The development and validation of a scale to measure climate change anxiety

Climate change – the rapid changes to Earth's climate system related to anthropogenic influence – has had widespread effects on humans and the natural world (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2022). Research suggests that psychological effects of climate change are becoming more common as more people become aware of climate change (Searle & Gow, 2010). This includes climate change anxiety, defined as anxiety in response to knowledge of the threat of climate change. To address the growing incidence of climate change anxiety, we must be able to accurately assess the problem. Informed by the psychological literature, the present study involved the development and validation of a scale to measure climate change anxiety at adaptive and maladaptive levels. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution, with subscales measuring clinical significance of anxiety, existential anxiety, and cognitive, future-focused anxiety respectively. The study also explored relationships between climate change anxiety and other constructs, including climate-related knowledge, climate action, and experience with climate change events. The development of this evidence-based scale will allow for the accurate assessment of climate change anxiety which may help to inform treatment of those that experience debilitating levels of climate change anxiety.