Climate anxiety in Germany. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hajek, A.; König, H.H.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 212(2022)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Prevalence -- Level -- Climate anxiety -- Climate change -- Germany -- Eco-anxiety -- Climate fear; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the level and the correlates of climate anxiety in Germany. Study design: This was a quota-based online survey. Methods: We used data collected in mid-March 2022 from a sample of the general adult population (n = 3091 individuals aged 18–74 years; March 2022). Climate anxiety was quantified using the Climate Anxiety Scale (ranging from 1 to 7, with higher scores corresponding to higher levels of climate anxiety). Results: The average level of climate anxiety in Germany was 2.0 (standard deviation [SD]: 1.2). It differed between subgroups (e.g. individuals aged 18–29 years: 2.4, SD: 1.3; individuals aged 65–74 years: 1.8, SD: 1.0). Log-linear regressions showed that climate anxiety was higher among younger individuals (β = −0.005, P < .001), full-time employed individuals (compared with retired individuals, β = 0.07, P < .01), individuals without chronic conditions (compared with individuals with at least one chronic conditions, β = −0.08, P < .001), individuals already vaccinated against COVID-19 (compared with individuals not vaccinated against COVID-19, β = 0.10, P < .001), individuals with higher levels of coronavirus anxiety (β = 0.06, P < .001), and individuals with greater fear of a conventional war (β = 0.09, P < .001). Conclusions: Our study showed a rather low level of climate anxiety. It also revealed some correlates of greater climate anxiety such as higher levels of coronavirus anxiety or greater fear of war. Knowledge about the correlates may assist in addressing individuals at risk for high levels of climate anxiety.