Course:CONS200/2024WT1/Climate and eco-anxiety amongst gen Z and millennial youth

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1. Introduction

Will you fall into 'ecological anxiety' in the future of climate change?

Climate anxiety, especially prevalent among youth, has garnered significant attention due to the escalating impacts of climate change. This term refers to the distress and fear that arise in response to perceived environmental threats[1]. Over time, as awareness of climate-related disasters grows and uncertainty about future conditions increases, this form of anxiety has intensified. Youth, who are more vulnerable to the long-term consequences of climate change than previous generations, tend to experience heightened levels of concern and anxiety.

To address this rising concern, various interventions have been introduced, including promoting hope, building emotional resilience, and incorporating climate change education into school curricula [2]. Tools like the Youth Climate Anxiety Scale have also been developed to better monitor and support youth mental health [3]. Looking forward, increased youth involvement in climate action is essential to transform anxiety into proactive behavior. Furthermore, policy frameworks must address the mental health needs of young people while fostering a sense of collective responsibility [4]. While climate-related anxiety is a reasonable response to this global crisis, structured interventions are needed to reduce its negative impact and promote constructive engagement.

2. Understanding Climate and Eco anxiety

A big storm brought down a powerline, resulting in power outages for parts of this town. The main street was closed and detours arranged.

Definitions of climate and ecological anxiety    

Climate anxiety  

Climate anxiety refers to concerns, anxiety and fear caused by climate change. It is often expressed as a continuing concern and concern about climate issues such as global warming, extreme weather, natural disasters, and sea level rise. This anxiety involves not only concerns about the future ecological environment, but also deep-seated fears about human society, economic structure, and personal life. For example, many people feel nervous and helpless after seeing climate news, such as extreme weather events[5].

Ecological anxiety

Ecological anxiety refers to anxiety, fear and helplessness caused by ecosystem degradation and environmental crisis. This anxiety stems from deep concerns about environmental issues such as biodiversity loss, deforestation, pollution, resource depletion, etc. Ecological anxiety not only reflects concerns about deterioration of the natural environment, but also concerns guilt over human damage to the planet, as well as uncertainty about the future state of ecosystems and human survival.[2].

Causes of climate and ecological anxiety                                      

  • Climate change: Global warming causes frequent extreme weather phenomena, such as droughts, floods and hurricanes. These events are a reminder of the gravity of the climate crisis, especially among young people, who will face the long-term impacts of their future environment[6].
  • Environmental degradation: Deforestation, plastic pollution, biodiversity reduction and other phenomena have caused people to worry about the Earth's ecosystems and feel that the natural environment is irreversibly destroying[7].
  • Global inequality: The impacts of climate change are often unequal, with developing countries and low-income people bearing a greater burden. Young people are outraged by this injustice, and fear that their future will be shaped by global economic and environmental injustices.
  • Lack of policy support: Despite widespread concerns about climate change, many young people feel that governments and businesses are inadequately responding, adding to their anxiety.
  • Information dissemination: Social media has intensified the dissemination of climate information, while also amplifying the sense of crisis. For example, frequent videos about the climate crisis on TikTok and Instagram reinforce anxiety.

Psychological Impact

The direct impact on mental health

  • Anxiety Symptoms: Persistent attention to climate and environmental crises can trigger chronic anxiety symptoms such as insomnia, excessive worry, and inattention[3].
  • Depression: Feeling pessimistic, helpless, and hopeless about the future can lead to depression. Some young people feel powerless on global environmental issues, which in turn creates a deep sense of loss[3].
  • Burnout: Many young people realize that their impact on climate change is minimal, and this feeling of helplessness has led them to gradually abandon their environmental concerns and even become bored with their lives.
  • Existential crisis: Some people may fall into an existential crisis, question the meaning of life, or even be reluctant to give birth to the next generation because they fear that future generations will face worse conditions.

The unique response of the youth group

  • Sense of powerlessness: Young people often feel that individual behavior is insignificant in addressing global climate issues. For example, even after taking environmental actions such as reducing plastic use, one still feels helpless[8].
  • Moral dilemma: Some people feel guilty about the potential impact of their consumption behavior (such as travel, food) on the environment[8].
  • Loneliness: Many people feel unable to share climate anxiety with others and are even labeled as "overreacting".
Collective action helps young adults deal with climate change anxiety

The chain reaction triggered at the social level

Changes in interpersonal relationships

  • Selective socialization: Climate anxiety and ecological anxiety may lead individuals to tend to interact with people who have similar environmental awareness. A study suggests that there is a correlation between climate anxiety and feelings of loneliness and perceived social isolation, particularly among young people[9].
  • The impact of family relationships: Young people may feel a sense of distance from family members or friends who ignore climate and ecological issues. Research has shown that climate anxiety and ecological anxiety may lead to tense interpersonal relationships, especially in situations where there are differences in environmental awareness[10].

