Eamonn Holmes, the popular GB News presenter, recently ignited controversy with his remarks about a study on anxiety among children regarding climate change. 

The conversation, aired on his show with co-host Ellie Costello, centered on a disturbing new trend: “eco-anxiety” in children. 

According to Ellie, the study revealed that nearly 80% of children under 12 are now experiencing anxiety due to concerns about the climate.

The discussion unfolded as the hosts delved into the impact of environmental concerns on young minds. 

Holmes seemed to suggest that the rising anxiety among children regarding climate change may not be entirely unwarranted. 

He responded to Ellie’s commentary by saying, “And do you know what I think? 

So they should be; meanwhile, 70% of primary school teachers are concerned that they don’t have enough time to educate the students on this matter.” 

Holmes’ statement about children’s eco-anxiety being justified shocked many viewers. He further emphasized that children should feel some degree of anxiety about the environment, stating, “So, should we feel anxious towards changes in the environment? Yes, I do think we should, and I think children should be anxious about it.”

However, these remarks sparked significant backlash from viewers, who felt that such statements could be harmful to children and increase unnecessary fear. One viewer was particularly upset, stating, “Disgusting to put children in fear… whatever the problem, it’s not theirs to worry about.” Another shared a troubling experience, recounting that their granddaughter was unable to sleep at night after being told that London would eventually be underwater, a scenario often presented in media and political discourse surrounding climate change.

Criticism continued to mount on social media, where many took issue with the idea of intentionally inducing anxiety in young children over the environment. One viewer expressed disbelief at Holmes’ stance, writing, “I genuinely thought Eamon was being sarcastic about ‘eco-anxiety.’ I can’t believe a grown man has just said ‘good, so they should’ about children being frightened by the eco loons. SHAME ON YOU EAMON.” The term “eco loons” was used disparagingly by some critics to refer to individuals or groups they believed were overly alarmist about climate change.

The controversy did not end with viewers’ concerns about Holmes’ comments. Others weighed in on the broader issue, questioning the validity of “eco-anxiety” itself. One person boldly stated, “THERE IS NO CLIMATE CHANGE ONLY A NATURAL CYCLE,” echoing a sentiment that climate change is a natural, cyclical phenomenon rather than a human-driven crisis. Furthermore, some accused the promotion of eco-anxiety as a method of indoctrination, with one viewer commenting that eco-anxiety was “a fabricated syndrome created by left-wing fanatics, to indoctrinate the weak-minded and vulnerable. In other words, groomers.”

These reactions highlight a deepening divide in the conversation surrounding climate change, especially regarding how it is presented to younger generations. Many argue that while it is important for children to be educated about environmental issues, instilling fear and anxiety could do more harm than good. Experts in child psychology and mental health often stress the importance of approaching complex topics like climate change with a balance of honesty and hope, offering solutions and actions that young people can take to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

Holmes’ comments also add to the broader debate about how media outlets, public figures, and educators handle the climate crisis. While some advocate for direct engagement and urgency, others caution against creating a climate of fear that could exacerbate mental health issues among vulnerable groups, particularly children.

As the conversation about eco-anxiety continues, it remains crucial for both media figures and educators to approach the subject with care. For children, an informed but supportive approach to environmental issues can help equip them to become active participants in addressing climate change, without the overwhelming burden of anxiety that could stunt their mental well-being.

In the end, Eamonn Holmes’ remarks on GB News brought an essential issue to the forefront—how we communicate the realities of climate change to the next generation and the emotional toll it might take. It is clear that discussions around eco-anxiety will likely continue to generate strong opinions, but it is vital to ensure that the focus remains on fostering understanding and constructive solutions, rather than fear and division.

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