How Noticing Nature Can Ease Climate Anxiety and Boost Mental Wellbeing

From Traffic Jams to Tiny Moments of Nature

One evening last winter, I found myself stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on an eight-lane highway. It was rush hour, but the scene felt more like the dead of night—dark gray clouds hung low, and red LED taillights flickered as traffic inched forward. Beside me, a pile of dirty, day-old snow lined the shoulder, and exhaust from idling cars drifted upward, as if trapped under the oppressive sky.

Eager to escape the gridlock, I turned on CBC News. The voice of Dr. Holli-Anne Passmore, associate professor of psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton, cut through the hum of the engine and the bass from the car next to me. She was discussing her years of research on emotional wellbeing, particularly how people often struggle during winter’s shorter days and dreary weather.

The view from my windshield offered little comfort. But Passmore’s findings suggested something surprisingly simple: noticing nature could be the antidote to these feelings of gloom.

Science Shows Nature Noticing Works

In a study involving 395 undergraduate students in Edmonton, and later replicated with 173 students in China, Passmore demonstrated that taking a moment to truly observe everyday nature—like a tree on a street corner, a bird pecking at feed, or a squirrel darting along a fence—can spark feelings of joy, wonder, and gratitude. The key insight? No grand wilderness is required. Participants in her studies reported greater life satisfaction and a stronger connection to nature, even in heavily urbanized environments.

Climate Anxiety and the Weight of Knowledge

For many, including myself, the relationship with nature is complicated. Like countless others, I’ve spent years under the shadow of the climate crisis, weighed down by climate despair. Pursuing a master’s degree in environmental policy at the University of Cambridge only deepened my sense of hopelessness. How could someone so small in an extractivist society—one seemingly bent on self-destruction—hope to make a difference?

There’s a tension between staying informed about the climate crisis and the emotional toll it takes. Those who consume daily news know this feeling all too well: watching the ship approach the iceberg, knowing disaster looms but feeling powerless to change its course. It’s exhausting.

What Is Eco-Anxiety?

Eco-anxiety, though not a formal medical diagnosis, describes the fear, rage, and sadness many feel about rapidly rising global temperatures and the resulting climate crises. While it can sometimes drive positive actions—like activism or reducing personal environmental impact—it often leads to overwhelming distress. Young people are particularly vulnerable, but eco-anxiety affects individuals of all ages.

Can Nature Noticing Counter Eco-Anxiety?

Passmore’s research suggests that even small, intentional moments of noticing nature can act as a balm for eco-anxiety. By shifting focus from the overwhelming scale of global crises to the immediate beauty of a leaf, a cloud, or a bird, we may find temporary relief. It’s not a solution to the climate crisis itself, but it could be a way to cope with the emotional burden it carries.

"Simply taking a moment to truly notice everyday nature can trigger feelings of joy, wonder, and gratitude."

Practical Steps to Start Noticing Nature

• Pause and observe: Take a few seconds to look at a tree, a plant, or even the sky. Notice the details—the texture of bark, the way light filters through leaves.
• Keep it simple: You don’t need a hike in the woods. A city park, a backyard, or even a potted plant on a windowsill can work.
• Make it a habit: Set a daily reminder to step outside or look out a window. Even a minute can make a difference.
• Share the moment: If you’re with others, point out something in nature you find beautiful. It can deepen the experience for everyone.

Final Thoughts

While eco-anxiety is a valid and growing concern, Passmore’s work offers a glimmer of hope. By reconnecting with the natural world in small, intentional ways, we may find not just temporary relief, but a renewed sense of wonder—and perhaps even the strength to keep fighting for a better future.