In rural communities, conversations around extreme weather events like drought, bushfires or flooding are part of daily life. You hear it on the radio, read it in the news, at the local coffee shop and around sporting fields. The discussion might turn to climate change and how ‘things are different now’ or ‘it never used to be like this’. The word “unprecedented” has certainty become overused in recent times. All this chatter can plant seeds of worry about the future of the planet, which might lead some to experience feelings of helplessness, stress and guilt. For those living and working on the land, such worries can weigh even heavier. This feeling is known as eco-anxiety, and it’s a far more common experience than you might think.
Eco-anxiety is a deep sense of worry or distress about environmental changes and their future impact. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, but a real emotional response to things like extreme weather, ongoing uncertainty, and changes to the land and seasons. Eco-anxiety can show up as constant worry about the planet, avoidance of climate news, sleeplessness, relationship strain, anger, guilt about not doing enough, or existential dread. More than three quarters of Australians1 feel the impact of eco-anxiety, and for some, these feelings can significantly impact their daily lives, choices and mental well-being. Eco-anxiety affects people everywhere, but in rural communities it can take on added complexity, where extreme weather events directly shape daily life, livelihoods, and land.
For many rural families, farming is a way of life passed down through generations. It’s deeply connected to family history, culture, and community identity. When livelihood and identity are directly tied to the land, climate uncertainty threatens both heritage and sense of self. The direct exposure to extreme weather, such as droughts, bushfires and floods, means the impact is experienced firsthand. When a bushfire sweeps through a property, it’s not just the loss of infrastructure. These events make climate fears feel very real and personal.
Young people in these communities also face unique challenges, adding another layer to the conversation. Spending a considerable amount of time thinking about the future ahead of them, more than half of all young people experience feelings of eco-anxiety2. When the climate feels uncertain or worsening, it can trigger worry for the future of the world they exist in, as well as concern about career paths and future plans. Young people often describe feeling disregarded, talked over in community discussions or told they ‘don’t understand how things work’. Social media and news outlets can amplify this sense of doom and inability to make an impact, leading to thought patterns of “I can’t make a difference”. The inherent global scale of climate issues clashes with the perceived smaller area of influence, creating a gap that can feel like powerlessness.
Despite these challenges, there are hopeful signs. Many people and communities are turning worry into action. Groups like ‘Grow the Future’ in the Bega Valley show how young people are banding together to make small, meaningful changes. Youth-led initiatives like these create spaces for young people to connect with nature and take practical action. Through hands-on, outdoor projects like growing food for the community and regenerating land, they’re proving that thinking globally and acting locally can make a real difference. Similarly, these projects don’t just help the environment, they give people a sense of purpose and hope in the face of climate challenges.
Small actions can shift thinking from catastrophising to problem-solving. Focusing on what is within your control, even the little things, helps reduce stress, ease anxiety and improve mental wellbeing. While some sustainable choices may seem out of reach for some, such as solar panels or avoiding fast fashion, there are many small steps you can take to make a difference and ease eco-anxiety. Planting trees, growing your own food, recycling, upcycling, and taking part in collective action can contribute greatly to change in yourself and the environment. Research has shown one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to improve your mood and reduce stress is spending time in nature. Be it at the beach, in the bush or at a park, mindful connection to the environment can reduce overwhelm and anxiety and help build resilience.
While feeling concern about extreme weather and the climate is a normal response to real challenges, the way in which these feelings are managed is important. When worry becomes constant, overwhelming, or begins to affect sleep, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be a sign that extra support could be helpful. Stay connected and start with small achievable steps like joining a local sustainability project, community group or simply getting some quiet time in a green space. Every action matters, and together they can create meaningful change for both the environment and your wellbeing.
If eco-anxiety is affecting you or someone you know, reach out to your local RAMHP Coordinator.
For more tips, see the Climate Council’s Climate Anxiety Toolkit.
References
- Survey results: Climate-fueled disasters cause Australians to fear permanent loss of homes. Climate Council. March 2024.
- Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. The Lancet Planetary Health. December 2021