A study conducted by the Observatory of Eco-anxiety (Obseca) found that over 15 million people in France experienced symptoms of eco-anxiety during the summer of 2026, marking the highest recorded level. The findings were shared by Pierre-Éric Sutter, a psychologist and psychotherapist leading the study. Eco-anxiety, as defined by Sutter, refers to the emotional response to the environmental crisis, ranging from mild concerns to more severe and persistent feelings of anxiety or despair. Sutter explains that eco-anxiety can be either adaptive or maladaptive. Adaptive forms involve a constructive concern that motivates individuals to take positive action to address environmental issues. Maladaptive eco-anxiety, however, can lead to significant psychological distress, including symptoms like constant worrying, feelings of helplessness, and even suicidal thoughts. These symptoms can disrupt daily functioning, sleep, and emotional health, making it crucial to distinguish between healthy concern and harmful distress. Sutter stresses that while the environmental crisis is a valid reason for concern, it is important to separate the cause from its psychological effects. He argues that labeling eco-anxiety as a disease is not appropriate, as it overlooks the political and systemic causes of climate change. He also emphasizes the need to acknowledge the suffering of those experiencing eco-anxiety while not losing sight of the urgent need to tackle environmental challenges. To help manage maladaptive eco-anxiety, Sutter suggests five strategies: reducing the overload of negative news by balancing it with positive stories, using emotional regulation to turn fear into productive action, accepting personal limits and focusing on achievable goals, creating an "ecoproject" that fits one’s abilities and resources, and regaining hope through small, meaningful victories. These steps aim to help individuals regain control and find purpose in the face of environmental uncertainty. Sutter also criticized the French government for its recent guide on managing eco-anxiety, noting that while the content is similar to a 2025 report he contributed to, it fails to address the government’s role in climate inaction. He views this as a missed opportunity in communication, especially as the environmental crisis continues to grow more severe.