Solastalgia: climate change and mental health

Solastalgia is the distress people feel when their home environment changes around them, whether through climate change, industrial development or resource extraction. Coined by the Australian philosopher Glenn Albrecht, it describes a real and growing phenomenon, and for businesses it signals risks to employee well-being, community relations and reputation.

This article explains what solastalgia is, why it matters for companies, and how proactive strategies can reduce its impact.

What is solastalgia?

Glenn Albrecht coined the term in the early 2000s and set it out in a 2005 paper, combining the ideas of "solace" and "desolation" with the suffix "-algia" (pain). He defines it as the distress caused by environmental change to one's home and territory.

Unlike nostalgia, which is a longing for a place left behind, solastalgia is the distress experienced while still living in a home environment that is being degraded or transformed, often described as "the homesickness you have when you are still at home".

Why solastalgia matters to business

1. Employee well-being: workers from affected communities may experience heightened stress or anxiety, which can reduce focus and productivity.
2. Corporate reputation: communities may hold nearby companies responsible for environmental degradation, leading to protests, legal action or boycotts.
3. Community relations: failing to address solastalgia can alienate stakeholders and complicate operations and expansion.
4. Regulatory pressure: governments are increasingly responsive to community well-being, which can translate into stricter conditions or permit challenges.

Causes of solastalgia in corporate contexts

• Resource extraction: mining or drilling can change landscapes, groundwater and air quality.
• Industrial pollution: emissions and waste can degrade local environments and community health.
• Urban development: large construction projects can disrupt ecosystems and cultural landmarks.
• Climate change: sea-level rise, extreme weather and shifting agricultural zones deepen ecological uncertainty. See our glossary entry on climate change.

Indicators to watch

1. Community complaints: rising grievances about dust, noise or pollution can signal deeper distress.
2. Public sentiment: communities increasingly share experiences of environmental change online, which can escalate negative sentiment.
3. Absenteeism: unexplained drops in attendance or engagement may reflect wider community strain.
4. Local health trends: increases in reported anxiety or depression in areas undergoing rapid environmental change.

Mitigation strategies for businesses

1. Environmental stewardship: conduct rigorous environmental impact assessments and aim to exceed regulatory standards for emissions, waste and resource use.
2. Community engagement: transparent communication and genuine partnerships with local stakeholders build trust.
3. Employee support: offer mental-health resources, counselling and flexibility to help staff cope with environmental stress.
4. Regenerative practices: land restoration, reforestation and habitat conservation can heal local environments.
5. Cleaner operations: renewable energy and lower-impact technologies reduce pollution and footprint.

A human-centred approach

Addressing solastalgia means recognising that mental health is intertwined with the health of our surroundings. A human-centred approach involves listening to community concerns and involving people in decisions that affect them, which protects both well-being and a company's social licence to operate.

The business case for addressing solastalgia

Mitigating solastalgia is not only an ethical responsibility; it is sound business. Investing in environmental resilience and community well-being reduces the risk of public backlash, secures long-term access to resources and supports a loyal local workforce. Investors increasingly weigh how companies manage community and social impacts as part of ESG performance.

Frequently asked questions

Is solastalgia a recognised medical condition?

It is an academic and psychological concept rather than a formal clinical diagnosis, but it is widely used in research on the mental-health effects of environmental and climate change.

How is solastalgia different from eco-anxiety?

Eco-anxiety is broadly worry about future environmental threats. Solastalgia is more specific: the distress of experiencing change to a home environment that is happening now.

To understand and reduce the environmental impact behind these concerns, explore Manglai's carbon footprint software.