Study finds moms are more affected by climate change than dads, it absolutely makes sense

From individuals to large-scale businesses, everyone is adapting to sustainable practices. As global warming worsens each year, the urgency for a safer planet grows. However, climate anxiety varies among different groups. A recent study titled "Race, Class, Gender and Climate Change Communication," published by the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Climate Science, reveals that women, especially mothers, experience more climate anxiety than men. While the study doesn’t delve into the reasons, many experts suggest it might be rooted in emotional factors.

The 2017 study examines how race, class, and gender influence perceptions of climate change. It found that women are generally more concerned about this issue than men. Women's psychotherapist Merritt Juliano, writing for Motherly, attributes this heightened anxiety to societal expectations of women as caregivers. The emotional bond mothers share with their children and the societal pressure to care for their families likely contribute to this outcome. The study doesn't suggest that men or fathers aren’t worried about climate change; it simply shows that women express more concern.

Juliano also highlights how global warming and extreme weather conditions mentally impact women. A recent study in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology discusses the "Mental health impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on mothers," supporting Juliano's perspective. The study found that climate anxiety significantly affects the mental health of many mothers. It concluded that without addressing this aspect of climate change, more women might be at risk for mental health issues.

Now that we know who is more concerned about the future of our little children, there's more evidence to support this outlook. A statistical report by Mintel from 2018 suggested that there exists an "eco-gender gap," that showed how men lagged behind women in environment-friendly habits. Out of the 65% of the British people who followed an ethical lifestyle, 71% were women. May it be recycling, water conservation, turning down/off the heating when necessary and even influencing friends to practice sustainability, women seemed to be more responsible than men in Britain. However, Juliana highlighted that climate anxiety ultimately affects women's moods and requires optimistic coping mechanisms so that women wouldn't have to feel alone in our constant fight against climate change.

Speaking of women concerned about global warming, a bunch of empowered mothers act against climate change through their non-profit organization. The "Moms Clean Air Force," organization was the brainchild of Dominique Browning, an editor and a mother who is conscious about the environment. With millions of moms joining this cause from different states, the organization has grown significantly. Their Instagram handle shows a plethora of measures they've taken to fight pollution and other factors driving global warming.