A report by France’s Agency for Ecological Transition (Ademe) has identified the groups most affected by eco-anxiety, a growing concern linked to the psychological stress caused by climate change and environmental challenges. Eco-anxiety is not classified as a medical condition but can lead to anxiety or depression if it becomes persistent and intense. It is characterized by feelings of helplessness, rumination, sleep problems, and isolation. The study provides insight into how this emotional state affects different segments of the French population.
According to a 2025 study by the Eco-Anxiety Observatory (Obseca), conducted by Ademe and based on a survey of 998 French people aged 15 to 64, 75% of participants reported no significant mental health risks related to eco-anxiety. About 15% experienced moderate symptoms, such as irritability and sleep disturbances, while 10% showed strong or very strong eco-anxiety. Among these, 5%—approximately 2.1 million people—were classified as very strongly eco-anxious, with 420,000 at a higher risk of developing mental health issues.
The study found that eco-anxiety is not limited to younger people, though those aged 15 to 24 showed the highest levels of intense eco-anxiety. Older individuals, particularly those aged 25 to 34, were also more eco-anxious than other age groups, except for those aged 50 to 64. Education level and urban living also played a role: individuals with higher education and those living in large cities, especially in Île-de-France, were more likely to experience eco-anxiety. People with a strong interest in environmental issues were also more prone to this emotional state.
The report distinguishes between adaptive and maladaptive eco-anxiety. Adaptive forms can motivate individuals to take action on environmental issues, while maladaptive forms can harm mental health. Ademe recommends that maladaptive eco-anxiety be recognized in a psychosocial risk framework, allowing for early diagnosis and support based on the severity of the condition. In the workplace, eco-anxiety can lead to conflicts between personal values and job demands, causing burnout. Employers are encouraged to treat it as a psychosocio-environmental risk and incorporate it into employee wellness programs.
Public policies could include awareness campaigns focused on the positive aspects of eco-anxiety, such as motivating action, and tracking its evolution through national surveys. Obseca and Ademe are continuing their research into eco-anxiety, with new findings expected by late 2026. To effectively address environmental mental health, the report emphasizes the need for training professionals and coordinating with local mental health services to provide support without over-pathologizing the condition.
Eco-anxiety in France: Study Reveals Prevalence and Risk Factors
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
eco-anxietymental-healthclimate-changefranceenvironmentademe



