Climate Anxiety: The New Malady Affecting Populations

Currently, among adults, it is the feeling of powerlessness in the face of useless leaders and weakness against the force of natural elements that is plunging us into this climate of stress and anxiety… The guilt does not lie with Nature but rather with the leaders who govern a selfish world and with the hands of men who only think of economic profits…

Hence the importance of climate education at schools!

Delphine Normand, 
High-school teacher
Valencia, Spain

Here, in the Valencian community: the landscape is hellish following the meteorological disaster of October 29, 2024. A fateful day for the Valencia region in Spain, which was hit by a DANA, causing torrential rains and floods not seen since 1957, the date of the last "meteorological-climatic” disaster in this same region. This situation has led to significant disruptions, including blocked roads, evacuations of populations in certain areas, and substantial material damage, raising the death toll to over 220, four days later, knowing that many areas have still not been reached by rescue services. A humanitarian disaster whose victims continue to increase while the emergency services mobilized to address the situation work tirelessly to assess the damage and restore some "normalcy" in the affected areas.

The Valencian "people" have been the heroes in supporting those in distress despite the fear caused by the scale of the events. Climate anxiety is undeniably a growing issue affecting many people, especially the youth, stemming from the stress caused by the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and the potential displacement of over a billion people by 2050. NASA, in summary; ( According to its article published on October 20, 2024) warns that some parts of Spain could become uninhabitable in 30 years due to climate change. The agency's studies indicate that rising temperatures could make regions like Madrid and Valencia unbearable, with serious health problems likely for vulnerable populations. Immediate action is necessary for cities to adapt to these evolving conditions.*

Today, we woke up to the announcement of new rains, and we are tipping into this form of anxiety that manifests through feelings of despair, sorrow, and existential fear, making it distinct from other types of anxiety due to its magnitude and overwhelming nature. Experts suggest that managing these emotions involves acknowledging them and taking positive action, such as engaging in community initiatives or environmental efforts, which we have all done in solidarity. It is also recommended to limit exposure to distressing news, focus on the present, and seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals…

Ultimately, cultivating a connection with nature and participating in local or international climate actions can help individuals cope with anxiety and foster a sense of empowerment in addressing climate issues. Therefore, I must say that in recent weeks, the participation of my students in the “Climate Action Project,” led by Jennifer Williams and Koen Timmers from Take Action Global, has made more sense than ever: climate education should be a mandatory subject taught in schools, and the importance of supporting students' mental health during difficult times, especially as schools are closed due to natural disasters. This more than necessary communication involves helping students express their feelings: emotional priority is essential for effective learning in vulnerable situations, in this case: a climate disaster!