When we think of climate change, melting ice caps, rising seas and fierce storms often come to mind. Yet there is another side to the crisis: its impact on mental health. From the trauma of natural disasters to the long-term stress of food insecurity, economic loss and displacement, the psychological toll is growing. A rising concern, particularly among young people, is climate anxiety (eco-anxiety) – persistent worry about the planet’s future. According to the World Health Organization, one in five people in disaster-hit areas may develop conditions such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. On Friendly Turtle’s EcoBlog, we explore how climate change affects mental wellbeing, which groups are most at risk, and practical ways to build resilience. Protecting the planet goes hand in hand with protecting our minds – because a healthier environment creates healthier people.
