhelmed by the challenges of climate change and the fear about the state of the environment has led to eco-anxiety.” Comment.

Eco-anxiety is anxiety about ecological disasters and threats to the natural environment such as pollution and climate change. As the reality of climate change becomes clearer than ever, thought of incidents like the wildfires, droughts or record-breaking storms are, making people anxious over climate change. Eco-anxiety is not an illness but an actual fear response to a threat. It is the helplessness that makes one see himself as an insignificant entity on the planet, unable to reverse the crisis. It is also the sense that no matter how hard we work, nothing will ever be enough.

Issue of developing eco-anxiety:

1. Adults are panicking because they are unable to now comprehend the right measure of response to the scale of the challenge.
2. People are getting affected by the feeling of frustration and loss and are immensely worried about their children and future generations.
3. Everyone want to give a healthy and protective environment to their next generation. Since we have failed to do it, people are filled with guilt and anxiety.
4. Such an onset of fear lead to people complaining of depression, restlessness, palpitation and insomnia.
5. It causes a situation of helplessness impact of which on ecology are irreversible and hazardous.it is not an illness but a healthy and reactive reaction towards the climate change.
6. Although eco-anxiety to some extent is beneficial because people may finally shake out of their passivity and help make a change. But one needs to watch out against persisting distress as it could turn into a disease.

Solutions for developing anxiety over climate change:

1. Relaxation exercises through yoga and meditation are the best sustainable options for a life with low stress.
2. Also it is important to make climate change an integral and crucial factor in our lifestyle habits and consumption patterns.
3. Environmental impact should be given equal priority with economic concerns that leads to sustainable development.
4. Although the situation cannot be avoided but it is preventive and controlled through measures and counselling.

Global warming and climate change are real that poses a question on the sustainability to the coming future.  These concerns are natural and is in response to the environmental conditions. Melting glaciers, rising sea level near the coastal regions of India is leading to fear caused by threat of environmental consequences. Eco-anxiety is natural and must be take care of before it turn into a disease.