Empowering the younger generation to tackle eco-anxiety and take climate action.

Eco-anxiety—a term that has gained significant traction in recent years—refers to the chronic fear of harm to the environment caused by human activity and climate change. The younger generation, in particular, is increasingly experiencing heightened levels of anxiety about the future of the planet. Nearly 60% of young people globally said they felt very worried or extremely worried about the future (Bath University, 2021).

This growing sense of unease comes as no surprise, given the looming climate crisis and the alarming headlines about melting ice caps, wildfires, and rising sea levels. However, while eco-anxiety may feel overwhelming, it's crucial to view it as an opportunity for empowerment rather than despair. By encouraging young people to take proactive steps at home in the fight against climate change, we can help transform anxiety into action.

The Importance of Empowering the Younger Generation

Empowering young people to take climate action is not only crucial for their mental health but also essential for the long-term well-being of the planet. By giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to effect change, we help them transition from feeling overwhelmed to becoming part of the solution.?

A key part of this empowerment lies in showing the younger generation that they don’t need to wait for systemic change to make a difference. Small, individual actions can lead to collective impact. This is where energy-saving habits come into play.

Saving Energy at Home as Climate Action

One of the most accessible ways for young people to contribute to climate action is by saving energy at home.

Energy efficiency may seem like a small step in the face of such a global problem, but with 20% of CO2 coming from home energy in the UK, the ripple effect can be substantial. For younger individuals looking to take immediate and tangible climate action, saving energy offers a direct path.

As adults, parents, educators, and mentors, it’s essential to guide and inspire young people to take ownership of their energy use. Empowering them with energy-saving knowledge can bea stepping stone for greater climate actions.

It teaches them that their choices matter and that they have the power to make a difference, even within their homes.

That’s why it’s been so exciting to see our partnership with Channel 4 launch on Youtube, bringing back The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds! We’ve taken the much loved show format, and used it as a vessel to empower the younger generation to build simple energy saving habits. Teaching them that saving energy at home is positive climate action.?

You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19pVd4kThS0&list=PLbnU9iq6kGBFzYWI8biUy0qDyHvSPajt4&index=1

Easing Eco-Anxiety Through Mindfulness

Eco-anxiety is a complex emotion, but just as we can empower young people to act on climate change, we can also provide them with tools to manage their anxiety. Practising mindfulness is an effective way to reduce stress and bring calm to overwhelming feelings. Incorporating mindfulness strategies can help young people feel grounded and more capable of facing the challenges ahead.

The #PowerUpForChange campaign offers valuable mindfulness resources designed to help individuals cope with eco-anxiety. These practices focus on staying present, connecting with nature, and embracing personal empowerment through small, meaningful actions.

Search Power Up For Change wherever you listen to your podcast’s to access E.ON Next mindfulness techniques that can ease eco-anxiety, such as breathwork meditation and green noise soundscapes.?

https://podfollow.com/1675874954/view

Turning Anxiety into Action

The younger generation’s eco-anxiety is valid, but it doesn’t have to be paralysing. By helping them realise their role in the fight against climate change and encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices, we can transform their anxiety into action. Saving energy at home is a simple yet effective way to contribute to this global cause. It’s not about solving everything at once; it’s about recognizing that every action counts.

Eco-anxiety, while challenging, can fuel a generation of environmentally conscious leaders who are not only aware of the crisis but are actively part of the solution. With the right support and empowerment, we can help young people channel their fear into creating a brighter, more sustainable future for themselves and generations to come.