ABSTRACT
This chapter presents case examples of eco-anxiety in Africa. The rural communities in Zambia are highly dependent on agriculture, which has already been much affected by the climate crisis. The chapter examines various reactions and coping methods, along with gaps where further research is needed. It analyzes eco-anxiety and the anxiety and hysteria brought about by COVID-19. It has shown that although humans and nature have lived symbiotically for centuries, anthropogenic activities were detrimental to this relationship. Therefore, for humans to enjoy their ancient relationship with nature, their destructive activities on nature needed to be minimized. However, there have been some exaggerations regarding the effects of climate change. Predictions of doom, extinction, and other alarming words were more responsible for eco-anxiety. Despite these alarms and actual danger, humans could adapt. As the world was coming to terms with climate change and eco-anxiety, COVID-19 emerged with even more devastation and threats to humanity. Unlike climate change, COVID-19 was sudden, fast, and fatal while restricting human activities, thereby affecting all aspects of life. It was therefore more anxiety-causing than climate change. Future research should focus on reducing alarmism, enhancing human adaptation to climate change, minimizing its effects, and preparing for pandemics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)