‘What Happens Next?’: How Can We Conquer Climate Anxiety?

In the wake of the Northern Hemisphere’s hottest summer on record, the near-constant stream of dire climate news, coupled with frustrating inaction from governments and industries, is enough keep anyone up at night. But it's important to recognize that the climate anxiety you may be feeling isn't an isolated problem – it's a shared experience. And it’s one that can be addressed through empowerment and action.

The latest episode of Monash University’s podcast, What Happens Next?, highlights the emotional toll of climate change. True existential dread is coupled with doubt and uncertainty about our ability to address the problem, largely due to decades of deliberate misinformation sown by vested interests. This emotional response often leaves us feeling paralyzed, unable to engage in meaningful conversations or even catch up on the latest information, much less take action.

Listen: Why Are We So Anxious About Earth?

But as the episode’s expert guests point out in conversation with host Dr Susan Carland, we can’t fix the climate crisis alone – and we don't have to face climate anxiety alone, either.

Climate change is a multifaceted issue, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the science and its implications. However, this doesn't mean you need to become a climate expert to make a difference. Dr Rhona Garad, from Monash’s Centre for Health Research and Implementation, and Faculty of Education Professor Alan Reid discuss the science literacy barriers that often stand in the way of engaging with the issues, and how we can overcome them.

Dr Rebecca Huntley, author of How to Talk About Climate Change In a Way That Makes A Difference, says it’s crucial to remember that optimism is a choice – and an essential one in the face of climate anxiety. Choosing to see hope and potential where others see despair can provide the motivation to keep going.

Moving from anxiety to action involves taking practical steps. Climate Council CEO and Monash alumna Amanda McKenzie suggests three practical areas where individuals can make a difference: voice, treasure and time. Use your voice to advocate for change, direct your resources toward ethical investments, and volunteer your time to support climate initiatives. These actions, regardless of scale, contribute to meaningful change.

You can amplify your voice by connecting with like-minded individuals and joining environmental groups, says alumna Kelly O’Shanassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation. When we find the right people, we gain the confidence to engage in conversations and become agents of change.

And that change often happens suddenly. Progress isn't always linear, and past achievements can inspire hope for the future. By looking back at how far we've come, we can envision a better future and work collectively to achieve it.

“Climate change isn't just a science issue or a technology issue. It's about, how do we want to live together well? And once we start asking those questions, then climate will naturally come up. We don't have to focus on a crisis. We can focus on, what kind of society do we want to live in?” - Professor Alan Reid

Climate anxiety’s a natural response to the climate crisis, but it doesn't have to paralyse us. By connecting with like-minded individuals, bridging the knowledge gap, choosing optimism, and taking practical steps, we can transform anxiety into a catalyst for positive change. The future’s not set in stone – it's shaped by the actions we take today.

Don’t miss a moment of Season 8 of What Happens Next? – subscribe now on your favourite podcast app. We’ll be back next week with part three of this series: “Can Art Help Our Climate Anxiety?”.

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