Is Climate Anxiety Rising Among Young People? Expert Insights & Findings

New research is set to explore whether younger generations feel more anxious about climate change than their older counterparts. This study aims to understand how millennials and Gen Z view environmental issues, who they hold responsible, and how they cope with their worries.

A lot of chatter on social media suggests that younger people often blame “baby boomers” for ongoing climate problems. This blame game can divert attention from finding real solutions and might even create more division among age groups.

The research, led by Professor Juliet Carlisle from the University of Exeter and supported by the US-UK Fulbright Commission, will delve into whether being part of a group can help alleviate environmental anxiety and motivate political involvement.

Professor Carlisle highlights the importance of grasping how different generations perceive climate change. She notes that rising concerns about the climate have been linked to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. She believes that as climate change worsens, younger individuals may feel increased anxiety. However, fostering positivity, like hope, can enhance resilience and encourage proactive climate actions.

The study will compare how young people experience emotions about climate change to older individuals. It seeks to find out if collective efforts can inspire hope and drive political action in different ways across age groups. This is particularly relevant as younger generations have been exposed to climate issues from an early age, through education, media, and personal experiences with extreme weather.

Looking back, it’s notable that today’s climate activists often draw lessons from past movements. Though older generations also took part in protests, the current younger activists have a distinct framework shaped by their continuous engagement with environmental topics. This evolution offers insights into changing activism trends over time.

During her research, Professor Carlisle plans to interview members of local community groups in Exeter. She aims to determine if hope can lessen climate anxiety and spur political engagement. If so, what does hope look like for different age groups? This could have significant implications for future climate policies and politics in the UK.

For more information about climate-related mental health and activism trends, you can check the research findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

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