Words are not enough. Youth ages 16–25 want immediate action on the climate crisis, and as the developed world drags its feet, researchers say the ongoing mental health of this younger generation is at stake.
According to a study published in Lancet Planetary Health, the youth of the 10 countries sampled are feeling anxiety and “widespread psychological distress” that they attribute to governmental inaction on the climate crisis:
75% say they find the future frightening
64% say governments are not doing enough to avoid climate catastrophe
61% say governments are not protecting them, the planet, or future generations
58% say governments are “betraying” them
45% say their concerns regarding climate change affect their daily life
“Climate change has significant implications for the health and futures of children and young people,” the researchers conclude, “yet they have little power to limit its harm, making them vulnerable to increased climate anxiety.”
Researchers who surveyed 10,000 young people shared that our youth feel a sense of futility because nothing they do or say regarding the environment seems to make a difference with the powers that be. “Climate change has significant implications for the health and futures of children and young people,” the researchers conclude, “yet they have little power to limit its harm, making them vulnerable to increased climate anxiety.” Study co-author Lise Van Susteren, a psychiatrist, points out that these findings don’t just measure the climate anxiety of our youth. They also measure the climate denial of the adults who are supposed to be doing something about it.
“Kids are very savvy. They know full well that the government is the one that can unleash the power.” – Lise Van Susteren, Forensic Psychologist
