Climate anxiety is like parenthood: you get used to living with constant worry
When I became a
mother
for the first time, amid my joy and delight, I was overwhelmed with grief for the world. The news was unbearable, there was simply too much suffering, too much violence and destruction. A friend put it like this: when you become a mother, your heart is outside yourself. You want to make the world perfect for this perfect human being, but you can't. No one can. So we develop coping mechanisms by living within what psychologist
Renée Lertzman
calls a 'window of tolerance'.
People are deeply concerned and afraid of the future, and of the terrors that
climate breakdown
will bring. But we feel helpless to change any of it, and worry that our own actions would be insignificant. We're consumed by the present, and climate change feels like a future problem. We're also afraid of change itself, since we perceive change as a loss of a way of life built around expectations, comforts and convenience. Letting go of the idea of progress, which has bewitched our civilisation for thousands of years, seems impossible and foolish. Lertzman is convinced that the reason why communication campaigns that use denunciation and finger-wagging fail to galvanise the public is because people are already numb. The messaging is too far outside the zone of tolerance to land.
Perhaps my zone of tolerance is too broad, but I've been grieving since the mid 1980s when it looked like the world would be incinerated by nuclear war. Then along came the destruction of the rainforests, global warming and forever chemicals. Catastrophising about such things added a burden of depression and ecological despair to all the usual life tasks. At times it has been crippling, sometimes immobilising, but over the years I have learned to befriend these feelings and moods. I now accept that they are normal and appropriate responses to the ongoing devastation around us.
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]
When the climate crisis descends upon a particular place, instead of remaining an abstract, remote possibility, we can predict with certainty that human beings will respond courageously and cooperatively. A large body of research into people's responses to disasters since the outbreak of first World War demonstrates what we should already intuitively know that crisis inspires altruism, optimism and often a new sense of shared purpose as people work together to salvage and rebuild, as well as seek consolation in community. And during times of crisis and upheaval, just like during the recent
Storm Éowyn
, it is
social capital
or the networks of human relationships that really matter. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina thousands of people took to tiny boats to rescue those who were trapped in New Orleans, saving hundreds of lives. After 9/11, more than a million people evacuated from lower Manhattan safely and calmly on foot in one afternoon, and armies of random strangers volunteered to help feed and resupply rescue workers, proving that anarchy and social disorder is not inevitable in the aftermath of a disaster.
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However, those suffering from psychological distress or mental health conditions will take no comfort from knowing that in a crisis, people will step up to help. Climate anxiety can incite despair and hopelessness which, for those with existing mental health problems, can lead to depression, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. When extreme weather events strike as they are in many parts of the world, mental health impacts include financial and relationship stress, increased risks of violence against women and girls, and displacement of entire communities.
Services are woefully inadequate for roughly 40 per cent of the Irish population that already experience mental health issues, and these services are often not tailored to the specific requirements or gender sensitivities of those who need them. For young people, rates of depression and anxiety fuelled by financial,
housing
and climate change worries are skyrocketing. A
2023 survey by the mental health charity Aware
found that three-in-five of those surveyed report feeling anxious or depressed and Ireland has one of the highest rates in Europe of mental health disorders.
Research into the mental health impacts of climate breakdown
finds that the psychological impact from any disaster exceeds physical injury by 40-1. In the case of flooding, the effects continue well after the event itself, peaking about six months later. And it will be no surprise to anyone that those most at risk of long-term mental effects are already marginalised based on their age, status, gender, culture, employment status and education. We will need our health infrastructure to be resourced adequately to cope with it. However, there is no mention of mental health impacts in the
newly published climate action plan
, climate-induced anxiety and depression also don't feature in the government's
mental health strategy
. Our brains and our hearts can join dots that the Government seemingly can't.
