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Oct 94 min read

The Rising Tide of Climate Anxiety: Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and the Cost of Denial


Satellite image showing Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico, approaching the western coast of Florida with Cuba and Mexico visible nearby. The storm's impact is expected to reach coastal and inland communities.
Hurricane Milton approaching Florida's Gulf Coast, captured in a satellite image. As extreme weather events like this increase in frequency and intensity, climate anxiety continues to rise, affecting communities globally.

When Asheville, North Carolina, was hailed as a "climate haven," it drew people hoping to escape the harsh realities of a changing planet—raging forest fires, frequent coastal floods, and more. But Hurricane Helene shattered this illusion, flooding not just the coastal regions but the hopes of those inland as well (NPR, 2024). Likewise, Hurricane Milton brought such devastation that a seasoned meteorologist broke down on live television, unable to contain the sheer horror of what he was seeing—a potent mix of disbelief and sorrow in the face of overwhelming power (People, 2024).


These heartbreaking scenes are no longer isolated. Each year, we therapists at the Center for Nature Informed Therapy (CNIT) are seeing a sharp rise in people seeking support for climate anxiety. Some are scientists—experts who spend their days analyzing the warming oceans and extreme weather patterns. Yet, despite the mounting evidence, they struggle with a harsh reality: large portions of the public and many political leaders remain either unaware or willfully ignorant of the crises that are unfolding (Axios, 2024).


But hurricanes like Helene or Milton don't care about politics. They aren't influenced by whether you accept climate science or not, or what cultural war is raging at the moment. Fueled by warming oceans, these storms grow stronger, faster, and more destructive, indiscriminately leaving behind a path of loss and trauma (World Weather Attribution, 2024). The climate crisis is here, and it’s not waiting for consensus. The worst part is that our children will pay the highest price.


The traditional individual responses to climate change—recycling, turning off lights, reducing plastic use, disaster relief fundraising concerts—are valuable, but they fall far short of what is needed. The myth that individual virtue alone can solve the crisis is just that—a myth, misleading and dangerous. We are like frogs in a pot, trying to find a patch of shade while the water heats up around us.


Hurricanes Helene and Milton have shown us that real change requires courage and sacrifice at a societal level. It demands policy changes, infrastructure adaptation, and a reevaluation of what we prioritize as a community. We need leaders willing to make hard decisions, and we need collective action that goes beyond convenience. Only then can we create a future where the next generation won't have to live in fear of what every hurricane season will bring.


These steps are not easy, but neither is living under the looming threat of stronger hurricanes, rising seas, and unrelenting heatwaves. The time to act was yesterday—today is still better than tomorrow. And if we have the courage to face the uncomfortable truth, perhaps we can start to turn the tide, not just for ourselves but for those who will come after us.


What Can We Do as Individuals?


  • Restore the Sacred Bond Between Humans and Nature: Reconnecting with nature fosters a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness. This not only helps cope with the emotional toll of climate change but also becomes part of the collective movement towards a more sustainable and balanced relationship with our planet. If we can rekindle this connection, we stand a better chance of inspiring the courage and action needed to protect our shared future.


  • Advocate for Policy Change: Support and vote for leaders who prioritize climate action. Use your voice to advocate for policies that promote renewable energy, reduce emissions, and protect vulnerable communities.


  • Join or Support Environmental Organizations: Contribute to groups working on climate solutions, whether through donations, volunteering, or participation in community events. These organizations amplify our collective power.


  • Prepare for Climate Resilience: Shankar Vedantam, in a recent episode of Hidden Brain, illustrated how we must rethink our strategies when facing inevitable climate impacts. He compared the climate situation to two pivotal World War II battles: Normandy and Dunkirk. While some advocate for a Normandy-style all-out assault to mitigate climate change, Vedantam suggests that we might be in a Dunkirk scenario—where adaptation and strategic retreat are essential. Kristina Hill, a featured expert in the episode, emphasized that sea level rise is inevitable, regardless of CO₂ reductions. Preparing for resilience involves facing these harsh truths and planning for adaptation, much like the Allies did during Dunkirk (Hidden Brain, 2024). This mindset can help us find creative ways to adapt to the new realities of our changing planet.


These actions not only help mitigate the crisis but also empower us to feel more in control, reducing feelings of helplessness and anxiety. By taking both personal and collective steps, we can contribute to a broader movement that demands meaningful change.


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