Generation Z turns climate anxiety into activism

Arab Weather - In June 2024, 13 young Hawaiians won a major legal victory when they challenged their state government in court, demanding greater involvement in climate policy. The young people sued the state, claiming their right to a "clean and healthy environment," which is guaranteed by the state constitution. As a result, the government pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, in addition to investing $40 million in electric vehicles over the next six years.

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Activism as a treatment for climate anxiety

Activism is a way for Gen Z to address the emotional challenges of a world in escalating climate crisis. From celebrity activist Greta Thunberg to Anjali Sharma in Australia, many in this generation are taking concrete action against climate change. And while the United Nations added the right to a clean and healthy environment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2022, pursuing this right legally isn’t always easy.

• Environmental awareness generates deep concern.

Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010, makes up 30% of the world’s population and lives in an era where the effects of climate change are clear and immediate. Unlike previous generations who had time to adapt to environmental changes, Generation Z feels powerless in the face of these crises, which exacerbates their environmental anxiety.

• Climate anxiety and its psychological effects

Many Gen Zers are experiencing acute climate anxiety, a constant fear and anxiety about the future of the Earth. A survey of Australian university students found that climate change is their number one environmental concern, with more than 80% expressing deep concerns about the future. These feelings range from eco-anxiety to climate sadness, reflecting the difficulty of adapting to a world facing an environmental emergency.

• Facing the existential threat

96% of Gen Z in Australia believe climate change is man-made, increasing levels of stress and anxiety. Personal experiences of climate disasters, such as bushfires and floods, reinforce this sentiment, leaving long-lasting psychological impacts on this generation’s mental health.

Urgent need to act

Faced with these challenges, Generation Z feels they have a great responsibility to confront the climate crisis, which prompts them to engage in environmental activism as a means of overcoming the anxiety and frustration they feel in light of the multiple crises facing the world.

For Generation Z , climate change anxiety is not just a fear of environmental degradation, but also an identity crisis and a sense of loss of purpose.

Young people facing an increasingly unstable and unpredictable world are questioning their future and whether it is ethical to plan their lives in the traditional way, such as pursuing professional careers, starting families, or buying homes, in the face of ongoing climate threats.

This feeling is exacerbated by a sense of responsibility for addressing the climate crisis, which generates feelings of guilt and frustration when they see that their individual efforts may not be enough. All of this leads to feelings of exhaustion and sometimes hopelessness.

Activism as a means of dealing with the climate crisis

In response to these challenges, some Gen Zers are turning to climate activism as a way to regain control and a sense of agency. Climate activism is seen as a way to confront environmental crises and restore confidence in the ability to have influence.

Activism comes in many forms, from participating in global climate strikes to lobbying for sustainable policies at the local level. However, activism is not always the answer; 65% of Australian university students from Generation Z do not participate in traditional climate activism, but instead use technology and social media to express their concerns.

Although activity may provide a sense of purpose and belonging, the stress of constantly striving for change, combined with slow progress, can lead to burnout and increase mental health challenges.

• Mental Health Support for Generation Z

Given the psychological challenges posed by climate anxiety, there is a growing need for specialized, targeted psychological support for Generation Z. This support should aim to address the deep feelings of fear and despair associated with climate change.

It is essential that more mental health professionals are trained to address environmental anxiety, and provide therapeutic interventions that help build resilience and enhance a sense of agency. Building supportive communities for young people, where they can share their experiences and feelings about climate change, can be a key step in addressing this challenge.

Educational institutions can play a pivotal role by incorporating discussions about mental health and climate change into the curriculum, giving students the tools to understand and effectively deal with their feelings.

The road to the future

The challenges facing Gen Z due to climate anxiety are profound and complex, but their role in addressing the climate crisis cannot be overlooked. As the climate crisis and multiple other crises escalate, engaging Gen Z in shaping a sustainable future is essential.

Their unique vision and drive for change puts them at the forefront of global efforts to combat global warming, foster intergenerational cooperation, and ensure climate solutions are built on science and justice.

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