June heatwave fuels climate anxiety across UK

The recent June heatwave, which marked the warmest on record for England, has intensified feelings of climate anxiety for many. This form of mental distress, recognised by professional bodies and the NHS, is estimated to affect around 4.6% of people in the UK, according to a 2022 study from the University of Bath. Psychologists highlight that young people and women are among the groups most susceptible to these anxieties.

Rising Anticipatory Anxiety

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Dr Caroline Hickman, a psychologist from the University of Bath who provides therapy for climate anxiety, and Dr Emma Lawrance from the University of Oxford, have noted a rise in "anticipatory anxiety" specifically linked to heatwaves. This occurs when individuals who have previously experienced extreme weather events, such as heatwaves or floods, begin to dread and expect their recurrence. Dr Hickman told the BBC that repeated heatwaves can lead to a pervasive sense of insecurity, making individuals feel unsafe in the world and distrustful of its stability. She reported that during the June heatwave, some individuals expressed extreme distress, including thoughts of self-harm, considering pregnancy termination, or wanting to relocate to cooler areas.

Tavia Watts, a 36-year-old mother from Cheltenham, described feeling "incredibly helpless" during the heatwave, with temperatures in her children's bedroom exceeding 30C. Her anxieties about her children's well-being led her to share her feelings on Instagram, where her video resonated widely, gaining over 18,000 likes and 1,700 reposts. She noted that her experience highlighted a shared concern among others, including therapists who commented on coping mechanisms. Watts herself has taken action by signing petitions, organising community climate events, and running a children's clothes swap shop, also becoming vegetarian in response to her concerns.

“Make space to be kind to yourself, to tend to those emotions and know that it's coming from a place of care for the world.”

Dr Emma Lawrance, University of Oxford

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Lizzie Ellen, 38, from west London, who recently became a mother, also expressed significant worry about the future and keeping her baby cool during the heat. She described feeling isolated by staying indoors and concerned about the potential for current extreme temperatures to become a regular occurrence within her child's lifetime. Ecologist Dr Francis Windram shared that he moved from Ascot to Lancaster specifically for a cooler climate, though he still purchased an air conditioning unit as a precaution and worries about relatives in warmer southern areas.

Coping Mechanisms and Community

Dr Lawrance suggests several strategies for managing climate anxiety. She advises talking to others, as many people underestimate how concerned others are about climate change, leading to feelings of isolation. She also recommends self-compassion and acknowledging these emotions as stemming from a genuine care for the planet. Finding a supportive community and engaging in collective positive action, such as community gardening or installing solar panels, can help channel anxiety constructively and alleviate symptoms. Dr Lawrance also points to organisations like the Climate Psychology Alliance, the Resilience Project, the Climate Cares Centre, and the Climate Majority Project for further support. Maintaining physical well-being by staying cool through showers, cold compresses, and hydration is also crucial, as physical discomfort can worsen anxiety and mood.