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Chapter 1 - Climate Distress among Young People

An Overview

from Part I - Conceptual Foundations of Climate Distress in Young People

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 June 2024

By
Susan Clayton  and
Tara Crandon
Edited by
Elizabeth Haase  and
Kelsey Hudson
Elizabeth Haase
Affiliation:
University of Nevada, Reno
Kelsey Hudson
Affiliation:
Climate Psychology Alliance North America
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Summary

It is well established that climate change poses significant threats to human health and well-being. Young people, who face a future burdened by climate change, will be among those most affected. It is understandable that increasing awareness of these threats brings increasing distress. Many young people will experience anxiety and other distressing emotions in relation to climate change, but some may experience a level of anxiety that threatens their mental health. In order to provide help needed by young people who are affected, there is a need to further understand the nature, predictors and consequences of climate distress. This chapter thus provides an overview of what we know and what we need to know about young people who experience climate-related distress.

Keywords

climate anxietyclimate distressyoung peoplemental healthclimate change
Type
Chapter
Information
Climate Change and Youth Mental Health
Multidisciplinary Perspectives
 , pp. 3 - 20
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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