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UK Fears Climate Change Could Trigger Surge in Drug Use
17 Nov, 2025
Summary
- UK Health Security Agency warns of "eco-fear, eco-anger and eco-grief"
- Difficult climate emotions could damage Britons' mental well-being
- Government report highlights risks of climate change-related substance abuse

According to a recent report by the UK Health Security Agency, Britons could be at risk of increased drug use due to the psychological impacts of climate change. The report warns that Britons may be gripped by "eco-fear, eco-anger and eco-grief" as they grapple with the realities of a warming planet, and that these "difficult climate emotions" could severely damage their mental well-being.
The government agency cautions that the public's mental health could be under threat as climate change continues to worsen. With growing concerns over the future of the environment, the report suggests that some Britons may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, potentially fueling a surge in drug use across the country.




