Weathering the Emotional Storm: Canadian Youth and Climate Anxiety

As I delve deeper into the complex and often daunting world of climate change and its implications for risk management for all businesses including the insurance industry and governments, I am increasingly confronted by the personal challenges of maintaining a positive outlook. It seems almost half of the headlines this summer have been climate disaster-related. Do I suffer from Climate Anxiety? Do you?

On a personal note, it's worth sharing that during a recent business unit meeting, a colleague expressed concern about my deep involvement in climate change issues and suggested that I consider my mental health. This thoughtful reminder highlights the importance of self-care and mental well-being, especially when immersing oneself in topics as emotionally charged as climate change. It's a reminder that while our dedication to addressing urgent global challenges is commendable, taking care of our own mental health remains an essential part of our ability to contribute effectively.

It's an aspect of this crisis that often goes unexplored in the broader conversation. We discuss the science, the politics, and the policies, but we seldom delve into the emotional toll climate change and media coverage of climate disasters take on individuals, particularly the younger generation.

Breaking the “climate of silence” around mental health.

Climate anxiety is on the rise. Over two-thirds of Americans experience some level of climate anxiety, according to a survey by the American Psychological Association. The Lancet published a study revealing that 84% of individuals aged 16 to 25 are moderately to extremely worried about climate change. Young people are especially concerned, as they will bear the brunt of environmental changes. A UNICEF report estimates one billion children are at "extremely high risk" due to climate change, and climate anxiety may increase their vulnerability to mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders.

Understanding climate emotions among Canadian youth.

A recent study conducted in Canada has shed light on how climate change affects the mental health of young Canadians. The study, called "Climate Emotions and Anxiety Among Young People in Canada: A National Survey and Call to Action" by Lindsay P. Galway and Ellen Field, discusses the impact of climate anxiety on young people's mental health. The study reveals that at least 56% of respondents reported that climate change negatively impacted their daily functioning. It emphasizes the urgent need for action and support to help young people cope with their feelings and take action on climate change.

It's important to note that this study was conducted before our recent "summer of wildfires", and my guess is that climate anxiety would be even higher now.

The authors conclude that the climate crisis is a global problem that affects people of all ages. They suggest that policymakers and educators need to make changes to address this issue and provide support to those affected. The article also highlights the importance of education in helping young people cope with their emotions and take action on climate change.

Galway and Field's national Canadian survey was inspired by previous global research "Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey" conducted by Caroline Hickman, Department of Social & Policy Sciences, University of Bath, UK.

Hickman's global research study found that climate change has a significant impact on the health and future of children and young people, but it cannot do much to stop the harm it causes. This makes them feel anxious about climate change. The Hickman study looked at climate anxiety in 10,000 people aged 16-25 in ten countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the USA). The study asked about their thoughts and feelings about climate change and government response.

Most in all countries are worried about climate change.

• 59% were very or extremely worried
• 84% were at least moderately worried
• More than 50% of them felt sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty.
• More than 45% said their feelings about climate change affected their daily life, and many people had negative thoughts about climate change and 75% of this group said that they think the future is frightening, and 83% said that they think people have failed to take care of the planet and think the government was doing enough and felt betrayed.

The Canadian study also paints a similar picture of the emotional landscape of 16 to 25-year-old Canadians in the face of climate change and aligns with global findings from the Hickman study, indicating that young Canadians' experiences mirror those of their peers worldwide.

It highlights the prevalence of climate emotions, such as fear, sadness, anxiety, powerlessness, and anger, and underlines the adverse effects of the climate crisis on the mental health and daily functioning of young Canadians.

An alarming eight out of ten respondents reported that climate change impacts their overall mental health, with four out of ten stating that their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily lives.

Youth's Perceptions of Government Response

A key finding is the strong connection between young Canadians' perceptions of government response to climate change and their emotional well-being. The study highlights that many respondents feel betrayed by the government's lack of meaningful action, which contributes to their climate anxiety. This is consistent with data from Australia and the United States, where similar government inaction has led to feelings of neglect and harm among young people.

It is clear from this study that climate emotions and anxiety among young Canadians are not just valid responses to the climate crisis; they are also indicative of the harm that young people are enduring due to the lack of adult and governmental action. To quote one survey participant, "The government taking more accountability and action would greatly improve people's anxieties."

While i do think there is room for improvement in how governments could take more action, I do think that it is also the role of the private sector to step up and be more accountable and I am encouraged by some of the investigations I have done that positive private sector actions are underway.

Emerging evidence that climate action alleviates climate anxiety

The study also highlights the importance of support and education in helping young people cope with challenging climate emotions. Many respondents expressed a desire for emotional and mental health support from friends, family, or professionals. However, a concerning number reported feeling dismissed when discussing climate change, pointing to a "climate of silence" that needs to be broken.

Moreover, research increasingly suggests that engaging in climate action, whether at an individual or collective level, can serve as a powerful coping mechanism for young people grappling with climate-related emotions. This aligns with emerging evidence indicating that emotions can be a driving force behind climate action and that taking tangible steps to address climate issues can, in turn, alleviate climate anxiety.

A noteworthy 2022 study, titled "Climate anxiety, wellbeing, and pro-environmental action: correlates of negative emotional responses to climate change in 32 countries," conducted by Charles A. Ogunbode and his colleagues, lends further support to this connection. The research reveals a positive correlation between climate anxiety and pro-environmental behaviour as well as environmental activism. This significant association was observed in 24 countries for pro-environmental behaviour and in 12 countries for environmental activism. These findings underscore the role of environmental engagement in mitigating climate anxiety, while also acknowledging the contextual factors that influence individuals' participation in environmental action.

Empowering Youth Voices

Empowering young people to have a say in climate action is a vital step in addressing climate anxiety. Young Canadians need to be heard by decision-makers and have access to safe spaces to voice their experiences and priorities for climate action. However, such engagement must be meaningful, avoiding tokenism or exploitation. It should also involve adults who actively listen, rather than passing the responsibility for climate action solely to young people.

Education as a Key Component

The formal education system emerges as a critical avenue for addressing climate anxiety among young Canadians. Respondents overwhelmingly believe that schools should do more to educate them about climate change and its emotional dimensions. They call for more climate change content, environmental programs, and mental health support within the education system. Integrating climate change education into curricula and providing opportunities for climate action can help young people feel empowered and less anxious.

My Call to Action

This study shows that the climate crisis is causing significant worry among Canadian youth. We need to take action quickly to address this, and the first step is acknowledging that climate anxiety is a real issue. Here are some things we can do!

Let's talk!

Young people should be included in climate-related decisions. It's important to create safe spaces where they can express their feelings. Schools should when educating young people about the climate crisis should also discuss climate anxiety. Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about climate anxiety.

Let's do more research.

Let's do more research to better understand how young people feel about the climate crisis and what they can do to alleviate stress.

Let's do training!

Let's train Mental health professionals and educators should be trained to identify and assist young people with climate anxiety.

Let's include more youth in climate action projects!

Let's include young people in discussions about climate action. Let's get them hands-on involved. It's good for the planet and for humans.