Sadhbh Ó' Neill is an environmental and climate activist and researcher
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Dublin Live
7 days ago
- Dublin Live
Air India pilot's chilling mistake led to horror crash, aviation expert claims
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The co-pilot on the doomed Air India flight AI171 pulled the plane's wing flaps instead of retracting the landing gear, according to an aviation expert. This simple - but devastating - mistake caused the plane to crash into the medical college in Ahmedabad, western India, commercial airline pilot and YouTuber Captain Steve has claimed, reports The Mirror. All but one of the 242 people onboard the plane, which was destined for London Gatwick Airport, died. Captain Steve, who analyses plane crashes and close calls, said: "Here's what I think happened, again folks this is just my opinion. I think the pilot flying said to the co-pilot said 'gear up' at the appropriate time. I think the co-pilot grabbed the flap handle and raised the flaps, instead of the gear. If that happened, this explains a lot of why this airplane stopped flying." Raising the flaps would have caused the plane to lose airspeed and altitude quickly, something Steve stresses would have been very difficult to control. This, he feels, would have led to the horrific impact, marking the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. (Image: NARENDRA MODI YOUTUBE CHANNEL/AF) Steve believes his theory may be the case because the 787's composite wings would normally bend during take off as lift forces take it into the air. However, in footage taken moments before the impact, the Air India plane appears to show no such bending, supporting the speculation the flaps which help lift the plane off had accidentally been retracted. Investigators will only know conclusively what happened once they have found and analysed both of the plane's black boxes. One of these was recovered on Friday morning among wreckage and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation will now study the recordings. Other theories being considered, the Mirror highlighted, include potential engine failure, runway miscalculation and a bird strike. Steve, though, acknowledged that, while both pilots were experienced professionals, human error can happen. (Image: Youtube/Captain Steeeve) Captain Sumeet Sabharwal led the flight and was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar and, between them, the pair had more than 9,000 hours of experience. They were among the 241 people killed in the atrocity. The sole survivor, 40-year-old Brit Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, said: "I still can't believe how I came out of it alive. For a moment, I felt like I was going to die too." His family members, from Leicester, have flown to India to be my his bedside, having expressed their shock to reporters on Thursday afternoon. Vishwash somehow walked from the plane after the middle section of the aircraft - where he was seated in seat 11A - was spared from the worst of the impact. He continued: "When I opened my eyes and looked around, I realised I was alive. I still can't believe how I survived." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
Irish Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Aviation expert - Air India pilot's chillingly basic mistake led to horror crash
The co-pilot on the doomed Air India flight AI171 pulled the plane's wing flaps instead of retracting the landing gear, according to an aviation expert. This simple - but devastating - mistake caused the plane to crash into the medical college in Ahmedabad, western India, commercial airline pilot and YouTuber Captain Steve has claimed, reports The Mirror. All but one of the 242 people onboard the plane, which was destined for London Gatwick Airport, died. Captain Steve, who analyses plane crashes and close calls, said: "Here's what I think happened, again folks this is just my opinion. I think the pilot flying said to the co-pilot said 'gear up' at the appropriate time. I think the co-pilot grabbed the flap handle and raised the flaps, instead of the gear. If that happened, this explains a lot of why this airplane stopped flying." Raising the flaps would have caused the plane to lose airspeed and altitude quickly, something Steve stresses would have been very difficult to control. This, he feels, would have led to the horrific impact, marking the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. Steve believes his theory may be the case because the 787's composite wings would normally bend during take off as lift forces take it into the air. However, in footage taken moments before the impact, the Air India plane appears to show no such bending, supporting the speculation the flaps which help lift the plane off had accidentally been retracted. Investigators will only know conclusively what happened once they have found and analysed both of the plane's black boxes. One of these was recovered on Friday morning among wreckage and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation will now study the recordings. Other theories being considered, the Mirror highlighted, include potential engine failure, runway miscalculation and a bird strike. Steve, though, acknowledged that, while both pilots were experienced professionals, human error can happen. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal led the flight and was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar and, between them, the pair had more than 9,000 hours of experience. They were among the 241 people killed in the atrocity. The sole survivor, 40-year-old Brit Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, said: "I still can't believe how I came out of it alive. For a moment, I felt like I was going to die too." His family members, from Leicester, have flown to India to be my his bedside, having expressed their shock to reporters on Thursday afternoon. Vishwash somehow walked from the plane after the middle section of the aircraft - where he was seated in seat 11A - was spared from the worst of the impact. He continued: "When I opened my eyes and looked around, I realised I was alive. I still can't believe how I survived."
