Tackling climate anxiety in younger people
Recent research has revealed the depth of eco-anxiety and depression among young people. Led by Bath University in collaboration with five universities, the research questioned 10,000 16 and 25 year olds across 10 countries on their feelings about climate change.
Key findings include:
three quarters of those questioned say that they thought the future was frightening;
over half (56%) of those surveyed thought that humanity was doomed largely due to governments failing to respond adequately to the threat of climate change
with two-thirds reported as feeling sad, afraid, anger, powerlessness, despair and grief.
Other findings reveal:
that chronic stress over worsening severe weather events is increasing the risk of mental and physical problems in young people.
The fear for their own family’s security and anxiety is affecting their ability to sleep, study, eat or play.
Eco-anxiety has arisen not just from environmental destruction alone, but is inextricably linked to government inaction on climate change.
This anxiety is well founded according to the report of the UN Environmental Programme ahead of the COP 26 talks in Glasgow which finds that the world is squandering the opportunity to “build back better” from the Covid-19 pandemic, and faces disastrous temperature rises of at least 2.7C if countries fail to strengthen their climate pledges.
The Bath study also, and perhaps with hope, shows that taking action - taken as a group, or even a country - can help worried youth defuse their anxiety and bring a sense of hope. Especially when
“In the context of climate anxiety this would relate to having one’s feelings and views heard, validated, respected, and acted upon, particularly by those in positions of power and upon whom we are dependent, accompanied by collective pro-environmental actions.”
And through seeing the actions of their leaders:
“…. young people do feel reassured when governments act.”
Don’t leave the anxiety hanging… tackle it
‘The High Life’ Empathy Action’s latest workshop on climate injustice has been designed to equip young people with positive steps they can take to address the issue, including writing to their MPs and encouraging community action.
The workshop focuses on two countries with contrasting economic fortunes. Participants are divided between the countries and experience how the choices they make – as they work, study and spend – impact on the climate and the lives of citizens in both countries.
‘The High Life’ builds on the science, politics and controversies surrounding climate change to alert students to the disproportionate impact already being experienced by those who have done least to contribute to global warming.
It aims to generate a sense of responsibility, urgency and conviction that we can each make a positive difference.
Our hope is that this immersive workshop will take participants through their emotions and eco anxiety and inspire them to practical action.
There are numerous examples of actions within the workshop and it could be used as part of the ‘Fridays for Future’ movement that focuses on the climate emergency across the world..
In a survey of students taking part in one school 87% said that taking part in the workshop had given them ideas about how they could make a difference to climate injustice. In this way we believe participating in ‘The High Life’ can address the climate anxiety and feelings of helplessness and despair many young people are experiencing.
“I think it’s different for young people. For us the destruction of the planet is personal”
-interviewee, 16 years old from the Bath University Report
The High Life, immersive workshop is free to download here and powerful tool for helping students work through their climate anxiety, together with others, and be inspired to take important steps to address the climate emergency.