Promote collective action

  • Collective anxiety translated into action: Collective climate anxiety can inspire action, such as the global climate march. Movements such as' Fridays for Future 'are typical examples of anxiety turning into action. Research has found that participating in collective action can alleviate climate anxiety and enhance individuals' sense of control and purpose[10].
  • Positive effects on mental health: Participating in collective action can help alleviate the psychological stress caused by climate anxiety. A study suggests that collective action can be an effective way to address climate anxiety, providing social support and a sense of solidarity[11].

3. Generational Focus

Generation Z's Perspective

Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) has grown up in an era of rapidly increasing awareness about climate change, making them particularly sensitive to environmental issues. From a young age, they have been exposed to frequent media coverage of climate disasters, extinction events, and urgent calls for action. This constant barrage of information contributes to heightened environmental consciousness, fostering a generation that is not only aware of the problem but is deeply concerned about its implications[3].


Gen Z is also characterized by significant eco-anxiety, which refers to the emotional distress and fear generated by the perceived urgency and severity of the climate crisis. Research shows that a substantial proportion of Gen Z reports feeling overwhelmed by the challenges posed by climate change, with many expressing a sense of helplessness and powerlessness in the face of an uncertain future[12]. This anxiety is often accompanied by a deep sense of guilt, as young people recognize that the worst effects of climate change may not occur until later in their lifetimes, but they will still have to bear the consequences.


Despite the psychological burden, Generation Z is often proactive in responding to the crisis. They actively participate in climate activism, organizing and supporting movements such as Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion. Many see activism as a way to channel their anxiety into positive action, advocating for bold changes in environmental policies, governmental accountability, and social behavior. This activism is not limited to protest, but extends to lifestyle choices, including sustainable consumer habits, such as reducing waste and embracing plant-based diets. Gen Z’s proactive stance emphasizes the importance of engaging with climate issues directly rather than waiting for systemic change to occur without their involvement[3].


The climate crisis is perceived by many in Generation Z as a deeply personal issue that will affect the trajectory of their lives. Career choices, lifestyle decisions, and personal values are all influenced by the looming climate emergency. Some may even choose to pursue careers in environmental science, sustainable business practices, or social justice to make a direct impact, while others may feel existential uncertainty, fearing that the future they were promised may not be achievable.[3.4] This generation’s climate anxiety is not just a fleeting concern but a formative aspect of their worldview, one that drives both personal and collective action in the face of overwhelming challenges.


Millennials' Perspective

Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) came of age during a time when climate change awareness was beginning to enter the mainstream. Unlike Generation Z, they were not born into a world where the ecological crisis was an ever-present concern. As a result, millennials’ environmental awareness developed alongside other significant life events, such as the economic recessions of the early 21st century. The combination of economic instability and increasing environmental concerns shaped a generation that is both pragmatic and resilient in the face of global challenges[13].


Millennials tend to engage with climate change in a more measured, practical manner than Gen Z. Many millennials balance their anxiety about the environment with pressing concerns about job security, housing, and economic opportunity[14]. As such, their activism often takes a more structured form, emphasizing policy advocacy, lifestyle changes, and fostering sustainable business practices. While some millennials are deeply involved in grassroots environmental movements, many focus on pushing for systemic changes at the institutional level, working through established political systems to advocate for green policies[4].


In contrast to the more immediate and urgent activism seen in Generation Z, millennials often prioritize long-term solutions and gradual change. [3.5]This approach is reflected in their structured coping mechanisms, which allow them to deal with eco-anxiety in a way that is both realistic and sustainable. They may engage in eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy consumption or supporting sustainable products, while simultaneously advocating for larger, systemic shifts in government policy and corporate responsibility[15].


The difference in approach between millennials and Generation Z can also be viewed through the lens of intergenerational comparison[16]. While Gen Z tends to embrace urgency and disruptive activism, millennials are often more strategic in their responses, seeking sustainable solutions that balance immediate personal needs with the long-term health of the planet. This reflects their broader approach to life, where personal and professional responsibilities are intertwined with environmental concerns, creating a more nuanced and pragmatic form of environmental activism[17].

4. Factors Influencing Eco anxiety in Youth

Media and social media

The impact of climate change on young people should not be underestimated, reflecting a sense of helplessness towards the future

①Frequent exposure to alarming climate news and visuals can exacerbate fear and helplessness.

②Social media is also a platform for environmental activism, fostering hope and community among young people.

③Information overload can be overwhelming and complicate emotional responses.

Economic and social factors

①The anxiety stems from concerns about the impact of climate change on future job prospects.

