Eco-anxiety reaches 2.1 million in France

According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (Ademe), 2.1 million French people reported high levels of eco-anxiety in 2024, driven by the extreme heat of summer 2026 and the perceived lack of progress on climate action.

Origins of the term eco-anxiety

The term "eco-anxiety" was first used by Lisa Leff in a 1990 Washington Post article, and later formalized by physician-researcher Véronique Lapaige in 1996 as a syndrome involving anxiety over environmental issues and the failure of political action on climate change.

Work and eco-anxiety

Eco-anxiety is influencing workplace dynamics, with 44% of workers willing to leave companies that contradict ecological values, according to a 2023 study by Elabe and Unédic. Concerns about greenwashing—where companies falsely claim environmental responsibility—fuel this trend.

Eco-anxiety and labor market challenges

Eco-anxiety is compounding existing labor market issues, including the rise of artificial intelligence and increased absenteeism. Mental health-related sick leave has grown by 25% in one year, according to the latest Health Insurance annual report, adding pressure on employers and social protection systems.

Rooting as a response to eco-anxiety

The concept of "rooting"—a sense of belonging and stability—has become central to addressing eco-anxiety. Think tanks and scholars like Simone Weil suggest that rooting provides an ethical compass to cope with the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the climate crisis in daily professional life.

French political response to eco-anxiety

The French right has been criticized for lacking a clear doctrine on ecology and eco-anxiety. In contrast, initiatives from Responsible Ecology, such as the Tour of Local Ecological Initiatives, emphasize sustainable development that supports economic growth and local community ties.

Proposed climate leave in France

In May 2026, ecological candidate Marine Tondelier proposed a climate leave of five paid days per year, allowing workers to avoid extreme weather events. This idea, developed by Responsible Ecology since 2023, aims to support those unable to work remotely during heatwaves.

Ecological solidarity leave as a long-term solution

The ecological solidarity leave would be co-financed by employers and the state and last one to two weeks. It would encourage local engagement and rural development, helping to address both climate change and the sense of disconnection felt by many.

Implementation and oversight

The Secretariat General for Ecological Planning (SGPE) could oversee the selection of eligible organizations, such as NGOs and think tanks, ensuring the leave contributes to meaningful environmental work. This process would verify the effectiveness of the projects after implementation.

Balancing past and future in social policy

The ecological solidarity leave offers a practical approach to social progress, addressing the feeling of disconnection by promoting re-rooting in local communities. It seeks to balance the financial responsibilities of future generations with the need to adapt to climate change and maintain a viable social protection system.