A groundbreaking study from Simon Fraser University has meticulously explored the spectrum of eco-emotions experienced by children and adolescents in the context of the escalating climate crisis. This research offers an unprecedentedly detailed understanding of how climate change is not only altering the physical environment but also profoundly reshaping the emotional and psychological landscape of the younger generation. Through a comprehensive rapid review of 48 international qualitative and mixed-methods studies, the researchers have illuminated the multifaceted ways in which ecological degradation impacts the mental well-being and future outlook of youth up to 19 years old.
This research highlights a critical shift in the dialogue surrounding climate change—moving beyond anxiety and apprehension to encompass a wider array of emotional responses. These include grief and mourning over the loss of biodiversity and traditional ways of life, anger and frustration directed at systemic inaction or complicity, and a deep sense of betrayal by older generations perceived as indifferent to environmental destruction. The acknowledgment of such complex emotions underscores the need for a richer vocabulary and framework to fully grasp the psychological consequences of ecological crises on young minds.
The study underscores a particularly poignant aspect of eco-emotions: the pervasive feelings of powerlessness and helplessness among youth. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “eco-paralysis,” arises when individual efforts to combat environmental degradation appear futile in the face of global challenges. This sense of impotence can manifest in apathy or withdrawal, hampering the ability of young individuals to engage effectively with environmental issues despite their profound awareness and concern.
Furthermore, guilt emerges as a significant emotional response, especially linked to everyday behaviors such as dietary choices. Many young people grapple with feelings of guilt when they participate in activities perceived as environmentally harmful, such as consuming meat, reflecting a keen ethical consciousness but also a burden that can exacerbate psychological distress. This emotional complexity calls for nuanced support systems that acknowledge these internal conflicts rather than dismiss them.
Despite these challenges, the research also identifies sources of hope and resilience among young people, frequently rooted in collective action and community engagement. Empowerment through participation in local environmental initiatives and youth-led movements often fosters optimism and a sense of agency. These findings suggest that social connectivity and proactive engagement can transform eco-emotions from debilitating sentiments into catalysts for positive change and personal growth.
Geographic and cultural contexts significantly influence the manifestation and expression of eco-emotions. Indigenous youth and those from regions already experiencing severe climate disruptions report immediate and tangible impacts, such as interruptions to daily activities and traditional practices. In contrast, youth in less directly affected areas may grapple more with abstract fears for the future. This variability highlights the importance of contextualizing mental health interventions and educational programs to reflect diverse lived experiences.
A notable barrier identified by the researchers is the hesitation among many young individuals to vocalize their climate-related emotions. Fear of judgment, dismissal, or social alienation often silences their voices, particularly in communities where climate change is perceived as a distant or secondary concern. This reticence exacerbates feelings of isolation and underscores the necessity of creating safe, supportive spaces for dialogue and emotional expression.
The study’s authors emphasize that the heightened rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among youth today are compounded by climate anxieties, intensifying pre-existing mental health challenges. This intersectionality demands integrated approaches that address both the general mental health landscape and the specific environmental stressors contributing to youth distress.
Experts involved in the study advocate for a compassionate and proactive adult response. While adults themselves are often grappling with understanding climate change, they play a vital role in supporting young people to process their emotions and navigate uncertainties about the future. This involves not only open communication but also facilitating opportunities for youth to transform their concerns into meaningful actions and solutions.
Promising developments in environmentally themed educational and therapeutic programs demonstrate potential in converting negative eco-emotions into constructive hope and resilience. Integrating evidence-based approaches into school curricula and mental health services can equip youth with strategies to cope adaptively with climate-related stressors while fostering emotional intelligence and collective efficacy.
Practical interventions tailored to different age groups reveal effective pathways for nurturing resilience. Younger children benefit from hands-on, nurturing activities like planting and caring for seeds, which provide tangible experiences of growth and renewal. Adolescents thrive when involved in community organizing and climate activism, channels that harness their creativity and leadership. Across all ages, strengthening community networks through initiatives such as urban agriculture and mutual aid during heatwaves cultivates social bonds critical for emotional support and collective resilience.
This comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of eco-emotions in young people presents an urgent call to action for educators, mental health professionals, policymakers, and communities. Understanding and addressing the intricate emotional realities shaped by the climate crisis is essential to supporting the mental health of future generations and empowering them as agents of environmental stewardship and transformation.
Subject of Research: Emotions related to climate change awareness and ecological degradation in children and adolescents
Article Title: Eco-emotions in Children and Adolescents: A rapid review of the qualitative literature
News Publication Date: 20-Dec-2025
Web References: Journal of Environmental Psychology article
Image Credits: Simon Fraser University
Keywords: eco-emotions, climate change, youth mental health, environmental psychology, climate anxiety, ecological grief, climate crisis, adolescent resilience, mental health, youth activism