②Housing instability can exacerbate anxiety.

③Marginalized communities often face greater challenges with social inequality.

Education and awareness

① Effective environmental education enhances their understanding of climate issues.

② Practical projects promote active participation and turn anxiety into positive action.

5. Coping Mechanisms

Ways to Alleviate Environmental Anxiety Among Young People

We can adopt several strategies to reduce environmental anxiety among young people: providing mental health support and involving them in meaningful actions. Mental health support includes counseling and community assistance. Adolescents themselves can seek psychological help, such as talking to therapists, family, or friends [15]. Schools, on the other hand, should offer more mental health guidance by incorporating support systems and plans within the educational framework. This can include counseling services, creating peer support groups, and teaching students how to cope with the climate crisis.


Moreover, activism emphasizes how young people can alleviate their anxiety through environmental protection efforts. Society should offer positive guidance to young people, portraying climate change as a manageable challenge rather than an inevitable disaster [18]. This approach helps cultivate a sense of agency and reduce anxiety. For instance, adolescents should be encouraged to participate in collective environmental actions, which are often considered remedies for anxiety. Such actions can lower anxiety levels and foster a positive mindset [10][11].

Communities and schools should organize environmental activities to give young people a sense of belonging and control over their environment, which can effectively counter feelings of despair and helplessness [19].

In addition, adults must take greater moral responsibility and accountability regarding climate change. Many teenagers believe that adults are not fulfilling their environmental responsibilities [15]. This failure contributes significantly to young people’s anxiety as it diminishes their sense of environmental hope. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of Canadian youth feel ignored when discussing climate change[15]. Society must listen to the voices of young people and ensure they feel that their rights are not being dismissed [16]. The prolonged disregard for youth perspectives on climate change further exacerbates their anxiety.

Lastly, it is crucial to clarify the relationship between climate change anxiety (CCA) and disorders such as depression and general anxiety. There is no consensus on how to conceptualize CCA from a mental health perspective. Some describe it as a “pop-culture trend” , others see it as a valid and natural response, while still others consider it a psychological condition that requires treatment [20]. This lack of agreement hinders research on CCA, and addressing this issue could be a key step in alleviating youth anxiety.

6. Long-term Impacts

The long-term impact of climate anxiety on youth extends beyond individual mental health concerns and has the potential to trigger broader social and cultural shifts. As climate change continues to pose an existential threat, it is likely that young people’s anxieties will influence their attitudes toward life, work, and consumption. Increased climate anxiety could lead to a growing emphasis on sustainability, with many young people prioritizing eco-friendly choices in their personal and professional lives. This shift may encourage industries to rethink production models, driving demand for green technologies and services.


Moreover, climate anxiety could impact young people’s career choices. With heightened awareness of environmental issues, Gen Z and millennials may seek careers in environmental science, policy, and sustainable business practices, leading to an increase in the green economy. However, the uncertainty surrounding future climate conditions may also drive many to feel disillusioned or unmotivated, with some opting out of conventional career paths due to fear of an unstable future.


Socially, the burden of eco-anxiety could also result in new forms of collective action. As climate change exacerbates resource scarcity and environmental degradation, there may be an increase in youth-led movements demanding systemic change, leading to societal shifts toward more sustainable and equitable systems. On the other hand, a sense of collective helplessness might breed apathy and disengagement from societal issues. Ultimately, the long-term impacts of eco-anxiety will likely be complex, involving both potential positive shifts toward sustainability and challenges stemming from emotional distress[1][2].

7. Resources and Further Reading

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of climate anxiety and eco-anxiety, a variety of resources are available to explore both the psychological aspects and the societal implications of these issues. Research reports such as The Climate Crisis and Mental Health: A Call to Action[1] provide valuable insights into the ways climate change is impacting mental health, particularly among youth. In addition, the Youth Climate Anxiety Scale, developed by Wu et al. (2023)[21], is an essential tool for measuring the extent of climate anxiety in adolescents and offers an evidence-based approach for identifying interventions[3].


For those interested in psychological support, organizations such as the Climate Psychology Alliance and the American Psychological Association (APA) offer resources and guidance for managing climate-related stress and anxiety. Programs like eco-therapy and mindfulness-based interventions are also growing fields of research, designed to help individuals cope with environmental distress.


Furthermore, various advocacy groups and youth-led movements, such as Fridays for Future and Extinction Rebellion, are actively engaging young people in climate action. Participating in such movements can help alleviate the sense of helplessness often associated with eco-anxiety, fostering a sense of empowerment and collective action[22].


Finally, academic journals such as Environmental Research Letters and Global Environmental Change are excellent sources for the latest research on climate change and its psychological impacts. Engaging with this literature will provide a deeper understanding of both the mental health consequences of climate change and potential solutions[14][16].

