Sustrans is a UK charity that works to make it easier for people to walk and cycle. They are also custodians of the National Cycle Network. Thank you to Sustrans' Storytelling Officer Tom Hughes for this guest blog!

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The climate crisis is affecting both our daily lives and our mental health. We take a look at what eco-anxiety is and what we can all do as individuals to combat climate change.

What is eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is best described as fear, distress, worry or sadness about the state of the climate.

While it’s not yet recognised as a medical disorder, the prolonged stress that eco-anxiety can cause people increases the risk of them developing mental and physical health problems.

Learn how you can support employees and colleagues through it here.

Who does it affect?

Eco-anxiety can affect all of us, but it seems particularly common amongst younger people     .

A global survey of 10,000 people aged 16 to 25 found that nearly 60% said they were ‘very worried’ about climate change.

Likewise, in a YouGov survey commissioned by Sustrans, half of UK school pupils aged six to 15 said they felt worried about air pollution near their school.

Another important point that both surveys highlight is that many young people want those in charge to take action against climate change. In the YouGov survey, 62% of pupils thought that adults weren’t doing enough to tackle the environmental issues we’re facing. A similar percentage of the global survey felt that ‘governments [were] failing young people’.     

Rationalising eco-anxiety

These anxieties about the state of our climate and the environment around us are completely rational.

The evidence is everywhere. For instance, the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants estimated in 2018 that air pollution causes 28,000-36,000 early deaths each year in the UK.

Other research has shown that 61% of all road transport emissions in the UK are produced by cars and taxis.

With over half of all car journeys in 2020 lasting less than five miles, isn’t it time we started trying other ways of getting around where possible?

Walking and cycling to combat climate change

One simple way we can fight climate change is to walk or cycle our short journeys.

This has a direct impact on the emissions we’re putting into the atmosphere.

Getting out on foot or by bike can inspire others around us to do the same. 

Moreover, when there’s more of us moving around sustainably, this will create a greater demand for green spaces, and push local governments to improve our towns and cities to make them healthier, safer and less car-oriented.

In turn, new green spaces with lower pollution from traffic will give our local plants and animals a much-needed biodiversity boost.

It’s good for your mental health too

Time and time again, spending time outdoors has been shown to be great for our mental health.

Ditching the car for a walk or cycle - even if you have to mix it up with a bit of public transport - can give you a nice endorphin boost. There’s also nothing like a burst of fresh air to start your day off on the right track.

Research has also shown that cycling is good for relieving stress, reducing anxiety and improving self-esteem     .

And if you’re travelling to work by foot, then why not take it one step further and try some mindfulness while you walk? There are loads of resources out there to help you relax and be present, including apps like Headspace. Just pop on your headphones and go!

Practicing mindfulness is recommended by GPs for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, or if you just want to get in the right mood for the work day ahead.

Working from home

If you’re working from home, there are still lots of things you can do to get outside and active during the working day.

One trick to try is a fake commute. Set aside a portion of the morning and/or the evening to take a short trip out.

This can be a good way to wake up or wind down, reducing anxiety and setting a clear start and end to work time.

Getting involved in your local community‍

Meeting like-minded people in your local area can also be great for combatting eco-anxiety.

Depending on where you live, you might be able to find groups holding tree planting or litter picking sessions, or groups simply to socialise     .

And if you’d like to combine this care for the community with a bit of exercise, then check out the running group GoodGym, which pairs physical activity with local projects like sorting cans at a food bank, or working at a local garden.

Taking the next steps

Interested in making some changes and combatting eco-anxiety? Try our guide on cycling for beginners.

If you’re feeling inspired to hit the road on your bike, you can also find more information on how and where to get cycle training.

Or take a look at our list of some of the UK’s best greenways and find a new green space to enjoy.

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Ready for change? Pawprint can help your business accelerate its sustainability initiatives and take its place at the forefront of meaningful climate action. Speak to your decision-makers about Pawprint today.