Eco-Anxiety and Environmental Distress

Dear Colleagues, 

Eco-anxiety and environmental distress have long been established as themes within the literature. We have discussed these themes in terms of solastalgia; human population growth; animal trade; human and natural resources; biodiversity; and climate change. We continue to work in isolation while the natural systems that maintain our health are changing at rates never seen before. As a result, human physical and mental health is suffering.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are over 1 billion people living with a mental health or anxiety disorder. Some researchers suggest that this will rise by as much as 40% in some populations; others suggest that it will be half the population. Whichever it is, the rate of increase will be extremely high, and the primary factor is environmental change.

The Australian Centre for Disease Control summarizes the ways in which people describe eco-anxiety and associated terms through two simple points:

• Strengthening the connection and collaboration between the human, environment, and animal health sectors;
• Comprehensively considering the health of all species and their environments.

For decades now, we have worked to resolve this complex issue, and new and evolving strategies have been developed to combat different aspects of eco-anxiety and environmental distress. For this Special Issue, “Eco-Anxiety and Environmental Distress”, we welcome submissions that explore the evolving landscape from a One Health perspective and the connection between human, environmental, and animal health. I am hoping that you will consider submitting a paper, especially from an indigenous cultural perspective, although we also welcome submissions from others working in the One Health fields. This Special Issue aims to gather original articles including systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

If you are considering submitting a manuscript, the due date is 31 July 2026. 

Dr. Stewart Sutherland
Prof. Dr. Jakelin Troy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• solastalgia
• one health
• human and environmental health
• culture and land use