Although most Portuguese people recognize the reality of climate change and its human origins, the prevalence of moderate levels of climate anxiety among adults in Portugal is relatively low.
This is one of the main findings of a study conducted by Mariana Pinho, a researcher at CESAM/DBIO, which sought to understand how perceptions of climate change affect the mental health of Portuguese people and the adoption of pro-environmental behaviors.
The climate crisis is one of the most complex and urgent global challenges today, with already recognized impacts at environmental, physical, and mental levels. Climate anxiety has been identified as one of the psychological consequences associated with climate change.
“Climate anxiety is a chronic concern about the impacts of climate change, the future of the planet, oneself, and future generations,” explains Mariana Pinho. “In the study, which involved 3,300 participants, climate anxiety was measured using a validated scale that assesses the frequency of symptoms such as cognitive disturbances (e.g., difficulties concentrating or sleeping) and functional impairments associated with climate-related concerns.”
According to the researcher, “overall, the prevalence of this type of anxiety among adults in Portugal is relatively low, with evidence from other studies showing differences across age groups, gender, and other factors.”
Mariana Pinho emphasizes, however, that these results should be interpreted with caution: “This does not mean that Portuguese people do not believe in or care about climate change, but rather that, in general, it does not significantly impact cognitive functioning—such as sleep loss or concentration difficulties—nor does it substantially interfere with daily routines.”
Concern exists, even without clinical anxiety
“The fact that climate anxiety appears to be low does not imply disinterest or a lack of environmental awareness,” notes the CESAM/DBIO researcher. “What the study shows is that, although climate anxiety is relatively low, most people recognize the reality of climate change, its anthropogenic origins, and its impacts. They also show a strong psychological connection to nature, even if this does not necessarily translate into clinical or intense psychological anxiety.”
The results also show that age, education level, and income are negatively associated with climate anxiety—that is, older individuals and those with higher levels of education and income tend to report lower levels of anxiety. On the other hand, more direct experiences with the impacts of climate change are associated with higher levels of anxiety.
More concern, more action
The study also demonstrates that the way people perceive climate change can influence their environmental conservation behaviors.
“In general, higher levels of climate concern/anxiety tend to be associated with greater adoption of pro-environmental behaviors,” says Mariana Pinho. “Climate anxiety acts as one of the mechanisms linking perceptions of climate change to pro-environmental attitudes and actions.”
These findings help to better understand the psychological mechanisms that can drive more sustainable practices and reinforce the importance of integrating emotional and social dimensions into environmental policy-making.
Health impacts should not be ignored
For the CESAM/DBIO researcher, it is essential to recognize that climate change affects not only the environment but also public health.
“Climate change is affecting not only the environment but also our physical and mental health. The anxiety and stress associated with these phenomena are real and should not be ignored. Those who feel that this concern is significantly affecting their well-being should seek help,” she warns.
Mariana Pinho also adds that “it is equally essential for health professionals—not only psychologists—to be able to identify and refer cases of climate-related stress, promoting awareness and a proactive response, especially in disaster contexts.”
Understanding the role of sociodemographic and sociopsychological characteristics in climate anxiety is therefore crucial for developing more inclusive environmental policies and programs that can promote social change and address existing inequalities.
Original news: Notícias UA, March 23, 2026