#26 | The role of education in climate anxiety

Apr 4 2023 • 30 mins

Were you taught about climate change in school? Are you feeling a bit worried about the state of the climate crisis now? Is there a connection between those two questions? We don’t know; we’re not psychologists or mental health experts.

But, according to a 2001 report, 84% of 16-25-year-olds feel worried about climate change, with 45% saying that their feelings negatively affect their daily life and functioning*. Today, we’re looking at this statistic through the lens of education and discussing whether the current approaches in education are supporting children and young people.

After all, feeling anxious when faced with climate change is an entirely rational response. But young people are being given the most information about climate change through school curriculums and yet also have a more limited possibility to respond to the issues. (Cue Brandee’s favorite quote: we can’t all be Greta.

Can we find a balance between the necessity of teaching about such a massive challenge while supporting children and young people's mental health?

Grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button.

Links and resources:

*Article | Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey
Article | Climate anxiety is widespread among youth - can they overcome it?
Article | Teens are struggling with climate anxiety. Schools haven’t caught up yet
Article | Young People's Voices on Climate Anxiety, Government Betrayal and Moral Injury: A Global Phenomenon
Article | As climate changes, climate anxiety rises in youth
Article | How can we help kids cope with 'eco-anxiety'?
Article | Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change
Article | Climate emotions and anxiety among young people in Canada: A national survey and call to action
Video | How to Fight Climate Anxiety
Website | THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development - United Nations