Recently, the term "eco-anxiety" has increased in popularity to mean the growing unease caused by the knowledge and experience of adverse climate change. The American Psychological Association defined eco-anxiety as "a chronic fear of environmental doom". The New Year in Kenya is often ushered in with much hope and celebration as it often marks the end of the holidays. Soon after, Kenyans slowly get back to their routine jobs and back to school activities. With them is the January scorching sun, and to others the coined 'Njanuary effect' which denotes scaling back to normal life pace. In many places in Kenya, this is a time of water scarcity necessitating drawing of water in wells, dedicated places or rivers using cans. Eco-anxiety in Kenya is caused by these immediate and real experiences. The scarce or unpredictable rainfall patterns starting in January often lead to food insecurity and lack of diversified options. If we are to judge with 2024 weather patterns, this dry season is followed by a heavy rainy season, which in some cases leads to opposite effects such as crop destruction, and floods.
Moreover, eco-anxiety is high in areas that are most vulnerable to climate impacts, where livelihoods are directly tied to the environment. This might include arid and semi-arid places as well as heavily agricultural communities. The interplay between poverty, inequality, and climate change increases feelings of powerlessness. Faced by such challenges, how do we move from paralyzing fear to hopeful action?
1. Sensitization – The everyday hustle and bustle should not encourage passivity towards climate change and its diverse effects. Understanding the climate metrics, the government initiatives towards reduced climate change and disclosed eco numbers by companies would help alleviate hopelessness. This information is also easily shareable with communities and can be a good start in initiating the conversation.
2. Individual sustainable actions- While little can be done to suddenly change the weather patterns, perhaps we could first strategize to prepare for the differing weather. This might look like establishing water collection points in our individual capacities to avoid wastage of water in rainy seasons, and lack during drier months. It might also look like playing our part in cleaning the water drainage ways in our areas to allow gray water to move rather than stagnate. Such seemingly small actions can ensure that individuals contribute to a better environmental future.
3. Policy advocacy – participating in discussions on conservation and renewable energy support could move the needle in the right direction. This would help in creating strategies that serve the people in the long run. Spending time in nature would also help people connect with it and understand its vital place in the climate discourse.
Eco-anxiety while unnerving could lead to an awakening to the urgency of climate action. It could inspire multi-sectoral action and transformation, which is duly needed. Every effort, no matter how small, brings us closer to a healthier, more hopeful future. Changes towards climate control like the ban of plastic bags is a testimony to the truth that change is possible.
By
Caroline Wanjiku Kamau.
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