Do You Have “Eco-Anxiety?” Survey Reveals Many Unfazed By It
Eco-anxiety, a term describing the intense worry about environmental harm and climate
change, affects Americans in varying degrees, according to a recent survey. Conducted by
CivicScience, the survey reveals that while some Americans feel this anxiety acutely, a more
significant portion remains relatively unaffected.
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Survey Results
The survey, which gathered responses from 6,690 U.S. adults between June 1 and August 26,
2024, paints a complex picture of environmental concern. A minority, 14.3%, reported feeling
eco-anxiety very strongly. This group represents those deeply troubled by the current and
future state of the environment. Meanwhile, 26.2% of respondents felt eco-anxiety somewhat
strongly, indicating a moderate level of concern. Interestingly, the largest segment of respondents, 31.2%, reported not feeling eco-anxiety at
all. This suggests that despite the growing discourse around climate change, a significant
portion of the population remains unperturbed. Additionally, 28.2% of participants felt eco-
anxiety ‘not very much’, further highlighting the varied emotional responses to environmental
issues.
Living Environments Breakdown
The survey also explored how living environments influence eco-anxiety levels. Of the 5,031
respondents, those residing in suburbs and cities reported higher levels of anxiety. Suburban
dwellers, in particular, showed the highest levels of strong eco-anxiety (37%). City residents
followed closely, with 31% expressing similar sentiments. In contrast, rural residents were more
likely to report no eco-anxiety, with 34% indicating they felt none at all.
What personality or behavioral traits lend themselves to a heightened concern over climate
change? Respondents concerned about environmental issues and buying environmentally
friendly products are 4 times more likely to answer ‘Very strongly’ to feelings of eco-anxiety.
People who adjust their lifestyles and favor socially conscious businesses are 3 times more likely
to answer ‘Very strongly.’
The survey, conducted on CivicScience’s digital platforms, aimed to gauge environmental issues’
emotional climate. The question posed to participants was straightforward: “How strongly have
you felt eco-anxiety over the past week or so?” The responses provide a snapshot of the
nation’s environmental consciousness during the specified timeframe.
These findings suggest that while eco-anxiety is a reality for some, many Americans do not
experience it as a pressing concern. This could reflect a range of factors, from differing levels of
awareness to varying personal priorities. As discussions about climate change continue to
evolve, understanding these emotional responses becomes crucial in shaping effective
communication and policy strategies.
Ultimately, the data underscores the diverse perspectives on environmental issues across the
United States, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in addressing climate-related
concerns.
Climate Crisis 24/7 used generative AI technology to help produce this article, which a human editor at Climate Crisis 24/7 edited. Climate Crisis 24/7 is dedicated to accuracy and transparency; any article that uses AI will be noted.
