In recent years, a new term has entered our climate conversations: eco-anxiety. This psychological phenomenon encapsulates the feelings of anger, hope, worry, shame, guilt, numbness and joy caused by the looming threats of climate change. It is a growing concern, affecting individuals worldwide, but its manifestations are particularly pronounced and complex in the Global South.

Eco-anxiety is not just about worrying about the future of the planet; it’s about grappling with the very real consequences of climate change in the present moment. In the Global South, where communities are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate disasters and events, eco-anxiety takes on a different hue. Here, it’s not just a distant threat; it’s a daily reality.

From extreme weather events to diminishing natural resources, the effects of climate change are felt acutely in these regions. Coastal communities are ravaged by rising sea levels, farmers struggle with erratic weather patterns, and entire ecosystems are under threat. The Global South bears the brunt of climate change, despite contributing the least to its causes. In 2022, SustyVibes, a community driven by young individuals (aged 18 to 35) committed to promoting sustainable lifestyles, did a survey to find out how much young Nigerians knew about mental health and climate change. The survey found that 66.5% of those asked said they felt symptoms of eco-anxiety, like worrying about the future, feeling sad or hopeless, and feeling guilty. Many also mentioned concerns about health issues from pollution and fear of the unknown. The survey also showed that thinking about the future and experiencing climate change first-hand were big triggers for eco-anxiety. Nearly half of the participants said they needed help dealing with these feelings, highlighting the importance of support services. This survey illustrates how climate-related emotions are widespread in the Global South.

This unequal burden demands that we centre the perspectives of the Global South in our conversations, research, and actions towards climate adaptation and justice. Their lived experiences offer invaluable insights into the true impact of climate change and the urgent need for action. Moreover, centring their perspectives is an act of decolonisation, challenging the dominant narratives that have long marginalised voices from these regions. Decolonising climate action, especially in understanding and dealing with how climate change affects mental health, helps create fairer solutions that get to the heart of environmental problems.

As climate change worsens, it also becomes increasingly important that individuals are able to recognise and address the emotional toll climate change has on them and their communities. In various cultural settings, mental health can be a taboo subject and we may struggle to identify our emotions or relate it to the changing climate around us. In being able to identify, acknowledge and validate our climate-related emotions, we begin to foster a sense of solidarity and support which is vital for collective resilience.

Community-focused climate adaptation is a key component of this resilience-building effort. Unlike top-down approaches reliant on governmental bodies, community-based initiatives empower individuals to take ownership of their futures. By fostering strong social networks and mutual aid, communities can better cope with the challenges posed by climate change. From sharing resources to implementing sustainable practices, grassroots efforts play a crucial role in building adaptive capacity. Community-focused climate adaptation shifts the power back to the people because it encourages agency and human-centred solutions. We are already seeing how relying on governments and policies to meet our needs hasn’t always worked, particularly when factors like power, profit, and politics continue to take precedence over human life. Therefore, community is where we find love, hope, and resilience.

Community-focused adaptation also recognises the interconnectedness of social and environmental justice. By addressing underlying inequalities and injustices, such as poverty, gender discrimination, and lack of access to resources, we can create more resilient communities. This approach not only strengthens our ability to withstand climate impacts but also fosters greater equity and justice. SustyVibes launched The Eco-anxiety Africa Project (TEAP) in 2022. The project aims to address the issue of the lack of attention and knowledge of the intersection between mental wellbeing and climate change, which has a significant impact on young people in Nigeria. At CBA18, co-hosts from TEAP will facilitate a thematic workshop that will delve into various facets of climate change’s impact on mental health. It will offer insights into the climate crisis from a Global South perspective, providing a broader understanding of its ramifications. Additionally, participants will gain valuable lessons from successful youth-led initiatives addressing climate and mental health issues. The workshop will equip attendees with practical tools and resources aimed at fostering resilience among young people, empowering them to navigate the challenges posed by climate change effectively.