The weight of the world: Young people and climate anxiety

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. According to a 2023 YouGov poll, 33% of young people in Britain are sad, scared, or pessimistic about climate change, and 28% feel overwhelmed. Why does this issue so heavily affect the younger generation, and what can be done to reduce the problem?

Scientists first detected rising global temperatures in the 1930s, and despite the term ‘global warming’ becoming a part of our vocabulary in the 1970s, it is only in recent years that we have universally acknowledged the severity of the climate crisis. Today’s young people are on the frontline of the fight for our planet. With the weight of the world on our shoulders, it’s unsurprising that young people are feeling the pressure of climate breakdown.

Since my early teens, I have been inundated with headlines, lessons at school, and social media posts that project a pessimistic and almost dystopian view of the future

Maria Coupe, Modern Languages and Linguistics student

As young people, we will experience the worst of climate change so far: temperatures will continue to rise, biodiversity will suffer, and weather will become more unpredictable and extreme. Exposure to these issues on social media can have a positive impact, but also intensify the anxiety around this topic, with many young people feeling trapped in a whirlwind of discussions around climate change.

As Modern Languages and Linguistics student Maria Coupe explains: “Since my early teens, I have been inundated with headlines, lessons at school, and social media posts that project a pessimistic and almost dystopian view of the future if no drastic changes are made. This has definitely impacted my mental health, and I have taken measures such as becoming vegetarian and not flying because it allows me to feel I am exercising some level of control over the issue.”

Throughout 2023, Mind revealed that there were over 17,000 reports of serious emotional wellbeing incidents, highlighting that the country is truly facing a mental health crisis. Chief of the Woodland Trust, Darren Moorcroft, reflects on the issue: “Young people are experiencing an epidemic of climate anxiety and are increasingly worried about the health of the planet. This new data shows that climate change is jeopardising more than just the environment, with people’s mental wellbeing and future life plans also affected.”

I have a lot of anger towards influential people I have never met, as I can’t comprehend how they could be so careless when the fate of humanity rests in their hands

Ruby Croshaw, Chemistry student

My own awareness of climate issues has grown since meeting friend Ruby Croshaw at Warwick, who hopes to use her degree in Chemistry to work towards a more sustainable planet. Following conversations with Ruby about her thoughts on climate issues and solutions, I have found myself making more of an effort to educate myself on our planet, opening my eyes to what is really going on. Recent powerful documentaries I have watched, such as Cowspiracy and David Attenborough’s Ocean, have caused me to deeply reflect on my own behaviours and how they could be impacting the planet. I have spiralled into thoughts about governmental inaction and the negative impact of corporate greed on our planet. It is frustrating to see such obvious solutions that many big corporations and governments refuse to acknowledge in their constant endeavour to line their pockets.

Speaking with others has made it clear to me that I am not alone with these worries. Ruby articulates: “I think the future of the human race is bleak, with climate deniers such as Donald Trump causing irreversible damage […] I have a lot of anger towards influential people I have never met, as I can’t comprehend how they could be so careless when the fate of humanity rests in their hands. Governments and large organisations know that our current methods of combatting climate change aren’t enough to stop a global extinction, yet they prioritise profits over people as they have always done. At the same time, I feel powerless, as I know my efforts can’t solve these problems on their own.”

Maria Coupe continues: “I have seen world leaders like Donald Trump  deprioritising what I have always seen as such a pressing issue. I don’t believe that world leaders are doing enough, but I don’t think that I, as an individual and a young person, can make a difference, so I have to push it to the back of my mind. When voting, consuming clothing and products, and disposing of waste, climate change is still at the forefront of my mind, but I can’t let it control my life.”

This generation, full of worry for the planet, is composed of future presidents, volunteers, teachers, and so much more

The topic of climate change can feel like a hopeless one sometimes, but there are ways that we can improve climate anxiety for younger generations. Education is the solution for many problems, and this is no exception. Teaching children from an early age about our planet and what we can do to save it will slowly, but surely, create a powerful generation of researchers and leaders ready to tackle climate change.

Furthermore, we must all educate ourselves. Consider where information is coming from – is there an ulterior motive for organisations or companies to omit certain facts in order to protect themselves economically? Gaining insights from a variety of sources can help to build a more holistic view of climate change and give a clearer idea of what is happening and what can be done.

Governments and local politicians must listen to young people, because it is our future planet that is being destroyed by climate change, and we have a right to voice our concerns and witness subsequent action. Additionally, we must continue to advocate for better protection of green spaces to be taken into consideration in urban planning and public health endeavours.

Climate anxiety is not irrational. Our planet is under threat, and we should be worried. If those in power felt anxious about the climate we might finally see significant change! It can feel hopeless, but we are not completely powerless. Do your research, educate others, strive for change in your local community, and change your lifestyle to be more sustainable. This generation, full of worry for the planet, is composed of future presidents, volunteers, teachers, and so much more. By educating people on our planet and making them concerned and angry about the lack of action taken, we are slowly building a generational army ready to tackle climate change.

This generation of climate anxiety will become a generation of climate action.