AT a time when it seems half the world is burning and the other half is sinking it can all feel a little too much.

Since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees, people have begun to panic.

The UN body explained limiting global warming to that level rather than 2C would require huge changes in society around the globe.

It warns extreme events such as catastrophic flooding and wildfires will become unavoidable and ever more regular if drastic action is not taken immediately.

With Greta Thunberg becoming the face of school climate change protests, 7.6 million people marched through the streets of cities in 185 countries last year.

But despite the growing movement for change, those passionate about making a difference can feel like they’re drowning. Eco-anxiety is a term used to describe the a feeling of being overwhelmed by the existential challenge of climate change.

Although not included as a specific condition in the manual of mental health disorders, it was defined in 2017 by the American Psychological Association as "a chronic fear of environmental doom".

It is something Tristan Strange, a member of Swindon Extinction Rebellion, has experienced.

He said: “Anyone that understands the science and hasn’t felt anxious is made of sterner stuff than me.

“I’m terrified of where we may be heading. I worry that those that don’t feel anxious haven’t had the risks we’re taking communicated to them yet.”

Social media and news headlines are filled with extreme weather events and reports about the bleak consequences of climate change.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation revealed this week 6.5 million people in South Sudan could be going hungry this year after a series of floods.

Around 20,000 people will suffer from extreme hunger in Akobo, Duk and Ayod in particular from February to April and need humanitarian support.

Closer to home, the UK has been hit by floods linked to global warming.

Michelle Buckingham of the Royal Wootton Bassett Environmental Group said: “I have definitely felt anxious and hopeless, it got really bad with seeing everything in the news like the Australian bushfires and no-one’s listening to you about how bad it is.

“There’s lots of smaller things people get anxiety over and important things like this people do feel anxious and are wanting to do right by the environment, which is a challenge.

“I think about what I can do for my family and my area which is helpful and people should focus on these smaller things first before taking on the bigger things.”

But whether people are taking big or small steps to change their ways, the loud voices telling them they are doomed regardless is almost impossible to ignore.

Michelle said: “Everyone should have the right to protest.

"It’s an easy way to get your voice heard but I do think some protesters get it wrong, like shouting things at people, and that can cause damage in the long run.

“There’s a place for protesters that help and I don’t think people should be silent about what they feel passionate about.”

Over the last few years the number of climate groups has grown massively.

Across the globe Extinction Rebellion was born alongside People’s Climate March, Climate Action Network, The Climate Coalition and many more.

Julian Jones of CAN is all for protesters having their voice heard.

He said: “People are raising awareness but the trouble is if a portion of animals is heading towards a catastrophic future they can either carry on and do something about it or ignore it .

"It’s a bit of a need to do rather than just carrying on and facing worst problems later.

“It’s perfectly reasonable to raise awareness around it when people are doing something about it.

"Then we can reduce the number of protests and marches.”

What are people doing for the environment?

THE climate crisis has stirred people across the world to do their bit when it comes to protecting the environment.

People living in Swindon and nearby have taken part in protests and global strikes but are also involved in other initiatives.

Julian Jones is a member of the Climate Action Group in Swindon. The group educates people on what they can do to help.

Julian of Old Town said: “We put on a thing called Green Drinks which happens every month.

"It’s a chance for people who are interested in the environment to talk about it positively and help to do something.”

Michelle Buckingham is a member of the Royal Wootton Bassett Environmental Group and is making a difference at her home.

She grows her own fruit and vegetables, owns chickens and lives sustainably whenever she can.

Not only that, she recentlystarted a business called Pass the Party where she lets organisers of children's parties borrow a box filled with reusable plates, bowls and cutlery for free.

She said: “The more you do things the more natural it becomes. We can only try to do out but for our community.

“The idea came from seeing all the waste created at birthday parties and another woman in Bristol started this and I saw a video and decided to do it for my town.”

To book the box visit the Pass the Party - RWB Facebook page.

Groups in and around Swindon

CLIMATE activists are growing in number across Swindon and towns nearby.

Many groups have been formed in the last few years to help tackle the climate crisis.

Swindon Climate Action Network is just one non-profit organisation fighting for the environment.

A spokesperson for the group said: “It is an independent group of people from across Swindon who are concerned about climate change and want to do something about it.”

Members of the group meet up multiple times a month and take part in annual events like Eco Fest and Apple Day.

Extinction Rebellion Swindon is a group working to prevent mass extinction, which it says is being caused by global warming.

Its next event will be on Saturday and is called Clean up our Dirty Banks.

The group is joining together at 11.30am and will descend on banks like Barclays as part of nationwide action against 'dirty fuel investment'.

In other areas, it has seen protesters dress as cleaners before sweeping the floors of Barclays branches.

The Royal Wootton Bassett Environmental Group was only started last year.

Members work together and with the people living in the town to help live sustainably.

It holds monthly meetings to talk about environmental news and activities that are going on.

On Friday the group will be going along to the Bristol Youth Strike, where Greta Thunberg will be visiting. It will be kicking off at 11am at College Green.