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sign that has the earth on it that says "one world"
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Exeter | Culture > News

The Eco-Anxiety Epidemic

Ella Kelynack Student Contributor, University of Exeter
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Earlier this year, I went to the cinema with a group of friends to watch the new David Attenborough documentary on the Ocean, and we left with this collective heavy feeling of hopelessness. 

‘Ocean with David Attenborough’ is a 2025 documentary exploring undersea habitats, emphasising the importance of the ocean, whilst exposing the threats it faces. Clips of vibrant ocean life, full of colour and existence, were starkly contrasted with haunting footage of overfishing, coral bleaching and destructive trawling techniques. The documentary tells a story of optimism, how the ocean can recover beyond our expectations, and it can still be revitalised if cared for with intention. 

However, that didn’t manage to stop the anger and frustration me and my friends collectively shared. We felt so small – how are we supposed to be heard and make a difference when it is large corporations responsible for the damage caused? 

Recognising that the planet is changing, at a scale humans have yet to experience, is scary. Eco-anxiety has been identified as distress caused by climate change, triggering increased anxiety levels for the future. Climate change has its physical manifestations, but equally, it affects mental health worldwide, as people report not just fearing for themselves, but also for future generations. A non-profit organisation, Force of Nature, found that over 70% of young people have this feeling of hopelessness in the face of climate anxiety. Other emotions you may feel are anger, grief, and loss, but no experience with eco-anxiety is the same.

But it is so important to challenge those fears of hopelessness, and realise there are ways to connect with a cause you care about.Talking, communicating and sharing these feelings helps you realise you are not alone, and is a way of acting in itself. You aren’t expected to single handedly tackle the climate crisis, but speaking to friends, and speaking up, makes a difference. Equally, there are ways to take action – contact your local MP, go to a protest, join an organisation. 

Don’t let yourself feel powerless in the face of climate change, but recognise how your voice, community, and empathy can make a positive difference.

Ella Kelynack

Exeter '27

Hello, my name is Ella and I am a BA English and Communications student at the University of Exeter with a passion for writing, breaking social taboo and learning from others.
As someone with experience in campaign work and content creation, I have learnt the power of utilising different digital and in person skills to spark meaningful conversations. I am the Current Affairs editor for Exeter's chapter, and in my free time, you can find me with a book in hand at a coffee shop, at the cinema with my friends, or on a walk with my dog.