ECO-ANXIETY AND ECO-EMOTIONS: Gaining clarity while staying emotionally engaged to take action!

Arielle SYSSAU-VACCARELLA
Professor of Psychology, Epsylon Psychology Laboratory, Paul Valéry University, Montpellier

Marie-Laure PARMENTIER
, Research Director at Inserm, Institute of Functional Genomics, Montpellier

Awareness of major climate change and biodiversity loss leaves no one indifferent and gives rise to emotional states known as “eco-emotions.” The best-known form is eco-anxiety.

First, we will present our research on the diversity of these eco-emotions and their characterization. Next, we will examine their specific characteristics in relation to engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. We will conclude by discussing the fundamental role of our emotional connection to nature. Finally, we will explore new avenues of research that bring together psychology and neuroscience to learn more about the emotional bonds between individuals and nature.