Britons ‘could turn to drugs’ to quell anxiety over climate change
Britons could turn to drug abuse as they become gripped by “eco-fear” over climate change, a government report has warned.
People could begin to experience “difficult climate emotions” because of concerns over the impact of global warming, which could affect their mental wellbeing, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is overseen by the Department of Health and Social Care.
The UKHSA said in a report: “There is considerable evidence suggesting increased risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicide, substance misuse and violent behaviour, as well as reduced wellbeing and difficult climate emotions. These impacts can be long-lasting, ranging from months, years and even decades.”
One section of the report, which was seen by The Telegraph, considered the mental suffering of those who have an “overarching awareness” that climate change is happening and warned of “eco-fear, eco-anger and eco-grief”.
Awareness of climate change could cause “sadness, fear, anger, worry, low mood, sleep disorders, panic attacks and helplessness”. The report added: “Environmental change can increase psychological distress [and] substance misuse.”
However, it said that activism and “taking climate action” could help “alleviate climate-related distress and promote wellbeing, creating a sense of control and community”.
“Meaningful action” could help with worries about climate change
MARK THOMAS/ALAMY
The UKHSA suggested that children should be given “emotional support and the ability to learn coping strategies”, alongside the opportunity “to take meaningful action”.
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Professor Lea Berrang Ford, head of the UKHSA’s centre for climate and health security, said: “Climate change is already impacting mental health and these risks will increase as the climate warms and extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.
“There are practical and effective steps government and social care organisations can take to ensure adequate protection and support.”
Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said: “Crucially, this report highlights there is much we can do to minimise the adverse impacts from climate change on mental health. We hope that it will help galvanise activity and lead to co-ordinated action in this area.”
A 2023 poll found that more than half of teenagers thought the world would end in their lifetime because of climate change.