A recent report jointly released by the American Psychological Association and nonprofit ecoAmerica highlights the detrimental impact of climate change on the mental health of children. The study, co-authored by Christie Manning from Macalester College, underscores the alarming consequences of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires, on the psychological well-being of young individuals.
Surviving these traumatic events can lead to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression, particularly for those displaced from their homes. Children, in particular, are deemed highly vulnerable as they may lack adequate coping mechanisms and heavily rely on adults who may themselves be grappling with emotional distress.
Manning emphasizes the dual burden faced by children, stating, “So they experience those things firsthand, but then they also often are impacted by their parents’ emotional distress at living through that same disaster.”
Even those who haven’t directly encountered such disasters may harbor anxiety about the broader climate crisis, expressing concerns about the future and a perceived lack of decisive action by adults.
To address these mental health challenges, the report advocates for proactive measures, including screening children for distress and enhancing access to mental health services for both young individuals and their families. Manning stresses the pivotal role of parental well-being in influencing children’s mental health, emphasizing the need for communities to support parents.
Furthermore, the report recommends involving children in climate action initiatives to instill a sense of agency and empowerment as they confront an uncertain future. By engaging young people in efforts to combat climate change, the aim is to foster a proactive approach that can contribute to both their mental well-being and a sustainable future.
