Climate Change Anxiety and Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Systematic Review of Motivational and Inhibitory Pathways

Climate change anxiety (CCA) is a growing psychological response to perceived and anticipated environmental threats, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and functional impairments. While CCA has the potential to both motivate and hinder pro-environmental behavior (PEB), its relation with sustainable action remains complex. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and synthesized empirical evidence on the relation between CCA and PEB. Searches were conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and EBSCO for peer-reviewed English-language studies published between January 2020 and February 2026. A total of 59 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies employed cross-sectional designs with self-report measures, with some incorporating longitudinal, experimental, or cross-national approaches. Results indicate that moderate levels of CCA often predicted sustainable behaviors, particularly if supported by adaptive coping strategies, environmental knowledge, and high self-efficacy. Conversely, high levels of anxiety may reduce engagement through eco-paralysis, especially when individuals perceive low personal or collective efficacy. Several studies also identified mediating and moderating mechanisms such as environmental identity, coping strategies, future self-continuity, and climate efficacy beliefs. These findings suggest that CCA can function as both a motivational and inhibiting emotional response, highlighting the importance of interventions that strengthen coping resources and perceived agency to transform climate concern into sustained environmental action.