The latest IPCC report is clear: we are on the edge of climate catastrophe, and humans are to blame. While this news is devasting, environmental activists, scientists, and indigenous and marginalised communities have been advocating for climate action and justice for years. Unfortunately, this report reinforces fears that were previously known to many.

As we have all seen, climate change is no longer a problem for the future. We are already experiencing intensifying wildfires, extreme heat and uncontrollable flooding in many parts of the world; and we expect to see even more climate-enabled disease outbreaks. A recent study found that over 96% of young adults surveyed are concerned for the well-being of their existing or future children due to the potential impacts of climate change on their lives, and many are choosing to forego bearing children altogether.

These trends of devastation are producing a new wave of mental health issues, termed eco-anxiety, where people fear for the future of the planet and its inhabitants. Eco-anxiety affects many involved in climate movements, but particularly those who are new or just learning about the climate crisis. It can affect our mood, outlook, and capacity to imagine what a better world might look like, especially if these feelings are dismissed as “alarmist”. It’s easy to feel that, as individuals, we are both vulnerable and helpless to enact meaningful change. If you’re experiencing eco-anxiety, know that you’re not alone. There are actions you can take to respond to this fear, while making a difference with climate action.

Find your community

One of the best pieces of advice I received from a college professor on tackling eco-anxiety was to “find your tribe”. This means finding a community that can not only help make sense of and validate what you are feeling, but also help you act in line with those feelings.

The dissonance between the impending climate crisis and society’s seeming indifference can be disarming, leaving people feeling hopeless and incapable of creating change. Finding a community — by taking a class, joining a book club or even just connecting with people online through social media — can combat this feeling of hopelessness through connections with others who also want a better future, and are searching to realise that vision.

Another point to consider is that eco-anxiety does not impact everyone equally. Climate change effects people differently based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class and other social factors. For example, women experience higher rates of domestic violence due to climate change, and indigenous groups are facing even more economic exploitation and loss of land due to shrinking resources. Intersectionality is an important piece in any conversation relating to climate action, especially when fostering communities of understanding and solidarity. For these marginalised populations, community is not only a source of connection, but also of empowerment, protection and reliance in times of need.

Rediscover hope through imagination

While eco-anxiety can make people feel hopeless, imagination can help us regain our sense of hope and capacity for action. Armed with science and a vision of a better world, Greta Thunberg has mobilised millions of people with such success that her ability to inspire collective action is termed the “Greta Thunberg Effect”. These efforts by Greta and other activists push what once were considered “radical” visions of climate action to mainstream, proving that imagination, relentless hope and determination are powerful tools for action.

Rebecca Solnit, when writing about embracing hope in dark times, said that “Hope locates itself in the premises that we don’t know what will happen and that in the spaciousness of uncertainty is room to act”. The truth is that nobody knows if or when we will have the global push needed to act on the climate crisis or what we will ultimately face in the coming decades. In this space of uncertainty, humans have the capacity to imagine and strive for a different future, and the idea of what the future could look like is enough reason to hope and to act.

Become an agent of change

Actively working for a better future alleviates the hopelessness that comes with eco-anxiety and there is space and the need for everyone to play a part. Your role lies at the point where your skills, passions and capabilities meet.

While scientists track the limits of planetary boundaries; educators keep the public informed... and as policymakers create laws to align with the global goals; lawyers defend the rights of people and entities in courts. The climate movement needs storytellers, artists, caregivers, designers, engineers… the list goes on. Not only can you act in your own capacity, but taking action is also an incredibly powerful tool to inspire others to follow suit. An effective way to start is by looking at the institutions that you already engage with and skills that you already have, then identifying what actions can be taken. Even small ripples can make incredible waves of change.

Where to begin

Eco-anxiety, while a painful experience, also gives us important reminders — the natural world is undeniably important to humankind and people are already suffering from the effects of climate change. Furthermore, these feelings of worry, sadness, anger and despair bring people together to drive meaningful action. If you’re interested in connecting with others and working to tackle the climate crisis, there are many options to get involved. Below are just a few:

Reconnect with nature

• Go on a nature walk: If you’re in Singapore, get to know local nature by exploring a new place and bringing along some friends. After all, how can we expect people to want to conserve what they don’t even know is there

• Organise a beach clean-up: All you need is a bucket and some gloves, or you can even use the CleanPods made available by the Public Hygiene Council with all the supplies needed. Head down to the beach to see how much trash you can dispose of, and afterwards, have a conversation about what kind of trash you found, where it likely came from, and what can be done about it.

Get involved with a local NGO (here are some in Singapore)

• Coastal Natives: We are on a mission to inspire new ocean lovers and conservationists through film, art and community.

• Climate Conversations: Here’s an organisation that facilitates conversations around climate change, creating space for meaningful connection.

• SG Climate Rally: A collective action organisation pushing for civil empowerment, climate justice and policy.

• Ground-Up Initiative: A non-profit that seeks to connect people to nature through fostering “Kampung-Culture” in an urban environment.

Final note on mental well-being and self-care

Finally, the consequences of events linked to climate change can range from mild distress to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is important to be aware that anyone struggling with their mental health should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. For many, wellness and mindfulness activities such as meditation or breathing exercises are wonderful tools for staying grounded and managing stress.

For those who are overwhelmed by eco-anxiety, it’s okay to turn off the news, take a break from social media, hold off on educating your social circles, and take time to rest and recharge. Environmental movements are rooted in compassion; it’s important to remember to extend that same care and compassion to ourselves.