"Empowering Our Future: Supporting Youth Mental Health Amid Climate Change"
Climate Change and Youth Mental Health: New Resources for Support
As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, their impact on the health of communities—particularly children and youth—has garnered significant attention. A recent poll by ecoAmerica reveals that 72% of Americans acknowledge that young people and future generations face disproportionate harms from climate change. These impacts extend beyond physical health, significantly affecting the emotional and psychological well-being of the nation’s youth.
Mental Health Awareness Month Initiatives
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, ecoAmerica, in collaboration with Climate for Health, has launched a series of comprehensive guides aimed at parents, caregivers, educators, and health professionals. These resources are designed to equip trusted adults with the tools necessary to support the mental health of children and youth in the face of climate-related challenges.
The guides emphasize that resilience is not merely about shielding young people from adversity; rather, it involves empowering them with coping skills and the confidence to navigate challenges. This initiative builds on the 2023 report titled Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth, developed in partnership with the American Psychological Association.
Resources for Support
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A Guide for Parents and Caregivers: This guide offers practical strategies for parents to foster their children’s mental health amid climate change. Recommendations include using hopeful, solution-focused language, building emotional coping skills, and involving children in climate action initiatives such as recycling and advocacy.
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A Guide for Educators: Tailored for teachers, this resource provides school-appropriate guidance to enhance knowledge and engagement in climate solutions. It includes strategies for creating calming classroom environments and teaching climate science with a focus on hope and action.
- A Guide for Health Professionals: This guide equips health professionals with the skills to identify early signs of climate-related stress in children. It emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support, ranging from reassurance to trauma-informed care, enabling youth to navigate their climate future confidently.
The Psychological Toll of Climate Change
The mental health impacts of climate change manifest in various ways. Children who experience extreme weather events, such as wildfires and hurricanes, may suffer from long-term psychological distress, sleep disturbances, and academic challenges. Additionally, ongoing climate issues like rising temperatures and air pollution can hinder learning and brain development.
Research indicates that children and youth from marginalized communities often bear the brunt of these challenges, as climate change does not affect all populations equally. Those lacking strong support systems may experience heightened vulnerability to the mental health impacts of climate change.
The Path Forward
Recognizing the profound effects of climate change on young people is the first step toward addressing these challenges. Open conversations about climate change, as outlined in the new guides, are crucial for fostering resilience. While the impacts may vary by developmental stage, the responsibility to support children’s well-being lies with the adults in their lives.
The good news is that evidence-based guidance is now available. By utilizing these resources, adults can help nurture emotional well-being and strengthen the mental health of children and youth. Together, we can empower the next generation to face the future with confidence and resilience—not just this month, but every month.
About the Authors
This initiative is spearheaded by Marryam Ishaq, a Research and Marketing Specialist, and Amanda Li, a Climate for Health Fellow.
Additional Resources
- Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
- Join ClimateRx
- Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023
- Climate for Health Ambassador Training
- Climate for Health Resources
As we continue to confront the realities of climate change, it is imperative that we prioritize the mental health of our youth, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive in an uncertain future.