How ‘90s nostalgia became a climate crisis coping mechanism
As the climate crisis grows, people—especially Gen Z—are clinging to ‘90s nostalgia as a way to find comfort in an increasingly uncertain world.
Daphne Chouliaraki Milner reports for Atmos.
In short:
- Nostalgia-driven trends like Y2K gadgets, retro fashion and old toys are resurging, driven by climate anxiety and a longing for stability.
- Experts say this “nostalgiacore” offers emotional refuge, with tactile items and familiar aesthetics easing the psychological toll of crises.
- However, the commodification of nostalgia risks perpetuating environmental harm through overconsumption and fast fashion.
Key quote:
“Whether people are doing it consciously or unconsciously, [nostalgiacore] is partly a form of yearning for temporary relief from the affective experience of living in dangerous and complicated times.”
— Britt Wray, director of Stanford’s CIRCLE initiative.
Why this matters:
Nostalgiacore reflects how climate anxiety affects mental health, especially for younger generations. This isn’t your average throwback—think of it as a cultural Band-Aid for the existential dread of the climate crisis. But here’s the kicker: while it might ease some mental stress, the trend can also fuel excessive consumption. It’s a bittersweet loop: a yearning for a simpler time, colliding with the modern challenges of sustainability. Read more: Paul R. Ehrlich: A pandemic, planetary reckoning, and a path forward.
