According to results from the largest scientific study into climate anxiety in children and young people, nearly half of the global youth surveyed say climate anxiety and distress is affecting their daily lives.
Caroline Hickman from the University of Bath, Climate Psychology Alliance, and co-lead author on the survey said: “This study paints a horrific picture of widespread climate anxiety in our children and young people. It suggests for the first time that high levels of psychological distress in youth is linked to government inaction. Our children’s anxiety is a completely rational reaction given the inadequate responses to climate change they are seeing from governments. What more do governments need to hear to take action?”
10,000 young people (aged 16-25 years) were surveyed in ten different countries, data was then collected on their thoughts and feelings about climate change, and what they thought of the government's response to it. The findings showed that 59% were very or extremely worried, 84% at least moderately worried, and over 50% felt sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty. Over 45% said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning, and many reported a high number of negative thoughts about climate change.
As stated in the report: 'Respondents rated the governmental response to climate change negatively and reported greater feelings of betrayal than of reassurance. Correlations indicated that climate anxiety and distress were significantly related to perceived inadequate government response and associated feelings of betrayal.'
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, will attempt to address the looming climate crisis. It is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland between 31 October and 12 November under the presidency of the United Kingdom
