Heatwaves: How 'climate anxiety' is affecting young people

Laura Hampson
·3-min read

Correction: An earlier version of this story included information from a source whose expertise may not be valid. The quotes from the source have been removed.

Photo of extreme heatwave in Sardinia, Italy, depicting climate anxiety. (Getty Images)
Climate anxiety is rife as temperatures hit 45C in places like Sardinia, Italy. (Getty Images)

Wildfires in Greece. An unprecedented European heatwave. Record sea temperatures in the US. It’s no wonder why so many of us are feeling worried about climate change.

There has been a growing body of research in recent years into the feelings of climate anxiety experienced by so many.

A 2022 survey from YouGov found that 67% of people in the UK have become increasingly worried about climate change and its effects following the 2022 heatwaves in the UK. Women are markedly more worried about the climate crisis than men (75% compared to 58%).

The worry is also split by political preferences, with 83% of Labour voters anxious about the environment, compared to 56% of Conservatives.

The issue appears to be more acute among young people.

A separate survey of 3,000 British children from 2023 found that 70% of kids aged between 12 and 18 are worried about the world they will inherit. A further 60% believe that the climate crisis is affecting their generation’s mental health, while 75% want the government to take stronger action on climate change.

A large 2021 study funded by Avaaz - an online campaign network - and led by the University of Bath, surveyed 10,000 young people aged 16-25 years in 10 countries including the UK. It found around three-quarters of those surveyed considered the future frightening, while a lack of action by governments and industry left 45% experiencing climate anxiety.

Caroline Hickman, a psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Bath, is one of those to have helped young people manage their climate worries.

"Talking to children about climate change gives a fresh perspective on the absurdity of doing so little about the climate emergency and also highlights for young people the troubling disconnect between what politicians say and what they do," she said.

Wildfires swept Rhodes in Greece during July. (Getty Images)
Wildfires swept Rhodes in Greece during July due to intense heatwaves. (Getty Images)

But there are steps we can all take.

Stephanie Collier, a director of education in the division of geriatric psychiatry at McLean Hospital wrote in Harvard Health Publishing: "As uncertainty and a loss of control characterise climate anxiety, the best treatment is to take action.

"On an individual level, it's therapeutic to share your worries and fears with trusted friends, a therapist, or by joining a support group. You can also make changes to your lifestyle consistent with your values. This may include deciding to take fewer flights, joining a protest, or increasing public awareness about climate change through advocacy."

Climate anxiety can also extend to those actively trying to solve the issue with Greta Thunberg among those to have spoken about it.

"It's a quite natural response, because, as you see, as the world is today, that no one seems to care about what's happening, I think it's only human to feel that way," she has previously said. "When you take action, you also get a sense of meaning that something is happening. If you want to get rid of that anxiety, you can take action against it," she said.

If you are feeling anxious, you can call the Anxiety UK helpline on 03444 775 774 from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, to speak to someone.

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