Join us on a journey as we navigate the uncharted emotional terrain of eco-anxiety. Discover how we can harness our eco-emotions and turn them into positive climate action.
It is a completely natural response to a real problem in our lives.
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people around the world – a fact that is understandably worrying. Eco-anxiety is how we describe those feelings of concern, fear, anger, and hopelessness about the future of our planet.
Our brains are designed to experience a range of emotions to help us survive. There is no right or wrong way to feel, but there are ways to help manage our eco-emotions to prevent them from overwhelming us.
Eco-anxiety is on the rise, particularly amongst those aged 16-25. As a generation who have grown up facing the impact of climate change, the weight of responsibility to act lies heavy on their shoulders.
Climate change is consistently ranked as one of young peoples’ biggest concerns across the UK – showing just how deeply they care. That demand for change is a source of power, but it can often come with an immense sense of pressure to be the solution.
Out of 1500 young people interviewed, 59% told us they had feelings of eco-anxiety in the last fortnight, but they also showed the strongest desire to take positive climate action.
Eco-anxiety is on the rise, particularly amongst those aged 16-25. As a generation who have grown up facing the impact of climate change, the weight of responsibility to act lies heavy on their shoulders.
Climate change is consistently ranked as one of young peoples’ biggest concerns across the UK – showing just how deeply they care. That demand for change is a source of power, but it can often come with an immense sense of pressure to be the solution.
Out of 1500 young people interviewed, 59% told us they had feelings of eco-anxiety in the last fortnight, but they also showed the strongest desire to take positive climate action.
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A healthy mind is the first step to building a healthy planet.
Our research has shown that eco-anxiety can get in the way of our capacity to act. So, by learning ways to be mindful of our eco-emotions and channel them into positive actions we can improve our mental wellbeing as well as protect the planet.
With around 20% of UK carbon emissions produced by the energy we use at home, we believe it is our duty as a home energy supplier to equip the next generation with the tools they need to take personal climate action.
By providing 100% renewable energy at no extra cost on our fixed tariffs, we aim to make climate action more accessible. And to take our commitment further, we have already begun working towards our net zero targets.
Change really can start at home.
Have we already covered this ground together?
Been here before?
We want to help you find strength in your eco-emotions – so you feel empowered to travel your own unique path to climate action.
By raising awareness about eco-anxiety, we are building a community of people that can support one another through their individual journeys.
Partnered with the mental health charity Mind, we are assembling the tools you need to nurture a healthy mind and take action toward your own environmental goals.
Healthy minds can make positive change.
Campaigning for climate education
Teach the Future is a campaign for students, by students. Their goal? Passing their own Climate Education Act through parliament to create real change in schools and colleges.
They are working to provide climate education for all young people, including the option to learn green vocational skills in college that will bring climate action into the workplace. Even better, their plans will cut carbon emissions too. If their bill succeeds then all educational buildings must be net zero by 2030 – an important step toward meeting the UK’s 2050 climate goals.
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Support and respect for mental health
Mind is leading the charge to de-stigmatise mental health issues. They won’t stop until everyone receives the support and respect they deserve when struggling with mental health.
They are already providing support to those who need it most across the UK through their local Minds. Anyone can reach out to them for resources and advice on mental health, including professional training for businesses. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they actively campaign on a range of issues to better the lives of those living with mental health problems.
Social media is the most common trigger for eco-anxiety in young people. It is more likely to make you feel eco-anxious than TV or the news.
93% of 16-25 year olds took positive climate action last year. However, we often incorrectly rank which actions have the greatest impact.
E.ON Next is an energy company on the road to becoming a sustainability company. The work has already begun to take us to net zero. But we couldn’t do it without our incredible Nexties.
At E.ON next we think that customers will only love us if our employees love us more. We also recognise that human beings are infinitely powerful and will only be the best they can be in a supportive environment where they are celebrated for who they are and where their personal development, success, and happiness as a person is prioritised.
All colleagues are encouraged to care for each other and to build strong social networks at work. We operate a flat hierarchy and use our company communication platform to create feel good vibes by celebrating success at a company wide level and to provide outlets for support via colleague led wellbeing networks.
We focus on developing humility with leaders and encourage a culture of openness where people feel safe to speak about problems and worries. Leaders are closest to their teams and have full autonomy to make decisions around how best to support individuals. As a result, colleagues get what they really need in order to be happy and healthy at work, and authentic recommendations can be made around how to enhance wellbeing generally.
We are tackling the stigma associated with mental health, whilst also providing information, education and access to solutions through our partnership with the mental health organisation, Mind.
Anyone in our team who needs a bit more support can access fast and tailored 121 support from licensed professionals via our employee assistance programme.
At E.ON Next, we aim to support the whole person, so that every Nextie feels able to shine their brightest.