The Irish Sun
12-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Air India crash has highest number of British deaths in a flight disaster since 9/11 terror attacks
THE Air India crash has resulted in the highest number of British deaths in a flight disaster since the 9/11 terror attacks. A total of 52 British citizens were last night missing, feared dead, after rescue teams recovered more than 200 bodies at the crash site. Advertisement 14 Firefighters hose down the scene after the Air India horror crash Credit: Reuters 14 Landing gear from the plane at the scene Credit: EPA 14 The tail of the plane is seen hanging from the edge of a building after the crash Credit: AFP The toll of 67 Brits killed in the 9/11 attacks in 2001 on New York's World Trade Centre was higher. The last major UK air disaster saw 47 people killed in January 1989 when a Boeing 737 attempting an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport crashed on an embankment of the M1 near Kegworth, Leics. In August 1985, a British Airtours Boeing 737 bound for Corfu caught fire on the runway at Manchester Airport, killing 55 on board. But the deadliest air crash in Britain remains the 1972 Staines Air Disaster, when a BEA flight crashed on take-off from Heathrow. All 118 people on board were killed. Advertisement READ MORE ON AIR INDIA CRASH And in 1988, the Last night, a team of British air crash investigators was being rushed to the crash scene in Ahmedabad, India, as They included pilot error, a bird or drone strike, or a freak change in wind direction causing a deadly double-engine stall. Concerns over possible pilot error by experienced Advertisement Most read in The Sun It appeared to show the twin-engine jet's wing flaps retracted — possibly too early — moments before the crash. Pilots and experts said it is vital that the flaps are set to the correct position at take-off to maximise lift. Air India passenger plane 'carrying up to 242 people heading for UK' crashes in fireball near Ahmedabad Airport Wheels and the undercarriage are also supposed to be lifted quickly once the plane is airborne, to reduce drag. But video footage of the crash jet shows its wheels were still down as it began descending. Advertisement A disastrous strike from a flock of birds is also possible, but not obvious from video footage. Weather may also be a factor, with temperatures at the time of take-off close to 40C (104F). But reports suggested the air was relatively still and there were no signs of freak gusts, either from locals or on the video. The only other possible cause would be a technical fault in one of the most modern and reliable aircraft flying today. 14 December 1988: 43 Brits died in the Lockerbie terrorist bombing Credit: Getty Advertisement 14 September 2001: 67 Brits died in jet attack on the Twin Towers Credit: Reuters 14 June 2025: 52 UK residents missing in today's crash A man who claimed Akash Vatsa posted on X that he noticed 'unusual things' during its flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad on Thursday morning. In the footage, he can be heard saying: 'The AC is not working at all. As usual, your TV screens are also not working, neither is the button to call the cabin crew. Nothing is working. Not even the light is working.' Advertisement Mr Vatsa said he originally filmed the clip to make a complaint to Air India, but shared it online following the disaster to highlight issues with the doomed plane. 14 Since its launch in 2011, the Boeing Dreamliner has had a near- faultless safety record and been involved in no fatal accidents. But teams of Boeing experts were being scrambled in the US last night in a bid to head off safety concerns — which have blighted the company's image in recent years. There are more than 1,100 787s in service, with most major international airlines prizing the model's fuel efficiency and low noise levels. Advertisement Officials from India's FOUR CRASH THEORIES WING FLAPS IN WRONG POSITION VIDEO evidence suggests the flaps were retracted and landing gear down, which would have meant minimal lift and increased drag. One theory is the landing gear was stuck and pilots retracted the flaps to reduce drag or the flaps were faulty, causing the plane to stall. A BIRD STRIKE CRIPPLED ENGINES A BIRD strike could have taken out both of the plane's General Electric engines. In 2021, a Dreamliner aborted take-off in Mexico after birds flew into one of its engines. A study in 2018 found Ahmedabad airport had 'a high potential of bird-aircraft collision hazards'. MISTAKE BY ONE OF THE PILOTS THE 787-8 is highly automated with pilots making key decisions, but human error cannot be ruled out. PLANE DIDN'T USE ENOUGH RUNWAY PLANES get less lift on a hot day due to lower air density, so need to go faster. Flight AI171 took off in 40C heat in the early afternoon sunshine. It's suggested the amount of runway used was less than 2,000m when a full plane on a hot day usually needs a run of 2,500m. They record all actions taken by pilots and audio from the cockpit. Lt Col John R Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said: 'There are a number of possible scenarios — thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor flap configuration — or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb. 'Weather, wind shear or even bird strike can't be ruled out.' Capt Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, said footage showing the plane's descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'. Advertisement He added: 'The take-off was perfect and just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending. 'This can happen only in the case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.' India yesterday accepted an offer of assistance from the UK's specialist air accident investigation team and a unit was en route. Boeing boss Kelly Ortberg last night said: 'Our deepest condolences go out to the Advertisement 14 Brit couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who are feared dead, posted this a video from the airport before boarding the doomed flight 14 Also feared dead are British couple Akeel Nanabawa and Hannaa Voraje with their daughter Sara Credit: PA 14 Pilots issued a mayday call in the air Credit: X 14 Huge plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky Credit: X Advertisement 14 Video showing Brit survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh walking out of the crash Credit: Twitter 14 People stand near debris at the site of the plane crash Credit: EPA 14 Firefighters work at the site of the plane crash Credit: AFP India's dark aviation history A LONDON-BOUND Air India flight crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday. The following are details of some other airline accidents in India in recent decades: AUGUST 2020 At least 18 people died and 16 were severely injured when an Air India Express Boeing 737 plane skidded off the runway in the southern city of Kozhikode during heavy rain, plunged into a valley and crashed nose-first into the ground. MAY 2010 An Air India Boeing 737 flight from Dubai overshot the runway at the airport in the southern city of Mangaluru and crashed into a ravine, killing 158 people on board. JULY 2000 More than 50 people were killed when a state-owned Alliance Air flight between Kolkata and the capital, New Delhi, crashed in a residential area of the eastern city of Patna.
