Is Climate Change Making You Anxious? Women Share Their Perspectives

The rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, a quieter yet profoundly impactful phenomenon, have been on the rise—the surge in searches related to "climate anxiety." According to data shared exclusively with BBC 100 Women by Google, online search queries about climate anxiety have experienced an astonishing 27-fold increase in English searches during the first ten months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2017. This surge isn't just a global trend but also echoes in the hearts and minds of Indian women, offering a unique perspective on how climate change affects mental health.

As wildfires, floods, and droughts escalate worldwide, so does their less visible but profound impact on human mental health. Google Trends data highlights a 27-fold increase in search queries related to "climate anxiety" in English over the past six years. Nordic countries, particularly Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, account for over 40% of these searches, underscoring the global nature of the issue. Portuguese, Chinese, and Arabic searches have also risen significantly, showcasing a shared global apprehension about the impacts of climate change on mental well-being.

The Escalation of Climate Anxiety: A Global Perspective

Google's insights suggest a growing interest in understanding and addressing climate change. Queries such as "how to solve climate change" have become trending topics worldwide, reflecting a collective desire for comprehension and action. While Google did not disclose the gender breakdown of "climate anxiety" searches, existing research indicates that women are more predisposed to climate anxiety than men

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges the mental health impacts of climate change, as reported in 2022. The forthcoming COP28 in Dubai is set to feature discussions on mental health, signaling a recognition of the intricate relationship between environmental changes and psychological well-being.

The Gendered Dimensions of Climate Anxiety

Research consistently indicates that women are more predisposed to climate anxiety than men.

 A 2023 study published in Sustainability found that women globally reported "greater levels of concern and negative emotions" about climate change, contrasting with men who exhibited more optimism and faith in government.

Professor Susan Clayton, co-author of the study, suggests that women's openness to discussing emotions plays a role, but the real-life impacts on women cannot be ignored. After extreme weather events, there's an increase in domestic violence, and women are more vulnerable to sexual violence or trafficking due to climate-induced displacements. This gendered response was consistent across a diverse range of respondents aged 16 to 25, emphasizing the pervasive nature of climate anxiety among women.

Vulnerability of Women in Climate Change-Related Disasters

Studies reveal that women are more likely than men to die in climate change-related disasters. The IPCC acknowledges that gender-based inequalities mean women in poorer countries may lack access to information, making it harder for them to prioritize their safety. Women are often at greater risk of experiencing real-life consequences, such as increased domestic violence after extreme weather events and heightened vulnerability during climate-induced displacements. Physiological vulnerabilities also make women more susceptible to the health impacts of climate change, particularly during pregnancy.

The Indian Context: A Closer Look

Zooming into the Indian context, the impact of climate change is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality, shaping the daily experiences of its citizens. The summer monsoons earlier this year submerged cities like Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai under several feet of water. Urban flooding, a consequence of climate change, not only leads to economic losses but also takes a toll on the mental health of residents.

Air pollution, the fifth-largest cause of death in India, has far-reaching consequences. It led to the premature deaths of 1.6 million Indians in 2019, more than three times the official number of COVID-19 deaths during the pandemic. This, however, is not just a statistic. It represents the routine disruption of life, work, and study, disproportionately affecting the health of rural Indians, who contribute minimally to the emissions causing severe air pollution.

The economic losses due to floods and cyclones in 2023, estimated at Rs 10,000–15,000 crore, underscore the urgency of addressing climate change in India. The fifth-largest cause of death in the country, air pollution, adds an additional layer of complexity to the climate crisis.

The impacts of climate change, as outlined by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), are dire. Even with low greenhouse gas emissions, 8% of today's farmland is projected to become climatically unsuitable by 2100. Cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad face high risks of floods, sea-level rise, and urban heat islands. Biodiversity is threatened, and extreme weather events will disproportionately affect children.

From Indian Women's Perspective

In India, the impact of climate change is not just a statistical concern but a lived reality.  As the nation grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the experiences of women offer a nuanced perspective. Urban flooding, air pollution, and extreme weather events have become recurrent challenges, affecting not only the physical environment but also the mental well-being of Indian women. In an exclusive conversation with SheThePeople, four Indian women offered their insights into their understanding of the intersection between climate change and mental health.

• Ishita Mitra, a 23-year-old woman, shares her observation that discussions around climate change often see more active participation from women, possibly due to their roles in nurturing and caring within family structures.
• Teenu, expressing anxiety during periods of poor air quality, reveals the physical toll of environmental degradation on mental well-being. Breathing difficulties and anxiety attacks become intertwined, affecting productivity and the overall quality of life.
• Arundhati emphasizes the subtle but transformative impact of escaping from an environmentally stressful environment. She highlights the improved mental and physical well-being that follows a move to a healthier locale.
• Chitra, formerly in Delhi and now in a country with cleaner surroundings, highlights the impact of the environment on stress. She emphasizes the joy of seeing clouds, clear skies, and trees, contrasting it with Delhi's pollution. The nature around, including fresh air and sunlight, influences serotonin and dopamine levels, positively affecting mental well-being

The increasing prevalence of climate anxiety, especially among women, demands attention and action. It becomes crucial to amplify the voices of those most affected and ensure that climate policies consider the intersectionality of gender and environmental justice.