Climate anxiety in Germany
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Climate anxiety in Germany. / Hajek, A.; König, H.H.
In: PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol. 212, 11.2022, p. 89-94.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Climate anxiety in Germany
AU - Hajek, A.
AU - König, H.H.
PY - 2022/11
Y1 - 2022/11
N2 - ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the level and the correlates of climate anxiety in Germany.Study designThis was a quota-based online survey.MethodsWe 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).ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsOur 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.
AB - ObjectivesThis study aimed to clarify the level and the correlates of climate anxiety in Germany.Study designThis was a quota-based online survey.MethodsWe 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).ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsOur 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.
KW - Prevalence
KW - Level
KW - Climate anxiety
KW - Climate change
KW - Germany
KW - Eco-anxiety
KW - Climate fear
U2 - 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.09.007
DO - 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.09.007
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
VL - 212
SP - 89
EP - 94
JO - PUBLIC HEALTH
JF - PUBLIC HEALTH
SN - 0033-3506
ER -
