Climate change is a monumental challenge, one that weighs heavily not just on the planet but also on those who dedicate their lives to studying and combating it. Climate scientists, like Luciana Gatti at Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research, grapple daily with the stark reality of the Amazon rainforest’s transformation from a carbon sink to a source of emissions.
Gatti, alongside many of her colleagues, feels a deep sense of despair as they witness the destruction of vital ecosystems. “It’s hard to watch,” she says, underscoring the growing urgency of their work as the window for effective action narrows.
The Rise of Eco-Anxiety
This emotional burden is not limited to scientists. Eco-anxiety, a growing psychological response to environmental degradation, is affecting people globally, particularly younger generations. A 2021 survey revealed that nearly half of 10,000 young adults aged 16-25 across 10 countries experienced significant climate distress, impacting their sleep and productivity. Yet, the mental health challenges faced by climate scientists themselves often go unaddressed.
According to a May 2024 survey, only 6% of leading authors and review editors for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) believe that the 1.5°C warming limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement is achievable. This widespread pessimism fuels their distress and frustration over the global handling of the climate crisis.
The Mental Health Crisis Among Climate Scientists
Robin Cooper, of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance, highlights that climate researchers are continuously exposed to critical information that deeply impacts their mental health. This relentless stress, akin to that experienced by first responders, can lead to severe physical and mental health consequences.
Chronic exposure to environmental threats triggers a prolonged stress response, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure, depression, and addiction. Cooper notes that this persistent stress is unique because it conflicts with our biological wiring, which is not designed to endure long-term threats.
Grieving the Loss of Ecosystems
For scientists like Erika Berenguer at the University of Oxford, witnessing the Amazon’s decline is akin to experiencing grief. Berenguer recalls the devastation she felt in 2015 when fires ravaged one million hectares of forest.
This grief has manifested in physical symptoms, underscoring the profound impact of their work on their well-being. Despite coping mechanisms like exercise, the sorrow of watching a once-thriving ecosystem deteriorate remains overwhelming.
Berenguer emphasizes that detachment is not an option for climate scientists. They must bear witness to environmental loss, measure its impact, and propose solutions, all while managing their emotional responses. Yet, she points out a significant gap: research fieldwork often addresses physical risks but neglects mental health, leaving scientists vulnerable to the psychological toll of their work.
The Need for Mental Health Support
Managing these emotions is crucial. However, traditional therapy may not always suffice, particularly when therapists lack an understanding of climate anxiety. To fill this gap, the Climate Psychiatry Alliance and the Climate Psychology Alliance North America are developing a climate-awareness training program for therapists.
Group discussions have proven particularly beneficial for scientists, providing a safe space to share feelings and recognize they are not alone in their struggles.
Kristan Childs, a therapist in California, observes that scientists often need permission to feel. They fear that allowing themselves to fully experience their emotions will lead to despair, but in reality, sharing these feelings with others can lift the burden of isolation and even inspire collective action. Childs facilitates support groups through the Good Grief Network, which helps individuals process ecological distress and foster community resilience.
Transforming Grief into Action
For some scientists, like Peter Kalmus of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, climate grief serves as a powerful motivator. Kalmus channels his grief into activism, participating in protests and joining Scientist Rebellion, a collective demanding effective climate action.
He differentiates between climate anxiety, which can paralyze and make him physically ill, and climate grief, which fuels his commitment to fighting for change. Kalmus believes that processing these emotions together with other scientists can transform grief into a catalyst for action.
Susanne Moser, a research scholar at Antioch University New England, works with climate professionals to build psychological resilience, emphasizing the importance of personal restoration and trauma processing. Her Adaptive Mind project helps scientists transform their emotional responses into strategies for coping with the climate crisis while maintaining their ability to think analytically.
Creating Space for Emotion in Climate Science
Joe Duggan, through his project ‘Is This How You Feel?’, encourages scientists to step away from their routines and express their emotions about climate change. This initiative has collected heartfelt letters from leading researchers, revealing both despair and hope in the face of climate challenges. Duggan’s work highlights the human side of climate research, fostering a deeper connection between scientists and the public.
Possibilities for Change
Institutions are beginning to recognize the mental health challenges posed by eco-anxiety. The University of California system, for example, has developed a resilience course aimed at students, focusing on mental well-being and practical solutions to climate challenges. This course, inspired by ecotherapy programs, seeks to empower students to take collective action and address environmental issues proactively.
As new generations of climate scientists enter the field, it’s crucial they receive training not just in scientific methods but also in resilience and emotional management. The goal is not merely to adjust to a collapsing world but to empower individuals to drive collective change.
For veterans like Gatti, maintaining mental health while continuing to sound the alarm is essential. She believes that climate grief can be a potent force for motivating action and raising awareness. “We must evolve as a species,” she says, emphasizing the urgency of addressing both the environmental and emotional aspects of the climate crisis.
Conclusion
The mental health of climate scientists is as critical as their research. As they continue to confront the realities of climate change, addressing their emotional well-being is essential for sustaining their efforts and achieving meaningful change. By acknowledging the emotional toll of their work and providing appropriate support, we can ensure that these dedicated individuals remain at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
