Is climate fatigue setting in? You need a dose of climate optimism

Images of destruction caused by extreme events can desensitise people to the issue. (Photo credit: Ministry of Defence of India)

We’ve heard it all by now: Earth’s climate is changing at an alarming rate. Temperatures are soaring, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. While staying informed is vital, hearing the same bleak predictions repeatedly can be emotionally draining. The constant negativity about missed deadlines and a seemingly gloomy future is leading to climate fatigue. And experts are concerned it could significantly hinder efforts to combat climate change.

“In an age of constant newsfeeds and 24x7 updates, we are bombarded with information about the climate crisis. Over time, it can manifest as a sense of hopelessness, apathy, and disillusionment, making it difficult for individuals and even governments to engage in meaningful action,” says Rekha Jha, a Noida-based psychologist.

Constant exposure to dire warnings and images of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and devastating consequences can be overwhelming, leading to emotional exhaustion and decreased sensitivity.

- Kiran Varma, researcher

While apocalyptic pronouncements in 2012 were met with scepticism by many, the sight of esteemed scientists moving the hands of the Doomsday Clock closer was harder to ignore.

Which is why saying “yes, of course” to caring about the environment comes naturally to many. But beneath the surface, a complex picture emerges. For instance, data aggregated from the 2019 and 2021 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll shows that 62 percent of Indians perceived climate change as a serious threat to their country within the next 20 years.

But Gallup’s data and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll also reveal that despite the challenges India faces from water scarcity, flooding, air pollution and environmental degradation, 85 percent expressed satisfaction with efforts to protect their country’s natural environment in 2022. This satisfaction extended to the quality of their air (90 percent) and water (79 percent).

Similarly, according to the Allianz Climate Literacy Survey 2023 on Climate Fatigue, 52 percent of Indians are now convinced that nature and humans can adapt to higher temperatures (above 1.5°C) without major consequences. Moreover, only 30 percent of respondents realise that a drastic reduction in emissions is necessary to combat climate change.

So, what’s changed? While concern for the planet hasn’t waned entirely, people no longer seem to be prioritising environmental action. One probable reason for this: the onset of climate fatigue.

Doom and gloom

“Constant exposure to dire warnings and images of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and devastating consequences can be overwhelming, leading to emotional exhaustion and decreased sensitivity to the issue. Additionally, the feeling that individual actions are insignificant compared to the scale of the problem can be paralysing,” says Kiran Varma, an independent researcher, who is studying the impact of extreme weather on freshwater systems in India.

Lack of tangible progress on climate change also contributes to fatigue. Despite years of awareness and action, the global community is falling behind on its goals. “We are living through climate collapse in real time,” the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, told COP28 delegates in Dubai. This perception of inaction can demotivate individuals from taking steps towards a sustainable future.

The fight against climate change also faces a significant obstacle from the spread of misinformation and misleading claims. It erodes public trust in legitimate scientific knowledge and creates confusion, hindering collective action.

Also exacerbating the problem is the widespread practice of “greenwashing”, where entities like companies and governments make misleading or exaggerated claims about their environmental practices. It can fuel disengagement. For example, climate activists accused the UAE, a major oil producer and host of the COP28 summit, of using carefully crafted PR and advertising narratives to project itself as a climate leader.

Change in focus

According to experts, the consequences of climate fatigue are far-reaching. “It can lead to reduced engagement in environmental activism, decreased support for climate-friendly policies, and a decline in individual actions to reduce carbon footprints,” says Varma.

So, what should be done? Instead of relying solely on fear-based communication, experts suggest shifting the focus of the narrative. Highlighting alternative futures where collective action and attainable government targets pave the way for a brighter tomorrow offers hope and inspires action.

For example, the success of Project Tiger showcases the power of collective action. Launched in 1973, it is credited with reversing the decline of tiger populations in India and putting the country on the conservation map. Under it, the tiger population has risen from an estimated 1,411 in 2006 to 3,925 as per a 2023 report released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

“Sharing inspiring stories of resilience and success can empower individuals. Real-world examples demonstrate that change is possible and encourage contributions. Providing clear and actionable information, like tips for reducing energy consumption or choosing sustainable products also empowers individuals to make a difference,” says Jha.

Celebrating progress is crucial too. Highlighting milestones, like the Global Electricity Review 2023 showing that wind and solar power now cheaper than fossil fuels, provides tangible evidence that collective action works and motivates continued efforts.

The time for action is now. Because the clock is ticking, and climate change is real.