“The oceans are rising, the forests are burning, and I feel like I can’t breathe.”

These were the words of Saira, a 22-year-old environmental science student who broke down during a student climate forum last year. “Despite all the efforts we make, there is no visible change we can see in our surroundings”.

She had just returned from a climate protest, exhausted but determined. Yet, in her eyes was a flicker of something else, something heavier than tiredness. Guilt. Fear. Helplessness. Something that can create a fire from a mere spark. Something that shows the ability to impart a visible change in the present situation.

“I recycle, I avoid plastic, I walk instead of drive,” she said, “but every day the news says it’s not enough.” Moreover, she added, “the global reports are saying Pakistan is one of the most effected countries, even though our carbon emissions are less than 1%”. (referring to SDPI report).

Saira didn’t know the term for what she was feeling. But we do now. It’s called eco-anxiety.

What is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is a term used to describe chronic fear or worry about environmental destruction and climate change. While it’s not officially classified as a mental illness, its emotional toll is very real—especially for young people who feel deeply connected to nature and responsible for its protection.

According to a global survey published in The Lancet, over 59% of young people reported being extremely worried about climate change. Many feel ignored by policymakers, overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, and frustrated at inaction.

The Weight of Awareness

People like Saira are often praised for their activism, but rarely do we talk about the emotional cost. The more informed you are about the crisis, the heavier it can feel. You see melting glaciers not just as facts, but as disappearing futures. Every wildfire, flood, or drought triggers a wave of dread—not only for the planet but for your own safety and future. The living example of Maldives (rising sea level), huge flooding causing massive destruction in 2022 in Pakistan, California fire along with frequent Australian fires and many more examples if we start to count.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way

First, it’s important to know: your eco-anxiety is valid. It is genuine. It exists.

It shows you care. You are emotionally invested in a world that desperately needs empathy. But we also need to protect your mental health, because burned-out activists can’t build a sustainable world.

Coping with Eco-Anxiety

Here are a few things that help:

·       Take Action in Small Ways: Whether it's planting trees or organizing a local cleanup, doing something tangible helps shift you from helplessness to empowerment.

·       Set Boundaries With Climate News: Constantly scrolling through bad news can amplify anxiety. It’s okay to unplug sometimes.

·       Join a Community: Talking to others who feel the same way can be healing. You're not alone in this fight.

·       Celebrate Progress: Focus on solutions and victories too—renewable energy advances, policy wins, youth-led movements, and Green initiatives and business startups.

·       Talk About It: Seek support. Whether it’s a friend, a therapist, or an online group, expressing your emotions is essential.

From Anxiety to Agency

Saira now runs a small Instagram page where she shares posts regarding environmental protection—often ending with tips or hopeful updates.

“It helps me feel like I’m doing something. Like I have some control,” she says.

And that’s what this is really about: transforming fear into fuel.

You’re Not Alone

Eco-anxiety is a sign of deep love—for people, for the planet, for the future. But it shouldn’t paralyze you. It should mobilize you. Channel it into art, action, advocacy, or education—anything that moves you and the world forward.

Let’s remember: we’re not just fighting climate change. We’re also fighting despair—and that fight begins with compassion, for others and for ourselves.

About the Author: Aliza Aziz, a passionate Environmental student activist. With groundbreaking research on plastic pollution, Microplastics, impactful tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and community initiatives, she embodies dedication to environmental conservation. As a student activist for climate action and a frequent speaker at environmental forums, Aliza inspires others to take part in creating a greener, more sustainable future.