Climate Anxiety - Psychological Effects of Climate Change

Author(s)	Dr. Kavita H. Kulkarni
Country	India
Abstract	Climate change is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental and economic crisis but also as a psychological and social challenge. Climate anxiety, often described as persistent worry, fear, or distress related to environmental degradation and future uncertainty, has emerged as a significant mental health concern globally. This paper examines the psychological effects of climate change, integrating perspectives from sustainable development and Environmental Studies (EVS). It further explores empirical insights from India, where climate vulnerability intersects with socio-economic disparities. Drawing on secondary data, existing empirical studies, and national reports, the paper analyzes how climate-related stress impacts individuals, particularly youth, farmers, and urban populations. The study also highlights the role of education, policy, and sustainable development frameworks in mitigating psychological distress while promoting adaptive resilience. The paper concludes that addressing climate anxiety requires interdisciplinary approaches combining mental health interventions, environmental governance, and sustainability education.
Keywords	Climate anxiety, eco-anxiety, sustainable development, environmental studies, mental health, India, climate change, EVS
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-06

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