A diver takes samples of polar ocean floor biology

Confronting Climate Anxiety

8 Scientists Turning Climate Anxiety Into Climate Action

Climate anxiety is a valid, natural response to a changing, warming world. In 2020, more than half of Americans reported feeling anxious about climate change’s impact on their mental health, and most of us (67%) are anxious about its impact on the planet.

So what do you do when it’s your job to witness and document climate change?

In this eight-part series, we talk with scientists spanning several generations whose work is deeply, tangibly connected to the Earth and its ecosystems. They’re tracking changes across the planet in search of solutions, working through anxiety with action — and sometimes even a little joy.

Read the series

Rivers

Two fisheries ecologists on saving fish, restoring rivers, and keeping your head above water.

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Two men pose for a picture in a wooded area

Forests

A Native studies scholar and air quality researcher talk about the devastating and healing impacts of fire, and not giving up on the future.

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A Native American examines a sapling at the edge of a valley woodland

Oceans

Two marine geochemists on unlocking the ocean’s capacity for climate solutions, plus the joys and anxieties of being a climate scientist and a parent.

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Two women pose in front of the ocean in on the coast of Northern California

The Poles

Polar ecologists describe the beauty and fragility of Antarctica and the Arctic, and the value of integrating climate anxiety concerns into classrooms.

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Two divers take samples of the sea floor under a large ice cap
UC Davis community members can find support and resources for a variety of mental health needs through the UC Davis Mental Health Initiative and Healthy UC Davis.