References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Clayton, S. (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102263
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Brophy, H., Olson, J., & Paul, P. (2023). Eco‐anxiety in youth: An integrative literature review. International journal of mental health nursing, 32(3), 633-661. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13099
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Wu, J., Long, D., Hafez, N., Maloney, J., Lim, Y., & Samji, H. (2023). Development and validation of a youth climate anxiety scale for the Youth Development Instrument survey. International journal of mental health nursing, 32(6), 1473-1483. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13201 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":0" defined multiple times with different content
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chou, D. T., Abelama Neto, E., Thomas, I., Martin, A., & Benoit, L. (2023). Climate awareness, anxiety, and actions among youth: a qualitative study in a middle-income country. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 45, 258-267. Available at: https://doi.org/10.47626/1516-4446-2022-2890
  5. ↑ Mental health and our changing Climate: Impacts, implications, and guidance. (2017). [Dataset]. In PsycEXTRA Dataset. Available at: https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/e503122017-001
  6. ↑ Berry, H. L., Bowen, K., & Kjellstrom, T. (2009). Climate change and mental health: a causal pathways framework. International Journal of Public Health, 55(2), 123–132. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-009-0112-0
  7. ↑ Albrecht, G. (2011). Chronic environmental change: Emerging ‘Psychoterratic’ syndromes. In International and cultural psychology/International and cultural psychology series (pp. 43–56). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9742-5_3
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Pihkala, P. (2020). Eco-Anxiety and environmental education. Sustainability, 12(23), 10149. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310149
  9. ↑ Clayton, S., & Karazsia, B. T. (2020). Development and validation of a measure of climate change anxiety. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 69, 101434. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2020.101434
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Marks, E., Hickman, C., Pihkala, P., Clayton, S., Lewandowski, E. R., Mayall, E. E., Wray, B., Mellor, C., & Van Susteren, L. (2021). Young people’s voices on climate anxiety, government betrayal and moral injury: a global phenomenon. SSRN Electronic Journal. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3918955
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Powell, R. A., & Rao, M. (2023). Balancing climate anxiety with hope: Learning from collective climate activism. BMJ, 383, p2316. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.p2316
  12. ↑ 3.1 Bardales Salguero, R., et al. (2024). Australia’s university Generation Z and its concerns about climate change. Sustainable Earth Reviews, 7(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-024-00075-w
  13. ↑ Crandon, T. J., Scott, J. G., Charlson, F. J., & Thomas, H. J. (2022). A social–ecological perspective on climate anxiety in children and adolescents. Nature Climate Change, 12(2), 123-131. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01251-y
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Petrescu-Mag, R. M., Petrescu, D. C., Ivan, A., & Tenter, A. (2023). An intergenerational reading of climate change-health concern nexus: a qualitative study of the Millennials' and Gen Z participants' perceptions. BMC public health, 23(1), 484. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15353-z
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Galway, L. P., & Field, E. (2023). Climate emotions and anxiety among young people in Canada: A national survey and call to action. The Journal of Climate Change and Health, 9, 100204. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2023.100204
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Poortinga, W., Demski, C., & Steentjes, K. (2023). Generational differences in climate-related beliefs, risk perceptions and emotions in the UK. Communications Earth & Environment, 4(1), 229. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00870-x
  17. ↑ Crandon, T. J., Scott, J. G., Charlson, F. J., & Thomas, H. J. (2022). A social–ecological perspective on climate anxiety in children and adolescents. Nature Climate Change, 12(2), 123-131. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01251-y
  18. ↑ Stoknes, P. E. (2014). Rethinking climate communications and the “psychological climate paradox”. Energy Research & Social Science, 1, 161-170. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2014.03.007
  19. ↑ Schwartz SEO, Benoit L, Clayton S, Parnes MF, Swenson L, Lowe SR. Climate change anxiety and mental health: Environmental activism as buffer. Curr Psychol. 2022:1-14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02735-6
  20. ↑ Taylor, S. (2020). Anxiety disorders, climate change, and the challenges ahead: Introduction to the special issue. Journal of anxiety disorders, 76, 102313. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102313
  21. ↑ Wu, J., Long, D., Hafez, N., Maloney, J., Lim, Y., & Samji, H. (2023). Development and validation of a youth climate anxiety scale for the Youth Development Instrument survey. International journal of mental health nursing, 32(6), 1473-1483. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13201
  22. ↑ Wray, B. (2022, July 27). For Gen Z, climate change is a heavy emotional burden. Yale Environment 360. https://e360.yale.edu/features/for-gen-z-climate-change-is-a-heavy-emotional-burden
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