A new survey by the Observatory of Eco-anxiety (Obseca) reveals that 15.1 million people in France are experiencing eco-anxiety, with over one-third of the population reporting high or very high levels of concern about environmental issues. The survey was conducted during a heatwave in July 2026, and it found that people living in densely populated urban areas are more affected, showing a 62 percent increase in eco-anxiety compared to those in less crowded regions. The study, which included 1,000 participants, showed that 36 percent of the population felt a high or very high level of eco-anxiety—up 20 percent from a similar survey in 2024. Eco-anxiety refers to the psychological stress caused by concerns over environmental degradation and climate change. Pierre-Éric Sutter, a psychologist and founder of Obseca, explained that the human brain is not naturally equipped to handle this kind of long-term, global threat, leading to feelings of helplessness and psychological distress. Charline Schmerber, a psychopractitioner specializing in psychological issues related to the ecological crisis, noted that repeated exposure to anxiety-inducing information, combined with lack of sleep from extreme heat, can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Manuela Santa Marina, a clinical psychologist, emphasized that eco-anxiety should not be viewed as a disorder to be cured, but rather as a public health issue that reflects a broader societal challenge. The survey also found that whether people live in air-conditioned homes or not did not significantly affect their levels of eco-anxiety. However, those with direct professional exposure to extreme heat, such as outdoor workers, reported higher levels of eco-anxiety. Young people aged 15 to 24 were found to be the most affected, while retirees were the least, with none reporting "very strongly" eco-anxiety. This highlights how different life stages and experiences can influence one's perception of environmental risks. The French government's primary response to the summer heatwave was a public awareness campaign encouraging individuals to take personal actions, such as staying hydrated, closing windows, and avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. While Charline Schmerber acknowledged that these efforts were not entirely ineffective, she pointed out that they placed too much responsibility on individuals, without addressing the need for improved environmental infrastructure. This response underscores a broader debate about how to effectively manage and mitigate the psychological and physical impacts of climate change.