The rise of eco-anxiety among young people is hard to ignore. At the recent Anil Agarwal Dialogue in Rajasthan, Richard Mahapatra, the managing editor of Down To Earth, highlighted this concern. He shared insights from the latest State of India’s Environment report, showcasing the deep feelings of worry and urgency many young people have about climate change.
The report, released at this annual event organized by the Centre for Science and Environment, includes a survey on eco-anxiety conducted among youth aged 16 to 25. Surprisingly, around 88% of the 300 respondents felt that climate change was affecting them directly. They reported feeling a range of emotions— from anxiety to anger— about their shifting world.
Experts note that today’s young people, especially those born after 1986, have never truly experienced a “normal” climate. With rising temperatures and growing instances of extreme weather events, the sense of urgency is palpable.
The survey also revealed that 57% of respondents described themselves as anxious, with many expressing feelings of helplessness. “This shows how deeply rooted eco-anxiety has become,” Mahapatra commented. Young people are not only worried about climate change but are also frustrated by the economic disparities that often accompany it. According to the World Bank, one in five people is at risk from climate disasters, and young individuals are feeling the brunt of these issues.
As Mahapatra explained, income inequality has steadily increased since the 1990s. In fact, two-thirds of the global population lives in regions where wealth distribution has worsened. This means that when disasters strike, those already struggling may find it impossible to rise above the poverty line.
The protests we see around the world are largely driven by these challenges. Young people are voicing their concerns, urging policymakers to address basic survival needs and work toward a fairer future. Their call is simple: they want economic security and a sustainable environment.
In the face of these mounting challenges, the youth are choosing to take action rather than wait for change. This sense of empowerment is a beacon of hope amid their anxiety, as they push for solutions to the issues that directly impact their lives and futures.
For further reading on eco-anxiety and climate change’s impact on young people, check out this insightful report from The Guardian on global youth activism.
Source link
youth,Centre for Science and Environment (CSE),DTE,eco-anxiety,young people,Anil Agarwal Dialogue 2026,SOE 2026
