The UK Health Security Agency says climate-related anxiety—"eco-anxiety"—is affecting many young people's mental health and influencing life choices, with about 39% of survey respondents saying it made them hesitant to have children. The agency recommends low-barrier, community-based responses such as yoga, citizen science and "climate cafés" to reduce distress and build resilience. Critics argue the terminology is politicised, but the UKHSA stands by its assessment and urges public‑health responses.
UK Advisers Propose Yoga and 'Climate Cafés' to Help Young People Cope with 'Eco‑Anxiety'
The UK Health Security Agency says climate-related anxiety—"eco-anxiety"—is affecting many young people's mental health and influencing life choices, with about 39% of survey respondents saying it made them hesitant to have children. The agency recommends low-barrier, community-based responses such as yoga, citizen science and "climate cafés" to reduce distress and build resilience. Critics argue the terminology is politicised, but the UKHSA stands by its assessment and urges public‑health responses.
09:30 AM, 11/18/2025Health
UK advisers recommend community activities to address growing climate-related distress
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a thematic assessment, Climate change and mental health, which finds that anxiety about climate change—commonly called "eco-anxiety"—is an important factor in mental-health struggles among many young people in Britain.
The report defines eco-anxiety as emotional or psychological distress caused by awareness of climate and environmental change. It also cites the term solastalgia to describe the grief people feel when familiar landscapes are degraded by environmental shifts.
"An awareness of climate and environmental change can also lead to emotional or psychological responses, such as eco-anxiety," the report states.
Survey data cited in the report indicate that concern about environmental decline affects life choices: roughly 39% of respondents said climate change made them hesitant to have children because of worries about future safety, resources and quality of life.
To help people cope, the UKHSA recommends low‑barrier, community-based responses that promote connection and resilience. Examples include yoga classes, citizen-science projects, and so-called "climate cafés," informal gatherings where people can discuss climate concerns and support one another.
"Participating in group and community-based activities, including yoga, citizen science, and climate cafés, was associated with reduced psychological distress," the report notes.
Criticism and wider debate
Not everyone accepts the report's framing. Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, criticised the use of terms such as "eco-anxiety" and "solastalgia," saying they reflect politicised messaging rather than medical conditions. He told the National Review that such language can foster guilt about prosperity and family life.
Public figures have offered more measured comments. For example, Bill Gates has said he does not believe climate change will cause humanity's demise; critics have cited that view as a counterpoint to alarmist language.
Despite controversy, the UKHSA maintains that recognising and addressing the psychological effects of climate change is a legitimate public-health priority and recommends community-focused, accessible interventions to build emotional resilience.