An increasing number of people these days are experiencing eco-anxiety – feelings of worry and stress about the impacts of climate change. A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2021 showed that almost 60% of young people aged 16 to 25 were very worried about climate change, and more than 45% said that their feelings about climate change were negatively affecting their everyday lives¹. The unknown of what the future holds can truly feel overwhelming to many of us.
My experience is no different. Despite spending years studying agriculture and climate change at university, I graduated with the sense that I lacked the hands-on experience needed to address it. I understood the challenges ahead but didn’t feel equipped to tackle them. I was left feeling powerless.
Fortunately, that’s when I discovered WWOOFing and it changed my life and my perspective entirely. There’s something incredibly empowering about turning thoughts into action. For me, nothing eased my anxiety more than WWOOFing. It felt so good to do practical, hands-on tasks—weeding, feeding animals, and pruning fruit trees – alongside other eco-conscious people who had the same concerns that I did. Finally, I was putting my values into practice! I felt so much better – more empowered and capable simply by showing up and learning one more thing every day.
A study led by the Yale School of Public Health points in the same direction as my personal experience; climate change-anxious people engaging in collective actions such as being part of an environmental group experienced less depression². It also made me proud to be part of a movement driving real solutions for climate change. A recent study from the European Commission’s Department of Agriculture confirmed that organic farming plays a key role in achieving agriculture’s climate goals. I was glad to learn that beyond protecting health, water, and biodiversity by reducing pesticides, it also helps lower emissions and increase soil carbon storage³.
Farming is a challenging path to choose. Some days can feel exhausting – physically and mentally. In these uncertain times, we all must remember that our small actions can add up in a big way. Our vibrant community, despite being scattered across the vastness of our country, is on the same journey, and we share a strong bond—a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
With hope,
Catherine
Sources
¹ Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. 2021. The Lancet, Planetary Health. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(21)00278-3/fulltext
² Collective action helps young adults deal with climate change anxiety. 2022. Yale School of Public Health. https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/collective-action-helps-young-adults-deal-with-climate-change-anxiety/
³ Organic Farming Contributes to Agriculture’s Climate Objectives. 2024. IFOAM Organics Europe. https://www.organicseurope.bio/news/press-release-new-study-confirms-the-leading-role-of-organic-farming-in-contributing-to-agricultures-climate-objectives