There is mounting evidence of greater heat and increasingly rapid changes both in human beings and in the environment.
Global data over the past 5–10 years point to a significant rise in emotional distress, reduced emotional regulation, and increased interpersonal conflict. Cross-national studies show rising psychological stress and emotional volatility across most populations. A comprehensive study spanning 149 countries observed continuous emotional deterioration, especially among young people [1]. Another study of 113 countries documented an increase in stress, sadness and worry from 2009 to 2021 [2]. Youth, who are historically more emotionally resilient and mentally healthy than middle-aged adults, are now reporting poorer emotional wellbeing. A study documents an increase in their feelings of aggression towards others, anger, irritability and hallucinations [3].
These emotional shifts are not short-term anomalies. While many studies note spikes during COVID-19 lockdowns, the data shows that for many populations, stress and emotional volatility have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, even into 2023 and 2024.
Violence statistics echo this trend. Such emotions are expressed outwardly in destructive behaviour on the small and large scale, when the capacity to regulate them decreases. Global conflicts have doubled in the past five years, and there has been a 25% increase in political violence incidents recorded in the last twelve month period [4]. A UNODC Global Study on Homicide called 2021 an “exceptionally lethal year,” with approximately 458,000 homicides worldwide—double the number of deaths from armed conflict or terrorism [5]. In 2022, homicide rates remained extremely high, particularly in the Americas and parts of Africa, where no clear decline has yet emerged [6].
Together, these findings suggest an international trend toward rising emotional agitation, with serious implications for mental health, social cohesion, and governance.
In parallel, Earth’s natural systems are undergoing profound chemical transformations, largely driven by human activity.
One of the most well-documented is ocean acidification, caused by rising CO₂ levels in the atmosphere. When CO₂ dissolves into seawater, it forms carbonic acid, releasing hydrogen ions and lowering pH. This process reduces carbonate availability—vital for shell-building marine life like corals and mollusks [7], [8]. Ocean surface pH has already fallen by ~0.1 units since pre-industrial times—a 30% increase in acidity [9].
On land, soil acidification is worsening, particularly in areas with heavy nitrogen deposition from fossil fuels and industrial agriculture. Ammonium-based fertilizers alter soil chemistry by releasing hydrogen ions and leaching key minerals such as calcium and magnesium [10].
In aquatic environments, deoxygenation is increasing due to warming-induced changes in water stratification, which prevents oxygen mixing into deeper waters [11]. The combined effects of acidification, nutrient loading, and oxygen loss are reshaping ecosystems at the chemical level. Many more examples are well documented about the changes to the environment from multiple kinds of pollution, from air to heavy metals.
We are deeply concerned by the link between emotional heat and environmental heat.
When nature’s chemical systems change—such as the soil and water that nourish our food—the human system is inevitably affected. Conversely, emotional states shape individual choices and large-scale policies alike. Unregulated emotions, when widespread, can lead to damaging decisions at every level—from personal wellbeing to international governance.
Both systems are showing signs of overheating.
In humans, a deficit in emotional self-regulation results in reactive, volatile behaviour. In nature, the inability to absorb chemical disturbances leads to environmental degradation and cascading imbalances.
We must develop solutions—at both individual and systemic levels—that help regulate and cool down excess heat.
In 2025, the Global Energy Parliament will present major policy recommendations for governments, alongside grassroots projects to implement practical change.
We invite everyone to participate in shaping these solutions.
Please reflect on and document your experience and insights regarding the following:
(a) Increase emotional self-awareness and regulation among individuals and groups
(b) Reduce or reverse human-induced acidification and heat in nature.
This is a global call—not only for data and ideas, but for active engagement with the emotional and chemical systems that sustain life.
