German word ‘Weltschmerz’ (Worldpain) is an excellent way to describe eco-anxiety. I do not see anything fabulous about it however. There is much pain and worry of the world these days and it is anything but abstract now as the consequences of our way of life begin to take an increasing toll on not only nature but our own daily lives. We’re beginning to acknowledge the most important issue here - we are not separate from, but part of, nature. Our actions have consequences. More than anything we to be fearless and well informed to help address the real concerns we’re experiencing. Guilt and fear are not the answer, but neither is silencing what’s happening. Fortunately the mainstream media is at last covering these issues so we can be informed. Much of the anxiety we feel comes from having our personal observations and concerns discounted and denied. Once we can see a problem or concern as real we can begin to act. Energy for action is what anxiety is all about. To relieve our anxiety, however, we need to take action that actually addresses the issues. Otherwise the anxiety only increases as our effort seem useless. I suppose that is the message many so-called “green activists” are trying to convey. The solutions to our concerns lie not in buying more “green” products, but in living more simply and naturally. Usually that means buying far less, using up far less. I suppose that’s where the real fear lies these days, in the hearts of those who want and need us to consume, consume, consume. As originally defined that word means to devour, destroy and use up. From the Latin word consumere, to exhaust or be exhausted. And that is what both we and the world are suffering from - exhaustion.
Dr. Sarah Edwards, LCSW
http://eco-anxiety.blogspot.com/

What is courage …fearlessness?
´You are first intrepid, if you overbear your fear!`(Asterix and the Normans)

@Sarah: Thanks for your long and detailed comment. I agree with almost all you said.

At the moment we talk mostly in general terms - and on that level most ‘green’ stuff makes a lot of sense. So does getting read of Angst and anxiety.

It always gets dirty, when we look at the details - like for example a specific policy or green petition or green money making schemes.

For example some carbon offset sellers are honest people and really try to make it work - but there are many murky businesses in that area. The general idea is great, in practice it can get ugly …

Nevertheless - a few bad apples shouldn’t keep the rest of us from saving ourselves and the planet.

@mo: I think one can show courage, but still be fearful. I think the more fear you have and still do something ‘dangerous’ the more courageous you are …