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# Nearly 1 in 5 Tampa Bay residents report moderate to severe eco-anxiety, study finds
- URL: https://tampa-bay-disaster-preparedness-news.ghost.io/nearly-1-in-5-tampa-bay-residents-report-moderate-to-severe-eco-anxiety-study-finds/
- Published: 2026-07-18T18:03:41.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-18T18:03:41.000Z
- Description: Researchers link environmental change to declining well-being and urge more community programs to help residents build resilience.
- Author: Chris Thomas
- Tags: News, Marine-Pollution, Red-Tide, blue-green-algae

A new study suggests climate and environmental concerns are taking a measurable toll on mental health across Tampa Bay, with researchers identifying communities at greater risk and calling for more support.

**The findings:**

- **17%** of Tampa Bay residents surveyed reported moderate to severe eco-anxiety symptoms.
- Overall well-being was the strongest predictor of eco-anxiety.
- Residents with higher incomes generally reported lower eco-anxiety levels.

**Who's most affected:**

- Residents reporting greater environmental change in their communities.
- People with stronger connections to nature and higher engagement in environmental activities.
- Communities with lower perceptions of environmental justice.

**Hot spots:**   
Researchers found some of the highest rates of moderate to severe eco-anxiety in eastern Hillsborough County and inland communities near Lakeland and Dade City. Several higher-rate ZIP codes overlapped with underserved communities.

**What's next:**   
Researchers recommend environmental organizations expand nature-based programs, volunteer opportunities and community outreach that build resilience, hope and social connection alongside environmental education.

**The bottom line:** Eco-anxiety is affecting a significant share of Tampa Bay residents, highlighting the growing intersection of environmental change and mental health.