With 2023 shattering the record as the hottest year globally and the success of COP28 hinging on commitments from major fossil fuel-consuming countries like the UK, US, and Canada to abandon their ways, solving the climate crisis can feel inaccessible for many college students. Climate anxiety, also called eco-anxiety, is more common than most people know. Many people may suffer from climate anxiety, which is 'anxiety rooted in uncertainty about the future and alerting us to the dangers of a changing climate,' according to Harvard Medical School. It’s normal to worry and to be fearful for our collective futures regarding the consequences of climate change and how it will affect our lives. Climate anxiety can include feelings of grief, anger, guilt, and shame and affect a person’s mood, behavior, and thinking. A study by The Lancet found that 84% of children and young adults ages 16 to 25 are at least moderately worried about climate change, with 59% apprehensive or very worried. Many studies have shown that taking action can help combat climate anxiety. Being a part of change is therapeutic and allows people to have a physical role in reducing the impacts of climate change on our planet.
Ways to get involved with sustainability
The Environmental Center at CU Boulder provides numerous opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to get involved in the fight against climate change. Whether you are looking to implement simple lifestyle habits, build community with those who share your values, or utilize your skills to lead CU towards a carbon-free future, there is something for every level of participation within the Sustainable Buff's community. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of required actions, consider starting with small initiatives and gradually expanding your impact. Taking manageable steps allows for a positive and achievable approach to making a difference. Don't know where to start? Check out the Sustainable Buff's guide for all the juicy details.
Here are some ideas for how to get started:
- Join the community of Buffs committed to sustainability.
- Sign up for your Eco-Visit. You'll get an Eco-kit and meet with our student staff to talk about best practices for living green in your residence.
- Participate in events, service projects and workshops.
- Join the Climate Justice Leadership Program.
- Connect your classwork with applied learning project opportunities! We can connect your classwork to real-world projects that could advance with student research and study.
- Change and log your daily habits with the AWorld app from ActNow, the United Nations’ campaign for individual action on climate change and sustainability. The app allows users to weave sustainability into their everyday lives and track their impact.
- Educate yourself on climate change and sustainability. There are many resources to help you learn, including how to combat anxieties associated with climate change and its repercussions. The Sustainable Buffs checklist has numerous ideas on sustainable switches we can all make.
Ways to avoid burnout through self-care
People who are passionate about sustainability can experience burnout due to overextending themselves in action projects or from climate anxiety itself. Taking time to care for yourself is essential before you can support others and the planet through climate work.
Health & Wellness Services offers advice and resources to help cope with climate anxiety. Here are some strategies that can help you deal with your anxiety while maintaining your passion and love for sustainability.
- Focus on the things you can control and where you can impact climate change.
- Avoid committing to too many causes or initiatives. Instead, commit to one cause at a time that you feel most passionate about.
- Practice compassion for yourself and others.
- Take a break from climate news and information and focus on other things that matter to you.
- Remember that you are not alone, and climate action requires a collective effort.
- Tap into support resources offered by CU Boulder or the community.
Remember that you are not alone in your thoughts and fears about climate change or how it’s impacting our lives. Talk to those around you about your emotions and anxieties. We all experience ups and downs in our journey to be more sustainable and tackle climate change.
Resources
The Environmental Center helps students develop knowledge, leadership skills and connections with peers and experts to make a positive impact at CU and beyond. Check out their website for ways to get involved in environmental and climate justice projects.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS is the primary mental health resource on campus for undergraduate and graduate students. They offer same-day appointments, drop-in Let’s Talk sessions and workshops related to anxiety and *climate change.
*Climate change workshops may vary from semester to semester.
Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
FSAP is dedicated to serving the mental health needs of CU staff and faculty through drop-in consultations, brief counseling, workshops and more. All staff and faculty can use these services during normal working hours without having to use paid time off (PTO) or sick time.
Students, staff and faculty can attend counseling and psychiatry appointments for free through AcademicLiveCare. Simply sign up with your IdentiKey email to schedule a telehealth appointment and use the CU coupon code when checking in for your appointment.
The Good Grief Network is a non-profit organization that runs peer-to-peer support groups that help bring people together to recognize, feel and process their heavy emotions, so that these emotions can be transformed into meaningful actions.
The AWorld app from ActNow tracks collective action for climate change. Join the CU Boulder team, track sustainability in your everyday life and participate in campus challenges.